All viewings are by appointment only

Please contact the centre during opening times

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10am – 12noon

Tuesday & Thursday 9am – 2pm

01634 681187

We ask for a minimum donation of £5 for our rodents

If you're thinking about adopting a rodent, whether a rat, some mice or a gerbil or two, there are certain things you need to consider before deciding which species you'd be best suited to. Some rodents are a lot easier to look after than others.

• It's essential to invest in the right cage for your pet or pets, so they don't escape or injure themselves.

• You need to understand your pet's nutritional needs so they get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need to stay healthy.

• You also need to make sure you use the right sort of bedding for your pet. There are some types which are dangerous to certain rodents and which will harm their respiratory systems.

• You need to provide toys for your adopted pet so they are kept entertained when you're not around. However, you have to make sure the toys you give them are suitable and safe for them to use.

• You have to be sure you have the time to keep their cages clean. They need to be in a draught free place and kept at a regular temperature.

• To be taken to a vet if they are ill or injured.

• To be looked after when you are on holiday.

What About Adopting a Rat?

Rats make wonderful pets and love being handled. They live longer than mice with an average life span of around 2 to 4 years – sometimes even longer. Rats are incredibly social creatures and do well when kept in same sex pairs. If regularly handled, rats become very tame and enjoy human contact and companionship. However, they need more in the way of exercise than some other rodents, and need to be taken out of their cages on a daily basis.

What About A Hamster or a Gerbil?

Both hamsters and gerbils have life spans of around 2 to 3 years and whereas hamsters like to lead solitary lives, gerbils on the other hand, are very social creatures preferring to be kept with others of their kind. Dwarf hamsters are incredibly cute and are very popular pets these days, although they have earned themselves a reputation as biters which is why they need to be well handled. Hamsters and Gerbils require different habitats.

What About A Mouse?

Fancy mice make great pets and live for around 1 to 3 years. They are really easy to keep but mice need to be kept in same sex pairs or small groups. The thing to bear in mind is male mice tend to fight each other which is something to watch out for.

Mice are very entertaining to watch and make great pets for older children as long as they understand their pet's daily needs and the importance of cleaning out their cages regularly.