I consider myself pretty experienced with animals. I’ve been raising sugar gliders for about 10 years and currently have two pairs. I’ve also cared for a variety of reptiles, including prasina and sailfin dragons. I have 10 dart frog tanks and a reef aquarium. Now, I’m really interested in adding another mammal species to my care routine. I spend most of my time with my sugar gliders after 7pm, so I’m thinking about something that’s either crepuscular or diurnal. I’ve considered a ferret or maybe a small burrowing animal I heard about a while ago but can’t quite recall.
Have you considered hedgehogs? They’re super cute and low maintenance, plus they’re crepuscular! They’re not as needy as ferrets, but they still bond with their owners over time. Just make sure to research their diet and environmental needs first.
Ferrets are awesome, but they are a lot of work! They need a lot of interaction and can be mischievous. I’ve had mine for 4 years, and they can get into everything if you don’t ferret-proof your space. They also have a pretty strong smell. But they’re really playful and form tight bonds!
What about degus? They’re active during the day and are social animals, so you’d need to get more than one. They’re like a mix between a guinea pig and a gerbil, and they’re really curious! Plus, they’re known for their ability to bond with their owners.
If you want a small burrowing animal, maybe look into pygmy rabbits or even jerboas! Jerboas are tricky to find, but they’re fascinating and diurnal. They hop around like tiny kangaroos and love digging. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of space and the right kind of enclosure.