Degus 5

Degus make great pets, since they are higly sociable and interact kindly with humans and other degus. They need to be kept in pairs or in groups. They also need a very big cage and a sugar-free diet, since they are prone to diabetes.
They usually live from 6-8 years, making them great, long term companions.
They are very cute and curious and play with about anything you provide them with.
They do not make good pets for children since they have many specific needs and requirements that have to be met. If you have money, time and affection to give and receive, degus would make great pets for you.

* Unlike many small rodents, degus almost never bite.

They are in the Chinchilla family, but they behave very much like squirells.