Small Animals Available
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Black Bear Hamster
The black bear hamster is a larger hamster available for homes. They are usually bigger than the well known teddy bear hamster. Hamsters are solitary animals, meaning they prefer living on their own. The larger body of this hamster makes it more handleable & an easier pet for children. Keep in mind, that a larger hamster means a bigger cage & wheel for his home.
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Chinchillas
Chinchillas have incredibly soft pelts, and people have fallen in love with their adorable expression. They are agile jumpers and need a large cage with levels. They cannot metabolize sugar, so a resticted feeding schedule is needed. Special treats are available for them. Also needed for them is a special "dust" bath. It is the only way for them to keep their lovely coat oil free.
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Dwarf Hamster
Dwarf hamsters are generally the only breed of hamster that can be with others of their own kind. Since they tend to be slightly more aggressive, they are better for older kids. They are a small breed of hamsters, about half the size of regular ones. They are very playful, loving to run on the wheel and chase each other around. They can be nippy, so proper handling of them is essential. Also required is a cage with small bars to keep them inside.
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Ferrets
Ferrets act like kittens for most of their lives. They play hard and they sleep even harder. Ferrets need a special diet to give them all the nutrition they need. Talk to the educated staff at Pets West for advice. Cages should be large and spacious, meaning 3' long, 2' wide, and 3' tall. They love to climb and sleep in hammocks hung from the ceiling of their cage. They can be litter trained easily, and babies must be taught that biting humans is not allowed. They are a more expensive pet to own and require more time, but are lots of fun.
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Gerbils
The best way to describe a gerbil is busy, busy, busy. They always seem to be in constant motion. Gerbils like to be together as they keep each other occupied. They love to chew, and do so almost constantly. The run alot on the wheel, burrow, and dig. Making sure that they have a lot of activity is essential. They will dig in their shavings, climb on houses, and run around their cage with abandon.
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Guinea Pigs (cavies) - Abyssinian, Short hair, Peruvian
Pets West carries many breeds of guinea pigs. From short to long haired coats, we have what you are looking for. Guinea pigs are one of the best pets for kids, as they love to sit on laps & be petted and brushed. Because guinea pigs do not produce Vitamin C on their own, special dietary steps must be taken. Proper pellets, vitamins, and vegetables are the best way to ensure your pig gets everything needed to keep them healthy.
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Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are solitary animals that require a cage at least 2 feet x 1 foot. Pine or newspaper pellets are the best bedding, with shredded paper as a bed. Hedgehogs are awake mainly during the evening, as they hunt & forage at night. Proper feeding is very important. Special food is available at Pets West, as well as their favorite treat, mealworms. They also enjoy having a good bath in warm water.
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Rabbits - Holland Lop, Dwarf, Mini Rex
Rabbits are one of the favorite pets available today. The main thing to remember with these gentle creatures is that they need a lot of room for living. A proper cage for a rabbit should be at least 3 feet long x 1 foot wide. Their teeth are constantly growing, so it is essential that they have something available at all times for them to chew on. Rabbits should be given no treats until they are 4-6 months old; their delicate degestive system cannot always tolerate them.
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Rats
Rats are one of the most personable pets available. They love attention, and are very giving with their love. Rats are very prone to colds, so using pellets for bedding will reduce the amount of dust in their cage. They should be in a cage 24" x 12" minimum, and love to be with others of their own kind. Feeding rats is simple, as they don't eat much, and love to share whatever you are eating as well.
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Teddy Bear Hamster
Hamsters are nocturnal animals, which means they sleep all day, and play all night. They have excellent hearing & smell, however, their eyesight is very poor. A hamster should be kept in a large cage out of drafts, with multiple levels, toys & a wheel, since they are very playful at nighttime. Fresh food & water should be given daily, as well as fruits & vegetables.
