Feeding for Small Animal Exercise for Small Animal

Habitat Space: The Bigger the Better

Your small pet's habitat is their entire living space. Giving them enough space to rest, run, eat, play and use the restroom will help your new pet thrive!

• Select a habitat designed specifically for your new pet. Set it up in a temperature-controlled environment away from drafts.
• Provide at least one hideout per animal so they have a safe space to rest.
  
• Provide at least one hideout per animal so they have a safe space to rest.
  
• Provide two sources of water, refreshed daily. Offering both a sipper bottle and tip-proof bowl will help keep track of your pet's daily water intake.
  
• Provide an adequate layer of bedding or small pet-specific litter. Did you know rabbits and other small pets can be trained to use a litter pan?
  
• Offer herbivores unlimited hay using a hay manger or feeder along with loose piles of hay to encourage foraging behavior.

TIP: In addition to having a large living space, your pet will greatly benefit from regular access to a pet-proofed area outside of their enclosure. Allow them to safely explore by keeping potentially harmful household items (cords, plants, upholstery) out of reach.

Start Shopping:

• Small Pet Habitats
• Small Pet Bedding
• Small Pet Hideouts
• Food Bowls
• Water Bottles
• Hay Feeders

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Nutrition: Fortified Foods

Offer a high-quality, species-specific food to ensure your pet receives essential protein and energy sources in every bite. Food also offers micronutrients not found in hay, even though hay plays a vital role in the herbivore diet. Uniform diets help to discourage selective eating while decreasing the risk of obesity and nutrition imbalances.

TIP: When transitioning your small pet to a new food, especially a uniform diet, follow the recommended guidelines on the bag and allow four weeks to make the transition.

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• Rabbit Diets
• Guinea Pig Diets
• Chinchilla Diets
• Hamster & Gerbil Diets
• Mouse & Rat Diets
• Ferret Diets

Nutrition: Tempt them with treats

Whether you're rewarding your pet for being adorable or you need an incentive for training, treats (including species-appropriate fruits and veggies) can be a great way to strengthen your bond and encourage physical and mental enrichment. Keep in mind they don't provide essential nutrients and should be fed in moderation.

• Offer treats only after basic daily foods have been eaten since too many treats can cause pets to refuse healthy, essential food and hay.
  
• Fresh greens are an important part of the daily diet of herbivores, contributing to hydration and providing important vitamins and minerals. Ask your veterinarian for a list of appropriate fresh foods to feed your pet.

TIP: Try hiding your pet's treat in their habitat to encourage natural foraging behavior. Underneath their hay pile is a perfect spot!

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• Treats

Providing Playtime Enrichment

Enrich your pet's daily life by supporting natural behaviors such as exploring, playing, hiding and chewing. Encouraging activity can improve your bond with your pet and promote physical activity. Shop toys and more to entertain your hamster, guinea pig, chinchilla or other small pet.

• Chewing: Most small pets will chew on almost anything, so it's important to provide safe, enriching options. Rotating natural chews and providing an assortment can help prevent unhealthy, boredom-based behaviors.
  
• Playing: In addition to the fun that play provides, there are numerous health benefits associated with daily play. Chews that make noise are fun for interactive play.
  
• Hiding: As prey species by nature, small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas are wired to hide from predators. It's important to support this instinct by providing safe hideouts for your pet.
  
• Exploring: Meeting your pet's instinctual exploration behaviors starts with providing a variety of fun challenges in the form of natural toys, play centers and structures. Place these items throughout your pet's living space to encourage exploration.

TIP: The more space your pet has for play, the better! Pets with access to large play areas will be more likely to be physically active and less prone to obesity. Set up your pet's space with obstacle courses involving toys, play centers and more.

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• Small Pet Chews
• Small Pet Hideouts
• Small Pet Exercise

Daily Small Pet Care

Maintaining a daily routine is a great way to decrease stress on your small pet and promote healthy habits.

Making a pet care checklist is an easy way to provide a visual reminder of your daily routine. It can help you be a more informed pet parent, tracking health and behavior trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. Daily care checklists can be especially helpful if you have children or multiple people sharing in caring for your pet.

TIP: Tasks such as deep cleaning your pet's enclosure and washing water bottles should be completed weekly, while nail trims and more thorough at-home wellness exams should be completed monthly.

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• Small Pet Stain & Odor

Shop by Species

Rabbit

Find habitats, hays, treats and more for your new rabbit.

Guinea Pig

Find bedding, food, supplements and more for your new guinea pig.

Chinchilla

Find Habitats, hays, chews and more for your new chinchilla.

Hamster & Gerbil

Find chews, water bottles, hideouts and more for your new hamster or gerbil.

Mouse & Rat

Find food, chews, hideouts and more for your new mouse or rat.

Ferret

Find habitats, food, supplements and more for your new ferret.

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Source: https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/pet-resource-center/pet-parent/new-small-animal-checklist

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