Rats and guinea pigs are mainly tame animals that can also be picked up. Mice, dwarf hamsters and gerbils on the other hands are difficult to manage and therefore less suitable for children. Chinchillas do not like to be handled too much either.
The guinea pig is undoubtedly among the most affectionate rodents: in fact, this little animal needs physical contact with his owner and also needs to live with a mate of his own species (of the same sex or, if a couple, the male should be neutered).
Mice are one of the easiest pets to own because they have minimal space needs and do not require attention. They do, however, enjoy companionship with other mice, so purchasing multiple can keep your pet happy. A pet mouse will usually live for 1 to 3 years.
Guinea pigs are considered the sweetest and most social of the pet rodents.
They are very social and love to hang out with human family members on the couch or on peoples' shoulders or in their laps. They will even try to groom their human companions as if these people were other rats in their “rat pack.” Pet rats love the warmth and contact of their caretakers and are actually very cuddly! 4.
Rattus norvegicus domestica
Fancy rats are generally easy to care for, and are quite affordable, even compared to other small pets; this is one of their biggest draws. Additionally, they are quite independent, affectionate, loyal and easily trained. They are considered more intelligent than other domesticated rodents.
But what exactly do mice and rats hate to smell? Mice can be kept away by using the smells of peppermint oil, cinnamon, vinegar, citronella, ammonia, bleach, and mothballs.
The least stinky rodent pet is a gerbil or chinchilla. They are desert creatures, so they rarely drink and urinate. Their poops are dry and odorless. Provided that you remove waste when you see it, the cage shouldn't smell too bad.
Both mice and rats are also highly social animals. They become attached to each other, love their own families, and easily bond with their human guardians—returning as much affection as is given to them.
Just like a dog or a cat, mice can recognize human faces and get excited when they see (and smell) their people coming. They are adept at navigating mazes and can even use their smarts to learn tricks. Like dogs, they are very treat motivated, especially if they are going to be rewarded with cheese or fruit.
Rats might show affection by greeting one another with a friendly sniff or nose-touch, or by grooming one another - and it's thought that they'll even help each other target those hard-to-reach spots! They'll also huddle together, even when it's warm (so we know they're not just doing it to keep cosy).
Due to the thick density of their fur, chinchillas can't get wet and can't bathe in water. Their fur prevents air-drying, which can cause fungus growth and fur rot. Instead of water, chinchillas clean their fun by taking dust baths a few times per week.
1Cape Porcupines
Only the capybara and beaver outweigh these monsters. Cape porcupines have over 30,000 individual quills. These 8-centimeter (3 in), razor-sharp hairs detach easily and regrow, providing the most terrifying line of defense in the rodent family.
Peppermint Oil
On a cotton ball use no more than 5 drops of 100% peppermint essential oil. Spread the oil on areas that you want rats to avoid, in your case, around the garden.
Repel rodents and insects
Rats, mice and other insect don't like the smell of peppermint, lemon, and cinnamon. Make tea with these rodent irritants and place the used teabags in places like the back of your pantry, under the kitchen sink or behind the refrigerator to repel these unwanted pests.
Rats also fear predators such as hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey. Other animals that rats are afraid of include your cat as well as rat terriers and other dogs that hunt rodents. Rats fear becoming a meal for a snake.
Rats are as smart as dogs
According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), rats are: “Natural students who excel at learning and understanding concepts. Rats are considerably smaller than dogs, but they are at least as capable of thinking about things and figuring them out as dogs are.
This study of 16 rats per each of four conditions showed that they were able to pick up enough cues from the rhythm and intonation of human speech to tell spoken Dutch from spoken Japanese.
Male rats tend to be quite cuddly and affectionate pets with a mellow temperament. They are likely to enjoy snuggling up with you for some head scratches. If you want a more independent and adventurous companion, a female rat may be the pet for you. Female rats are quite active and like to get busy exploring.
Gender: Although all rats have individual personalities, females tend to be smaller, more active, and playful, while males are often larger, more mellow, and snuggly.