Pet Control

It is strongly discouraged, unsafe, and generally unethical to turn wild pest mice and rats into pets . Wild rodents are not the same species as domesticated "fancy" rats and mice; they carry health risks and their behavior makes them unsuitable companions. 

Why Wild Rodents are Unsuitable as Pets

• • Health Risks: Wild mice and rats can carry diseases and parasites (such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis) that can be transmitted to humans and other pets. Domesticated rodents bred for the pet trade are generally free of these risks when sourced responsibly.

  • Behavioral Differences: "Domestication" is a process that happens over many generations of selective breeding, resulting in genetic changes for docility and friendliness. Wild rodents, even if captured young or "tamed" to some degree, remain wild animals with innate flight responses, are prone to biting or scratching, and will be highly stressed in captivity. They are not socialized for human interaction.

  • Welfare Concerns: Confining a wild animal in a domestic setting is stressful for the animal and can significantly shorten its lifespan. They have more extensive needs for space and specific environments than a typical pet owner can provide. It is also often illegal to keep wild-caught animals as pets, and vets may be required to confiscate them.

  • Social Needs: Rats are highly social animals and need companions of their own species. Removing a single animal from its natural social structure is detrimental to its well-being. 

A Better Alternative: Domesticated Pet Rodents 

• If you are interested in keeping rodents as pets, the recommended approach is to obtain domesticated pet mice or "fancy" rats from a reputable source, such as a pet store, breeder, or rescue organization. 

  • Docile Temperament: Domesticated rats and mice have been selectively bred to be friendly, curious, intelligent, and enjoy human interaction. They bond easily with their owners.

  • Safety: They pose far fewer health risks compared to wild animals, provided their environment is kept clean and they receive proper veterinary care.

  • Specific Care Requirements: Pet rats and mice require specific housing (large cages with good ventilation), a balanced diet of commercial nuggets and fresh produce, and plenty of enrichment and social interaction. 

• For information on safe removal of pests from your home, contact a professional pest control service or refer to guidelines from the CDC on rodent control. 

Common pet rodents include  hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and chinchillas . They are popular due to their small size and relatively low maintenance needs, but they still require proper housing, diet, and social interaction to stay healthy. While some species are good for children, adults must supervise handling as rodents can be fragile or scratchy. 

Common pet rodents

• Hamsters: Can be solitary and are often nocturnal, so they may be grumpy if woken during the day.

• Gerbils: Active, social animals that need plenty of substrate for burrowing.

• Guinea pigs: Some varieties are gentle enough for younger children, but they require care from an adult. They have a longer lifespan than hamsters or mice.

• Rats: Intelligent and social, often described as being similar to dogs. They need a lot of attention and can be trained.

• Mice: Smaller and more delicate than rats, they are social and curious.

• Chinchillas: Require tall cages to climb and can have a much longer lifespan, up to 20 years. 

Important considerations

• Social needs: Many rodents, like rats and degus, are social and need a companion to prevent loneliness. Hamsters are typically solitary.

• Housing: Provide a large, well-ventilated cage with enough room to run, burrow, and climb, depending on the species.

• Diet: Research your rodent's specific diet, as it varies by species. A balanced diet usually includes commercial food supplemented with fresh vegetables and occasional fruit.

• Handling: Always supervise children when they are handling rodents, and be gentle, as they can be easily injured.

• Health: Rodents are prey animals, so they may hide signs of illness. Pay close attention to their eating habits, activity levels, and overall health. 

"Upon this rock I will build my church" is a pivotal declaration from Jesus to Peter in Matthew 16:18, signifying that the Christian Church (assembly) would be founded on Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, with interpretations varying on whether the "rock" refers to Peter's faith, Peter himself, or Jesus Christ as the ultimate foundation. While some traditions see Peter as the first Pope, building the church on him as a "rock" (petra), others emphasize Jesus as the true foundation, with Peter as a "stone" (petros) or confessor, highlighting Christ's unique role as the cornerstone. 

Context of the Saying

1. The Question: Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" and "Who do you say that I am?".

2. Peter's Confession: Peter responded, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God".

3. Jesus' Response: Jesus declared, "You are Peter (Petros, meaning 'stone'), and on this rock (petra, meaning 'massive rock' or foundation) I will build my church". 

Key Interpretations

• The Rock as Peter: The Catholic tradition emphasizes Peter's unique role as the foundation, linking his name (Peter/Petros) to the "rock" (petra), granting him authority.

• The Rock as Peter's Confession/Faith: Many Protestants interpret the "rock" as the divine truth Peter declared—Jesus' identity as the Messiah—upon which the church is built.

• The Rock as Christ Himself: Other passages identify Jesus as the sole foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11, 1 Peter 2:6-8), suggesting Jesus was contrasting Peter (a stone) with Himself (the great Rock/Cornerstone). 

Meaning of the "Church"

• The word "church" (ekklesia) means an assembly or gathering, referencing God's people, much like Israel in the Old Testament. 

Significance

• This statement promises the Church's enduring power against evil ("the gates of Hades shall not prevail").

• It establishes a foundation for the ongoing work of Christ through His followers, uniting believers into a spiritual house.