The Most Popular Pet Rodent, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the pet rodent you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:45
Pet owners often find themselves at a crossroads when choosing the right small furry companion to bring into their homes. To aid in this decision, assessing which types of pet rodents hold the crown of popularity can be incredibly helpful. It not only highlights the trends in pet ownership but also sheds light on which rodents are preferred for their distinct traits and care requirements.
By actively participating in voting for the most beloved pet rodent, users contribute to a broader understanding of what makes each species unique and appealing. This dynamic tally not only keeps potential pet owners informed but also creates a community of like-minded individuals who share insights and experiences about their favorite pets. So, your vote matters in shaping this engaging and informative guide!
What Is the Most Popular Pet Rodent?
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149votesHamsters are the most popular pet rodent due to their small size, low maintenance, and adorable appearance. They are also great for small living spaces and can be easily trained.The hamster is a small rodent belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. It has a round body with short legs, small ears, and a short tail. Hamsters are typically kept as pets due to their adorable appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements.
- Size: Around 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long
- Weight: Between 0.5 to 7 ounces (15 to 200 grams)
- Lifespan: Usually 2 to 3 years in captivity
- Habitat: Originally found in the deserts of Syria, Hamsters now exist in various regions as pets
- Coat Colors: Hamsters can have a variety of coat colors, including white, black, brown, gray, and combinations of these
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234votesGuinea Pigs are gentle, friendly, and social animals that make great pets. They are also easy to care for and can live up to 8 years.The Guinea Pig, also known as the domestic guinea pig or cavy, is a small herbivorous mammal native to the Andes region of South America. It is popular as a pet due to its docile and sociable nature. Guinea pigs have a stout and compact body shape, with short limbs and no tail. They are covered in dense fur, which can come in various colors and patterns. These creatures are known for their distinctive squeaking noises, which they use to communicate with each other and their owners.
- Scientific Name: Cavia porcellus
- Size: 20-25 centimeters
- Weight: 700-1200 grams
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
- Diet: Herbivorous (mainly hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets)
Guinea Pig in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular animal in the world
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329votesRats are intelligent, social, and affectionate animals that make great pets. They are also easy to train and have a long lifespan of 2-3 years.The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, representing intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. It is known for its sharp wit and cunning nature. People born under this sign are believed to be highly observant and quick-thinking, with a strong sense of intuition.
- Symbol: Rat
- Element: Water
- Yin/Yang: Yang
- Lucky Colors: Blue, Gold, Green
- Lucky Numbers: 2, 3
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418votesMice are small, active, and curious animals that make great pets. They are also low maintenance and can be easily trained.A mouse is a hand-held pointing device that allows users to move the cursor on a computer screen and select objects by clicking buttons. It is commonly used as an input device for navigating graphical user interfaces and executing commands.
- Tracking Method: Optical or laser
- Sensitivity: Measured in dots per inch (DPI)
- Buttons: Left-click, right-click, and scroll wheel are common
- Scrolling: Vertical and horizontal scrolling capabilities
- Connectivity: Wired or wireless (Bluetooth or RF dongle)
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519votesGerbils are small, social, and active animals that make great pets. They are also easy to care for and can live up to 4 years.The gerbil is a small, popular pet rodent known for its friendly and social nature. It belongs to the subfamily Gerbillinae and is native to arid regions of Africa, India, and Asia. Gerbils are widely kept as pets due to their playful behavior, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability to captivity.
- Size: Typically 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) long
- Weight: Around 2-4 ounces (57-113 grams)
- Lifespan: Average of 2-4 years
- Appearance: Small, round body with soft fur. Colors can range from agouti (brownish-gray) to white, black, or various patterns
- Social Nature: Highly social and should be kept in pairs or small groups
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69votesChinchillas are soft, cuddly, and playful animals that make great pets. They are also low maintenance and can live up to 15 years.The Chinchilla is a small-sized, soft-furred rodent native to the Andes mountains in South America. Known for its adorable appearance and playful personality, it has become a popular choice as an exotic pet.
- Size: Approximately 9-15 inches long
- Weight: Around 1-1.5 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Coat: Velvety, dense fur with various color variations (gray, beige, white, black, etc.)
- Nocturnal or Diurnal: Primarily nocturnal
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78votesDegus are social, active, and intelligent animals that make great pets. They are also easy to care for and can live up to 8 years.The Degu is a small, social and active pet rodent that is native to Chile. Known for its friendly and curious nature, it has gained popularity as an interactive companion animal.
