Here are some of the cool Small Animals Jocelyn’s Sells
Hamsters are native to Syria and were primarily used for research. In 1948, Albert Marsh, a highway engineer, introduced them as pets. They are chunky-bodied, thick-furred, short-tailed rodents with cheek pouches and are secretive burrowers and hoarders. Being nocturnal creatures, they usually sleep during the day and play and explore at night. Hamsters have no detectable body odor. They are inexpensive to buy and outside of cage cleaning and proper food are relatively maintenance free. These adorable rodents are subject to very few health problems and diseases. Since they sleep during the day, they are active at night when most people are home. A hamster can be a wonderful family member and an excellent pet. Hamsters tend to be solitary animals and often do better living alone. Some types, like the Roborovski and Campbell’s, can live in pairs or groups, but it is not necessary. Keeping males and females together is not recommended since they are prolific breeders. Having a couple hamsters is wonderful, but if they breed you may end up with many more than anticipated. If you decide to have more than one, make sure you have a second cage in case they don’t get along.
Guinea Pigs are fun pets and are very social animals and will be happiest living with other guinea pigs (and don’t worry, they will still bond with their owners, too). They live around 5-7 years, sometimes longer, so be prepared to provide long term care for this pet. Keep a same sex pair; females can be kept together as can males, though sometimes individual differences will mean certain guinea pigs won’t get along. Introducing them as babies is the best way to get a pair to bond, though even adults can usually be introduced with care. Guinea Pigs need a lot of floor space, and most cages marketed as guinea pig cages are much to small, especially for a pair, so make sure you purchase the right sized cage from Jocelyn’s.
Rabbits make great pets and are social animals. The location of a rabbit’s housing area within your home (which can take the form of a puppy pen, bunny condo, large cage, or just an area with the food, litter boxes, and cardboard castles if the bunny is free reign) is an extremely important consideration. You’ll have to make sure the rabbit has a place to relax by himself but is not completely secluded from the family. Rabbits need social interaction, plenty of exercise, and a lot of enrichment activities. Rabbits will get into trouble if they’re bored, so a great diversion for rabbits is a cardboard castle filled with plenty of toilet paper rolls, old phone books and other paper products that you find around your house. Its important to have a good understanding of a rabbit’s nutritional needs throughout his/her life. Proper nutrition (and in the correct amounts) is vital for a rabbit’s well-being. The staple of a rabbit’s diet is fiber. Rabbits must have access to unlimited grass hays at all times. The staff at Jocelyn’s can guide you on helping you settle your new rabbit in your home. Please call for availability.
Pet Rats are highly intelligent, loyal and one of the most under-rated small animal pets. Unlike the common misconception, rats are incredibly clean and docile animals. Rats are easily tamed pets that thrive on interaction and bond with their pet parent. They are social and are best kept in same-sex pairs. Rats are playful and enjoy a variety of toys and activities such as exercise wheels and anything that encourages climbing and exploration. Like other small animals, a rat’s teeth grow continuously throughout their life, so they should be provided with chew sticks to prevent them from becoming over-grown. The types of rats available include Dumbo, Hairless, Hooded, Albino, Siamese and endless other color variations. There’s sure to be a rat suited to meet your physical preferences, and its personality is sure to win your heart! Please call us for availability.
