Table: Biologic Data of Pet Rodents - Merck Veterinary Manual

Biologic Data of Pet Rodents

Biologic Data of Pet Rodents

	Chinchilla	Gerbil	Guinea Pig	Hamster	Mouse
Life span^a (yr)	4–15	2.5–4	4–8	1–2	1–2
Adult male body wt (g)	400–500	45–130	800–1,600	85–140	20–30
Adult female body wt (g)	400–600	55–135	700–1,300	95–120	18–35
Sexual maturity (wk)	32–36	9–12	10–12	4–7	6–8
Gestation (days)	111	24–26	63–69	16	19–21
Litter size (average)	2	1–12	3–4	6–10	5–12
Weaning (days)	42–56^b	21	30^b	21–30	21–23
^a Life span data is for typical lifespan range in pet rodents. Life spans exceeding these times have been recorded for rodents in research studies. ^b Guinea pigs and chinchillas have precocious young that can eat some solid food at 7–14 days. Early weaning results in lower body wt and social maladaptation in later life.