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 10 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

Campbell's Dwarf Hamster

Phodopus campbelli

Intermediate

Close relative of the Djungarian with many color varieties. Can be feisty but tames down with patience.

IntermediateSmallMany colors

Chinese Hamster

Chinese hamster

Beginner

Slim hamster with a notably long tail. Gentle and affectionate, endearingly wraps around fingers when held.

Beginner-friendlySmallAffectionate

Djungarian Hamster

Phodopus sungorus

Beginner

Popular small hamster with a gentle temperament. Easy to tame and ideal for beginners. Some individuals develop a winter coat.

Beginner-friendlySmallHandleable

Dwarf Hotot Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Beginner

Small rabbit with distinctive black eyeliner markings on white fur. Active, curious, and popular for its compact size.

Beginner-friendlySmallEyeliner markings

Golden Hamster

Mesocricetus auratus

Beginner

The most popular and beginner-friendly hamster. Docile, easy to handle, and available in many color varieties.

Beginner-friendlySmallHandleable

Leaf-eared Mouse

Intermediate

Small rodent from the South American Andes. Named for large leaf-shaped ears. Native to arid regions and enjoys sand baths for grooming.

Large earsSand bathingSouth American

Mini Satin Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Intermediate

Miniature version of the Satin Rabbit with the same lustrous coat in a compact size. Lively and curious with many color varieties.

SmallSatin coatActive

Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Beginner

One of the world's smallest rabbit breeds. Adorable round face with short ears. Active, curious, and available in many colors.

Beginner-friendlySmallAffectionate

Russian Dwarf Hamster

Beginner

General term for small dwarf hamster varieties. Active and curious with multiple color variations. Compact and adorable.

Beginner-friendlySmallActive

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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.