Gerbils

Gerbils are social creatures and should be kept in groups of two to four. They are reasonably priced, and a ten-gallon tank should be plenty for a pair of these adorable tiny mini critters. They may be hugged and loved, but be careful not to injure the delicate little animals.

Gerbils come in a variety of colors and sizes, and the greatest thing is that they are odorless and clean. Gerbils, unlike hamsters, do not sleep at night. They are also fairly self-sufficient and can keep themselves busy for extended periods of time. They, too, have a limited lifetime of 3 to 4 years, much like hamsters, so be prepared. Similar to rabbits in appearance, chinchillas are active and playful animals. They are largely nocturnal and prefer a quiet spot during the day. They don’t tend to like being held, as they would rather be moving and exploring. But many still can learn to enjoy the company of their caretakers.