The following table provides information on the life span, weight, reproduction, and normal physiologic values of various small mammals 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.
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Life Expectancy |
Average Weight (grams*)
F=female
M=male |
Length of Pregnancy (days) |
Litter Size |
Weaning Age |
Recommended Environmental Temperature (ºF) |
Heart Rate
(beats per minute) |
Respiratory Rate
(breaths per minute) |
| Chinchillas |
8-10 years |
F 400-600;
M 400-500 |
105-118,
average 111 |
1-6,
usual 2-3 |
6-8 weeks |
50-68 |
100-150 |
40-80 |
| Gerbils |
2-3 years |
F 50-55,
M 50-120 |
23-26 |
3-7 |
21-30 days |
65-75 |
260-600 |
85-140 |
| Guinea Pigs |
5-6 years |
F 700-900,
M 900-1200 |
59-72, average 68 |
1-10,
usual 2-4 |
21 days |
65-79 |
240-310 |
50-130 |
| Hamsters |
18-36 mos |
F 95-125,
M 85-120 |
15-17 |
5-10 |
19-21 days |
70-75 |
310-480 |
40-110 |
| African Hedgehogs |
5-7 years |
300-600 |
34-38 |
1-7,
usual 3-4 |
4-6 weeks |
75-85 |
180-280 |
25-50 |
| Mice |
12-36 mos |
F 30-60,
M 20-40 |
19-21 |
7-11 |
18-21 days |
70-77 |
400-700 |
80-220 |
| Rabbits |
6-11 years, depends on breed |
2-8 kg |
30-33 |
4-10 |
5-8 weeks |
40-80; never over 85 |
150-300 |
30-60 |
| Rats |
26-40 mos |
F 225-325,
M 275-500 |
21-23 |
6-13 |
21 days |
70-75 |
300-500 |
70-140 |
| Sugar Gliders |
8-10 years |
F 80-135,
M 100-160 |
16 days, then move into pouch; emerge from pouch after 70 days |
1-2 |
120-130 days |
70-80 |
200-300 |
16-40 |
| * There are 453 gms (grams) in a pound. A kilogram (kg) is 1000 gms. |
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