Ferrets can make very friendly pets. They’re generally very clean, playful and are ideal for older children.

Rats can make very friendly pets. They’re generally very clean, highly intelligent and are ideal for older children.

Mice can make very friendly pets, but do not attempt to keep wild mice! Domesticated mice come in a wide variety of colours.

Degus are native to northern and central Chile. They are diurnal, which means that they are active during the day, and throughout the year.

Gerbils are from a wide variety of places, from Africa through to the Middle East and Asia.

Syrian hamsters (sometimes known as golden hamsters) originated in parts of Europe and Asia.

Dwarf hamsters are split into three different breeds: Russian, Chinese and Roborovski. They originated in parts of Europe and Asia.

Chinchillas originated in the Andes Mountains of South America. They have been trapped to near extinction for their luxurious fur. They are now a popular pet in the UK.

Guinea Pigs (also known as ‘Cavies’) originate from South America (where they are still considered a staple food source), but were domesticated and brought to Europe in the 16th century.