>I realize that gerbils are #1 BUT if you could suggest a second choice for
>a pocket pet which would it be. We have 5 gerbils but my son is asking
>about adding someone else to our family. Suggestions?
That depends on what your son is looking for and the level of work he is
willing to put into his pocket pet.
Since I forget link addresses, search the internet for the various pocket
pets including rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, degus,
sugargliders, rabbits... Also, check out the National Gerbil Society
webpage for information on other gerbil species.
Questions to ask before picking another pet:
1) What is the average lifespan? (can be 2-15 years)
2) What size cage or aquarium do you need? (Some need very large spaces to
be very happy)
3) Single critters or kept in groups?
4) Cost of animal, supplies, food.
5) Intelligence...The more intelligent the animal, the more attention and
work it is.
6) How often to clean enclosure?
7) Legality? Some exotics are illegal in some places
8) Vet care costs. Some pocket pets need vet care more than others.
9) Availability where you live. Some exotics might not be available where
you live.
Hope that helps! I have two rats as well as gerbils. I also have two
ferrets. Ferrets really aren't pocket pets. They're more work to care for
and more expensive than cats.
Deb Adams
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