Small Pet

Guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters are three different animals with three sets of needs. The most common small pet mistakes happen because shops lump them together. This guide goes species by species through what a good choice actually depends on.

Guinea pig and rabbit cage size: the mistake almost everyone makes

On guinea pig cage size, the shop shelf is misleading: most boxes sold as cages are really only big enough for a night shelter. Two guinea pigs need a floor area of at least 120x60 centimetres, a rabbit needs even more, and both species are social animals that belong in pairs or groups. For furnishing a rabbit cage the rule is simple: a hideout, a feeding spot and room to move, kept separate from each other. The full sizing and layout guide is in our housing article.

Hay rack and feeding: why hay should never sit on the floor

Hay is the foundation of a guinea pig's and a rabbit's diet, so it has to be available around the clock. Hay scattered on the floor quickly mixes with bedding and soaks through, and at that point the animal stops eating it. A hay rack solves precisely this: the hay stays clean and dry, and the animal grazes whenever it likes. Chew items are a need rather than a luxury, because constantly growing teeth have to be worn down. Quality is visible at a glance: good hay is greenish, fragrant and dust-free, while a yellowed, crumbling bale belongs back on the shelf.

Hamster wheel size, and who should not have a wheel at all

An exercise wheel is for hamsters, and even there the details matter: the hamster wheel size is right when the animal's back stays straight while running, and the running surface must be solid, never rungs. A quietly bearinged wheel is something your own sleep will thank you for. Guinea pigs and rabbits, on the other hand, should never have a wheel, because it damages their spine: they need daily run time in an exercise area with hiding places instead. The species-by-species detail is in our enrichment article.

Water bottle or bowl, and keeping things clean

On drinking there are two schools: a water bottle keeps the water clean and cannot tip over, while a bowl allows a more natural drinking posture. Many owners offer both and let the animal decide. Whichever you choose, change the water daily and wash the drinker weekly, checking a bottle's ball valve for sticking. For bedding, look for dust-free and unscented, and a thorough weekly clean is the best protection against smells and illness alike.

If you would like the list tailored to your own animal, write to us and we will happily help.