Why Chipmunks Make Bad Pets

Why Chipmunks Make Bad Pets. Chipmunks are indigenous to the North American continent and parts of Eastern Europe. You will have seen them as cartoon characters, where they are usually depicted as cute but mischievous creatures who respond energetically and vigorously when they are disturbed or their habitat is threatened. Although these are caricatures of reality, there is some resonance with actual chipmunks and, despite some attractive features, you should think about the reasons why they make bad pets.

Diseases

Chipmunks can be described as “just glorified rats” and, like rats, they can carry some pretty nasty diseases. Although the diseases that they carry may not be fatal due to the benefits of modern medicine, they can be if not treated. You should think about diseases such as rabies and Lyme disease -- which can affect the nervous system, heart, joints and skin -- before you go and get your chipmunk.

Deceptively Uncute

There is a saying that you have probably heard which suggests that beauty is only skin deep. Well, if you adjust it to say that, for chipmunks, cuteness is only skin deep, you will probably be right. These creatures don’t like being picked up and are prone to biting the hand that feeds them, depending on their mood.

Moodiness and Personality

One potential problem that you should think about before you buy yourself or your family a chipmunk is that they tend to have distinct personalities. This means that you cannot know what sort of pet you have. Chipmunks are also notoriously moody, so you cannot know how your pet will be from day to day. This can be a problem, especially if your kids don’t understand this moodiness.

Space and Needs

Remember that chipmunks are like squirrels that live on the ground. They also enjoy a lot of space and are very energetic, so you cannot humanely keep them locked away in a confined cage for long periods. They naturally like to roam around, picking up any food that they can find, and storing it for future meals. They also like to dig and then groom themselves. So if you are thinking of owning a pet chipmunk, you should consider that they will need the freedom of your house, will behave unpredictably, will need a place to dig and will probably be killed by your cat if you have one.

References

• Pet Chipmunks: Is a Chipmunk the Right Pet for You?
• Nature, Lets Discover: 10 Deceptively Dangerous Animals
• Chipmunk World: Welcome to Chipmunk World -- Pet Chipmunks
• Kid Health from Nemours: Lyme Disease