how do degu compare to rats?

[xBurntBytheSunx]

i've been keeping pet rats for the last 5-6 years and have decided that despite how much i love them that they are just too short-lived. i'm getting sick of getting a great pet only for it to die 1.5-2 years later b/c of tumors or resporitory problems etc.

i'm wanting to get a "pocket-pet" that is similar in temperment, as far as being easily tamed, friendly, playful, does not bite, and does not run away and hide.

would degu or another pocket-pet fit that description?

 

[Takumaku]

Degu might if you don't mind buying a pair.

Pro:
Avg. life: 2-5 years
Must be kept in pairs (same sex is fine)
Diurnal habit
Cons:
Prone to diabetes so never offer sweets.
Gnaw a lot more than rats and gerbils.
Prone to biting, but what pocket pet isn't.

Guinea pigs or ferrets might also fit the bill depending on what you want and how much space you are willing to offer.

 

[xBurntBytheSunx]

prone to biting? hmm i don't know if i like the sound of that. we've had 6 rats over the years and only one of, which i could not tame, bit. the rest would not bite, even when they were scared. one of the main things i'm really looking for is a pet that isn't bitey. i absolutely hate being bit by animals.

 

[tigger_my_T.]

Go for a guinea pig! They are sweet affectionet and live for around 5 years. The must be kept in pairs like rats. But the pain is if you dont toilet train them their cage is a mess.

 

[josh_r]

burnt by the sun.... good band. havnt heard them in a long time.


dude, the ULTIMATE pet small pet rodent is kangaroo rats man. ive had them and they are not AT ALL messy. they dont stink at all. you dont have to give them water and they eat bird seed. they actually get all the moisture they need from the seeds. offer them greens on occasion and that also helps. they pee a crystalized urine that is odorless. they just need to live in sand or have a dust bath.

do a search for Dipodomys merriami

actually, i did it for you

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Dipodomys+merriami&spell=1

this site has some good info

http://www.oceanoasis.org/fieldguide/dipo-mer.html


these are the best pet rodents. they also dont bite at all... even when you catch them they dont bite. they tame up almost instantly. these things are so cool. they are one of my fav critters to catch

 

[xBurntBytheSunx]

those look like fun, where do you get them?