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

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Beginner

Distinctive guinea pig with rosettes (swirled fur patterns) all over the body. Active and curious personality.

Beginner-friendlyRosettesActive

Crested Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Beginner

Short-haired guinea pig with a single rosette (crest) on the head. American Crested has a white crest. Easy to care for.

Beginner-friendlyShort-hairedCrested

Degu

Octodon degus

Intermediate

Highly intelligent and social rodent from Chile. Called the singing mouse of the Andes for its vocalizations. Diurnal and easy to bond with.

IntermediateIntelligentSocial

Fancy Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Beginner

Highly intelligent and affectionate pet rat. Can learn tricks and responds to its name. Clean, social, and an underrated companion.

Beginner-friendlyIntelligentSocial

Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Beginner

Gentle and social small animal. Communicates through various vocalizations and bonds closely with owners. Cannot synthesize vitamin C, so diet management is essential.

Beginner-friendlySocialCute vocalizations

Merino Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Intermediate

Cross between Crested and Texel guinea pigs. Features a rosette on the crown with soft curly fur all over. Gentle and bonds well with owners.

Curly coatRosetteGentle

Micro Pig

Miniature pig

Advanced

Selectively bred miniature pig. Highly intelligent, can be litter trained. Social and bonds with owners, though may grow larger than expected.

Highly intelligentLong-livedIndoor keeping

Prairie Dog

Prairie dog

Advanced

Grassland-dwelling ground squirrel from North America. Highly social with complex vocalizations and dog-like affection toward owners.

AdvancedSocialVocal

Spiny Mouse

Spiny mouse

Intermediate

Unique mouse with spiny, stiff fur on the back. Highly social and can live in groups. Known for remarkable skin regeneration.

IntermediateSpiny furSocial

Sugar Glider

Sugar glider

Intermediate

Small marsupial that glides using a membrane. Sweet-loving and bonds closely with owners. Nocturnal and highly social.

IntermediateMarsupialGliding

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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.