Some interesting facts about small mammals:
"Thumping" is an interesting gerbil behavior. The gerbil will pound both hind legs on the ground when he is excited, stressed, or to attract a mate.
When a gerbil rubs his abdomen on cage accessories, he is marking his territory.
The common pet gerbil originated in Mongolia.
Golden hamsters are also called "Syrian" hamsters, since they originated in Syria.
Fancy mice and rats have been exhibited for over 100 years. The National Mouse Club of Britain was formed in 1895.
Mice are nocturnal animals and are more active at night than during the day.
Rats are extremely clean pets and are among the most intelligent.
Rabbits are not rodents. They belong to a family called "lagomorphs."
Many rabbits learn litter box habits easily.
Rabbits require daily exercise outside of their cage.
Another name for a guinea pig is a "cavy." Wild cavies live in social groups called "herds."
A male guinea pig is a boar and a female is a sow. Baby guinea pigs are pups.
Guinea pigs are unable to manufacture Vitamin C within their bodies therefore this vitamin must be supplemented.
Chinchillas need a dry habitat and need dust baths several times weekly; in fact, a dust bath is necessary to keep a chinchilla's fur soft.
The African Hedgehog, in its natural environment, will eat a variety of insects, worms, and fruit.
