Close-up photo of a ferret at the Au Furet Veterinary Practice in ÉchichensA ferret under the care of the Au Furet Practice, which specialises in exotic pets (NACs), between Morges and Lausanne

Physiological parameters of exotic pets

Species Hibernation Temperature (°C) Heart rate (/min) Breathing rate (/min) Lifespan (years) Activity Teeth Weight (kg) Notes
Ferret No 37.8–40 180–250 33–36 6–11 Mixed 18/18 0.5–2 Does not exist in the wild
Rabbit (dwarf) No 37.5–39 150–325 40–60 7–12 Mixed 16/12 0.8–1.5 Ears < 6 cm
Guinea pig No 37.5–38.5 150–380 45–150 4–8 Mixed 10/10 0.5–1.2 Eaten in Peru
Hamster Yes 37–38 250–500 60–140 3–4 Nocturnal 8/8 0.085–0.15 Active in the evening
Rat No 37–38.5 250–400 70–150 3–5 Mixed 8/8 0.25–0.5 Prone to obesity
Mouse No 37–38 325–780 95–250 2–3 Nocturnal 8/8 0.02–0.04 Do not hold it by the tail
Chinchilla No 36–37.5 100–150 100 10–20 Nocturnal 10/10 0.4–0.8 No fresh vegetables
Gerbil No 38–38.5 300–400 90–160 3–4 Mixed 6/8 0.055–0.1 Lives in groups
Korean chipmunk Yes (in the wild) 38–39.5 300–500 200 5–12 Diurnal 12/10 0.07–0.12 Climber
Degu No 37.5–39 150–300 100–150 5–10 Diurnal 10/10 0.2–0.3 Tree-climbing (arboreal)
Prairie dog No 35.3–39 83–138 70–100 5–10 Diurnal 10/10 0.5–2.2 North American origin

Key: n = nocturnal / d = diurnal / m = mixed

You can download the attached PDF document entitled “Physiological parameters of exotic pets – Au Furet Veterinary Practice”, produced by the Au Furet Veterinary Practice in Échichens.

This summary table sets out the basic data useful for getting to know exotic pet species (NACs, or “nouveaux animaux de compagnie” — new companion animals) better, in particular their body temperature, heart and breathing rates, activity and average lifespan.

📍 This document may be used for educational or preventive purposes, or as a quick-reference aid for owners and professionals.