Can beginners keep small animals?

Hamsters and guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and popular with beginners. Rabbits and chinchillas are also tame-friendly; choose gentle individuals for a smooth start.

How much do small animals cost?

Hamsters cost 1,000-3,000 yen, rabbits 10,000-50,000 yen, guinea pigs 5,000-15,000 yen, chinchillas 30,000-80,000 yen, and hedgehogs 15,000-40,000 yen depending on species.

How long do small animals live?

Hamsters live 2-3 years, rabbits 7-12 years, guinea pigs 5-7 years, chinchillas 15-20 years, hedgehogs 3-5 years, and ferrets 6-10 years.

What supplies do small animals need?

Basics include a cage, bedding, food dish, water bottle, and a hideout. Depending on species, you may also need a wheel (hamsters), chew sticks (rabbits), or a dust bath (chinchillas).

What should I check when buying small animals?

Look for a shiny coat, active behavior, clear eyes and nose, and a clean rear. Getting parent information and temperament details from the breeder is reassuring.

Small Animal Encyclopedia — 78 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular small animal species with care guides, traits, and pricing.

Featured Small Animal

Peruvian Guinea Pig Roborovski Hamster Flemish Giant Californian Rabbit

All Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Gentle Active Social Small Nocturnal Lop-eared Affectionate Exotic Many colors Large Curly coat Long-haired Long-lived Intelligent Marsupial

Showing 7 of 78 species

Acacia Rat

Acacia rat

Intermediate

Small African rodent with large eyes and ears, nocturnal. Excellent climber preferring vertical cage setups. Can become shoulder-tame with patience.

NocturnalArborealAfrican origin

African Dormouse

Advanced

Palm-sized tiny rodent with large eyes and a bushy tail. Nocturnal and quick, best enjoyed as an exotic pet to watch.

AdvancedTinyNocturnal

Four-toed Hedgehog

Atelerix albiventris

Intermediate

The most common pet hedgehog species. Adorable when curled up, and relaxes on your hand when tamed. Nocturnal omnivore with a preference for insects.

IntermediateNocturnalUnique

Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel

Advanced

Adorable gliding squirrel with large eyes and fluffy fur. Nocturnal and shy but bonds with patient owners.

AdvancedGlidingLarge eyes

Kinkajou

Potos flavus

Advanced

A raccoon-family mammal native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. An arboreal, nocturnal mammal with a prehensile tail and large eyes that loves sweet foods. Very long-lived, with a lifespan of 20-25 years.

AdvancedExoticNocturnal

Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec

Echinops telfairi

Advanced

Small Madagascar mammal resembling a hedgehog but actually a tenrec, an entirely different order. Has a hibernation instinct in cooler months.

Madagascar originSpinyNocturnal

Pygmy Possum

Pygmy possum

Advanced

Tiny marsupial from Australia with large dark eyes and fluffy fur. Nocturnal, feeds on insects and nectar. Rare exotic pet.

AdvancedTinyMarsupial

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Small Animal FAQ

Can beginners keep small animals?: Hamsters and guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and popular with beginners. Rabbits and chinchillas are also tame-friendly; choose gentle individuals for a smooth start.
How much do small animals cost?: Hamsters cost 1,000-3,000 yen, rabbits 10,000-50,000 yen, guinea pigs 5,000-15,000 yen, chinchillas 30,000-80,000 yen, and hedgehogs 15,000-40,000 yen depending on species.
How long do small animals live?: Hamsters live 2-3 years, rabbits 7-12 years, guinea pigs 5-7 years, chinchillas 15-20 years, hedgehogs 3-5 years, and ferrets 6-10 years.
What supplies do small animals need?: Basics include a cage, bedding, food dish, water bottle, and a hideout. Depending on species, you may also need a wheel (hamsters), chew sticks (rabbits), or a dust bath (chinchillas).
What should I check when buying small animals?: Look for a shiny coat, active behavior, clear eyes and nose, and a clean rear. Getting parent information and temperament details from the breeder is reassuring.