| Important Characteristics of Small Animals
The following table provides important information on the life span, weight, reproduction, and recommended environmental temperature for various small animals often kept as pets. Most of the values are given in ranges, and depending upon the source, you may find somewhat different ranges provided elsewhere. Numbers may differ since information gathered from various breeds, species, and husbandry practices can affect the values.
| |
Life
Expectancy |
Average
Weight
(grams*)
F=female
M=male
|
Length of
Pregnancy
(days) |
Litter
Size |
Weaning
Age |
Recommended
Environmental
Temperature
(ºF) |
Chinchillas |
8-10 years |
F 550-800;
M 450-600
|
105-118,
average 111
|
1-6,
usual
2-3
|
6-8 weeks |
50-75 |
Gerbils |
3-4 years |
F 50-75,
M 50-120
|
23-26 |
3-7 |
21-30 days |
65-75 |
Guinea Pigs |
5-6 years |
F 700-900,
M 900-1200
|
59-72,
average 68 |
1-10,
usual
2-4
|
3-4 weeks |
60-85 |
Hamsters |
18-30 mos. |
F 95-125,
M 85-120
|
15-17 |
5-10 |
20-25 days |
70-75 |
Hedgehogs |
5-7 years |
300-1500, depends on species |
34-38 |
1-7,
usual
3-4
|
4-6 weeks |
70-80 |
Mice |
12-36 mos |
F 30-60,
M 38-60
|
19-21 |
9-12 |
18-28 days |
70-77 |
Rabbits |
6-11 years, depends on breed |
2-8 kg |
30-33 |
4-10 |
5-8 weeks |
40-80; never over 85 |
Rats |
26-48 mos. |
F 225-325,
M 275-500
|
21-23 |
8-12 |
4 weeks |
70-75 |
Sugar Gliders |
8-10 years |
F 100-135,
M 120-160
|
16 days, then move into pouch; emerge from pouch after 60-70 days |
1-2 |
110-115 days |
70-80 |
* There are 453 gms (grams) in a pound. A kilogram (kg) is 1000 gms.
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