I'm going to be moving here soon and am pretty sure that I want some kind of small mammal that I can pour affection onto. My two main options so far are sugar gliders and chinchillas. Both have their perks and not so perky aspects, so really I'm just looking for inspiration one way or another.

There will be a number of snakes in the house as well, though kept in a room of their own. For either animal, has anyone noticed extra stress from being able to smell potential predators, even if they'll never see them?

Thanks!
Jeff