Rodents: how to choose and buy a hamster, guinea pig or pet rabbit
Pick an animal to suit your daily rhythm
A hamster is active at night and does not like to be woken, so a child who wants to play in the daytime will do better with a guinea pig or a pet rabbit. Guinea pigs are sociable and feel better in pairs, while hamsters, especially Dzungarian and Syrian ones, live alone and may fight. Rats are clever and bond with people, but also need company. A chinchilla needs a cool, dry room and dust baths.
Before buying, count the time and money for the cage, feeding and the vet: this is always more than the price of the animal. The cage should be roomy, with a solid floor, a little house, a wheel (for hamsters) and a thick layer of bedding. For rabbits and guinea pigs, the small cage from a pet shop does not do: they need a run or a pen.
How to choose a healthy animal
- Eyes clean and shiny, with no discharge, and a dry nose.
- Coat even, with no bald patches and no signs of parasites.
- The animal is lively, curious and eats normally.
- Teeth not too long, not crooked, and no drool around the mouth.
- Sex: ask whether it has been determined, especially if you take a pair, or you may end up with a litter.
What to put in your request
- species — hamster, guinea pig, pet rabbit, chinchilla, rat, degu, ferret;
- breed or variety, for example Rex, lop;
- age — most often 1–2 months for young animals;
- sex and number, including a pair;
- colour;
- cage — whether you need one with the animal, bedding, a feeder;
- city and budget.
Example: “I am looking for a Dzungarian hamster, female, 1–2 months old, white, together with a cage and a wheel. Toronto, self-pickup. Budget up to $14.”
What to look at in offers
Compare offers for the full set: the animal, the cage, the feeding. A cheap rodent may come without a cage and equipment, and the final sum turns out different. Ask about age, origin (a breeder or an accidental pair), the conditions the parents were kept in, and whether you can come and see the animal. A good breeder answers questions about care and will tell you what to feed.
Hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits are usually not sent by post or courier unless necessary: stress on the way is dangerous for their health. Self-pickup or simple delivery within the city is better.
How BlaBlaPrice works
You write your request once on BlaBlaPrice, and sellers reply in the chat with animals, prices and terms. The platform shows the best-value offer first, with reviews beside each. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a seller. Read more: how it works.
Look for cages, bedding and food in pet supplies, and also take a look at pet birds and reptiles.
