Ferrets can live in households with other animals but it should be remembered that ferrets are predators and should not be introduced to smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Similarly, dogs may be a threat to ferrets so take any introductions very carefully. In the wild hamsters live in burrows during the day to keep cool and travel great distances at night.

Chinchillas are gentle, intelligent and inquisitive with a dense, highly attractive coat. They are active in the evening but are not purely nocturnal, and are native to the Andes Mountains of Chile in South America.An adult chinchilla will measure about 25 cm long, excluding the tail. Vaccinations:Your ferret should be vaccinated against distemper and will regularly need boosters. If you intend to take you pet abroad he will need a pet passport, which requires, amongst other things, vaccination against rabies. Your vet will be able to advise you on appropriate vaccinations. And you don’t have to stop at toilet rolls! There are plenty of other materials you can use to create homemade tunnels and hidey-holes, including: Rats are inquisitive and active therefore they should be provided with as much stimulation as possible. A solid exercise wheel and a selection of toys to avoid boredom should be provided.

6.  Kind and gentle handling

Rats can get mites, which will be very uncomfortable for your pet, a recommended small animal spray will usually deal with these and your pet shop or vet can advise. If your hamster escapes from its cage, try putting a box in the corner of the room – you might find him it in the next morning. An interesting and welfare friendly way to house gerbils is in what is often known as a gerbilarium. This is usually a large, 30 inch fish tank with a vivarium or mesh lid filled to a depth of 15-20cms with shavings and hay will be adequate for a pair of gerbils. Worming:Your ferret should be wormed regularly with a proprietary worming preparation, which your vet or pet shop will be able to advise on. DID YOU KNOW? Around the end of the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors brought guinea pigs from South America to Europe, where they became popular exotic pets among Elizabethan society.

Hamsters are generally hardy animals and normally stay healthy throughout their lives. They can, however, suffer from coughs and sneezes and their nose and eyes may run, so keep them warm and away from any draughts if these occur. Hamsters can also suffer acute diarrhoea, known as ‘wet tail’ – if this occurs consult with a vet immediately. Ferrets are carnivores and require a high protein diet. All your ferret’s dietary requirements are met with one of the proprietary ferret foods now readily available in your pet shop. This is in the form a dry kibble, so fresh water will need to be available at all times. Ferrets also enjoy fresh meat but be wary of feeding raw meat in hot weather. Ferrets frequently ‘stash’ food and this can attract flies and lead to health problems. Despite being carnivores, some ferrets develop a taste for fruit and vegetables. A tiny taste may not be a problem but be very cautious; it is alien to a ferret’s digestive system. Rats are clean in their habits but will need their bedding changed and their cage cleaned with a pet-safe disinfectant at least once a week. Ferrets are active animals so the accommodation needs to be as large as possible and include multiple levels for sleeping and playing. A separate sleeping area with suitable bedding should be provided. If more than two ferrets are kept, you will need to give them two sleeping boxes. Hay is ideal for winter in the bedding area, whilst straw is better for summer. Alternatively, an old woolen jumper, fleece or blanket will provide extra warmth on cold nights, provided there are no loose fibers to catch their claws.A hutch or cage should have a layer of absorbent bedding on the floor with plenty of hay or straw for nesting. Any bedding that becomes wet should be removed daily along with any uneaten fresh foods. A litter tray can be used in the latrine corner, which is easier to clean daily. If your rabbits’ run is attached to their hutch and is unable to be moved, it is recommended to pave the floor and provide a digging box and plenty of fresh hay. Some small animals may only have a life expectancy of 1-2 years while others may live 10+ years. This may be a deciding factor when choosing your child’s pet, as it will give you an idea of the long-term commitment that you are making. Veterinary care

Given a good routine and varied diet chipmunks normally lead healthy, problem-free lives. As with all rodents, their front teeth grow continuously and need to be kept worn down. If your chipmunk’s teeth get too long or you notice any other signs of ill health you should consult your vet. It is recommended to find a vet with chipmunk experience. Grooming:Grooming helps keep your ferret healthy and allows you time to bond with your pet. Your ferret should be groomed at least once a week and your pet shop will be able to advise you on a suitable brush. Pet rabbits should be registered with your vet and insured against unexpected veterinary costs as soon as possible. Guinea pigs don’t like cold weather, so in winter, move their accommodation somewhere warmer, such as into a shed, porch or utility room. 2. The company of their own kind Sore or bleeding noses can be caused by the wrong type of litter such as some aromatic wood shavings, wire cages and even stress. If a gerbil is huddled in a corner by itself with its fur bedraggled and it looks miserable, then something may be wrong and you should seek veterinary advice immediately.Ferrets are generally healthy animals and it is relatively simple to keep them fit and healthy. It is worth bearing in mind that ferrets can catch human colds and flu, so beware handling them if you are ill yourself.

Insurance:Ferrets should be registered with your vet and insured against unexpected veterinary costs.Common small animals kept as pets include Guinea pigs, Rabbits, Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice, and Rats. According to our Bromsgrovenursing team, they have many differences besides appearance, so it is crucial that you fully research the species and what their requirements are before committing to any of them. For example, Guinea pigs are typically easier to handle then rabbits, meaning they might make a better option for your child. Accommodation should be as large as possible and be escape-proof. The cage should be of wire-mesh construction with a raised wire-mesh floor to prevent the coat from becoming soiled. A removable tray placed under the floor will make it easier to keep the cage clean. This can be covered with wood shavings, cat litter or newspaper. You guinea pigs’ nails will require regular clipping, which you will need special small animal nail clippers for. Your pet shop or vet will be able to advise or do this for you if you do not feel comfortable. If kept indoors, ferrets can be provided with an outdoor run (a court) similar to an aviary, this should also be underwired as ferrets are good diggers. Do make sure that there is refuge from the sun and that drinking water is provided. Ferrets are susceptible to the sun and can get sun stroke if precautions are not observed. Some ferrets enjoy paddling and can be given a litter tray filled with cool water – it will also help cool them down in the summer. Fresh hay should be provided at all times as rabbits’ digestive systems are sensitive and require a large amount of hay to eat.