Rodents

Rodents are hardy, but keep them at room temperature or better (70°–75°F). Give them cotton or other nesting material to stay warm.

Fresh water at all times. Skip bowls inside the enclosure (they soak everything); mount a sipper bottle on the outside.

Enclosures for rodents must be spacious, easy to clean and well ventilated. Rodents chew anything and everything, so it also needs to be chew-proof: wire cages and laboratory-style tubs work best. Add chew toys, tunnels and wheels; they keep teeth from overgrowing, provide exercise and prevent boredom.

Cover the floor with non-toxic, highly absorbent bedding and change it regularly. Avoid too much aromatic wood or dusty bedding; both can cause eye, skin and respiratory problems.

A formulated rodent chow should be the staple. Dried fruit, nuts, seeds and grains are fine as treats. Go easy on fresh fruit and vegetables.