If you are looking to purchase a new pet, then you might want to consider a rodent. Before making any decision, ideas-4-pets advise that you ask your vet about any special needs each particular species of rodent might have. Though many rodents require the same general care, they still have their own unique needs. It’s always a good idea to read up on each species or join a forum to discuss advantages and disadvantages before purchasing.Whether you decide to purchase a chinchilla, a rat or a ferret or any other rodent, you must ensure that you have a chinchilla cage (or equivalent) that is big enough for your pet to run around in and have plenty of fun in.

The rodent cage should be tall enough to accommodate your pet’s bedding and any toys you decide to put in. Line the base of the chinchilla cage with some form of bedding. Different species of rodent prefer different types of bedding, but for most rodents wood shavings are a good choice - aspen shavings or a paper litter in the chip variety. Don’t use cedar shavings in your rodent’s cage because the oil from the wood is an irritant to rodents and can cause serious health complications leading to possible death.

A ceramic food bowl is usually better than a plastic or metal one as rodent’s can’t chew through ceramic and they are heavier so not easily flipped over.

It is important to feed your pet a food designed specifically for your species of rodent that you have chosen and watch your pet’s eating habits to ensure that your pet is eating the food you provide, especially if you feed it a seed mixture. Many rodents will pick out their favourite pieces of food, like sunflower seeds and leave the more nutritious pellets behind !!

You should make sure that there is plenty of fresh, clean water provided for your pet in a water bottle that has a ball at the tip of the spout. Don’t attempt to give your pet water in a dish as this is very rarely successful and they tend to bathe in it, spill or put their bedding into it rather than drink it !!

Rodents need to keep their teeth filed, so keep a piece of wood or other chew toy in your pet’s cage for this purpose. Rodents’ teeth grow constantly, so it is really important that your pet has something to wear them down on. Buy the wood at a pet shop rather than simply picking up a piece from your garden, as you don’t want your pet to have splinters in his mouth or pick up diseases from your garden.

Add plenty of toys to your chinchilla cage that are appropriate for the size and species of your pet rodent. These toys will keep your animal entertained when you are not playing with him and they will also provide a place for him to hide. If you buy your pet a running wheel ideas-4-pets suggest that get one without spokes as your pet’s tail could get trapped in the spokes and cause him pain or injury.

Clean out your pet’s cage regularly - about once a week as this gives give your pet a clean, hygienic home and helps to prevent potential disease caused by build up of bacteria