- Scientific Name: Octodon degus
- Size: Around 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) long
- Lifespan: 6-8 years
- Diet: Herbivorous, primarily feeding on hay, fresh vegetables, and some fruits
- Activity Level: Diurnal (active during the day)
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85votes
Dakota L. · CC BY-SA 3.0Prairie Dogs are social, intelligent, and affectionate animals that make great pets. They are also low maintenance and can be easily trained. -
99votesSugar Gliders are small, cute, and playful animals that make great pets. They are also social and can bond closely with their owners.The Sugar Glider is a small arboreal marsupial known for its adorable appearance and unique abilities. With large eyes, a bushy tail, and a soft fur coat, it is often considered one of the cutest exotic pets. Initially discovered in 1788 by Captain Arthur Phillip, it is native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea.
- Size: 6-7 inches in length (excluding tail)
- Weight: 3-5 ounces
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Habitat: Tree-dwelling, requires large cages with vertical space and plenty of foliage
- Diet: Omnivorous, primarily feeds on nectar, fruit, and insects
Sugar Glider in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most difficult exotic pet to take care of
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109votesHedgehogs are small, cute, and low maintenance animals that make great pets. They are also unique and can be easily trained.The hedgehog is a small and unique exotic pet that belongs to the Erinaceidae family. It is known for its distinctive spiky coat, which provides excellent protection from predators. Hedgehogs are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia and have been domesticated as pets for several decades.
- Size: Hedgehogs typically measure 5 to 8 inches in length and weigh between 1 to 2 pounds.
- Lifespan: In captivity, hedgehogs can live up to 6-8 years with proper care and nutrition.
- Activity: Mainly nocturnal, hedgehogs are active during the night and sleep throughout the day.
- Diet: Hedgehogs are insectivores and primarily feed on a diet consisting of insects, worms, and some fruits.
- Housing: They require a well-ventilated cage with plenty of space, hiding spots, and a solid bottom to prevent injuries to their feet.
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Ranking factors for popular pet rodent
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Sociability and temperamentSome people prefer pets that are friendly, social, and easy to handle, while others may be looking for a more independent and less demanding pet. The temperament of the rodent should be compatible with the owner's preference.
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Size and housing requirementsThe size of the rodent and the space it requires for a comfortable living environment should be considered. Smaller rodents may be suitable for apartment living, while larger ones may need more room.
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Care and maintenanceDifferent rodents may have unique needs when it comes to feeding, grooming, and healthcare. Potential owners should consider the time, cost, and effort required for proper care.
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LifespanSome people prefer pets with shorter lifespans, while others seek long-term companionship. The average lifespan of the rodent should match the owner's preference.
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Activity levelActive pets may provide more stimulation and fun for the owner, but they may also require more time and attention. Quieter or less active rodents may be preferred by some owners.
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Allergies and health concernsSome rodents may be more likely to elicit allergic reactions or carry zoonotic diseases. Owners with allergies or concerns about their own health should consider these factors.
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Breeding and reproductionSome rodents breed rapidly, which can lead to overpopulation and ethical concerns. Owners should consider the likelihood of their pet rodent breeding and be prepared to manage offspring if necessary.
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Legal restrictionsCertain rodents may be restricted or prohibited as pets in some jurisdictions. Owners should make sure the pet they choose is legal in their area.
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Availability and accessibilityThe ease of acquiring the desired rodent should also be considered. Popular species may be more readily available, while more exotic or less common rodents may require more effort or expense to obtain.
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Personal preferences and individual compatibilityUltimately, choosing a pet rodent should come down to personal preference and what feels like the best fit for the individual owner.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular pet rodent. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or rodent is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2472 views
- 183 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each rodent once every 24 hours. The rank of each rodent is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular pet rodent
As humans, we love to have pets around us. And when it comes to selecting pets, people go for various options, from cats and dogs to birds and fish. But have you ever considered keeping a pet rodent? These small, furry creatures are becoming increasingly popular as pets, especially for those who live in smaller spaces.
Rodents make great pets because they are social animals, easy to care for, and come in various shapes and sizes. However, with so many different types of rodents available, it can be difficult to decide which one would make the perfect pet for you.
In this article, we will explore the world of pet rodents and try to determine which one is the most popular among pet owners. From the cute and cuddly guinea pig to the energetic and playful hamster, we will take a closer look at the different types of pet rodents out there and what makes them so special. So, whether you're already a proud pet rodent owner or considering getting one as your new furry friend, read on to discover which pet rodent is the most popular among pet enthusiasts.
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