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A wide range of prepared food is available and many are formulated for rabbits of different ages or sizes. Be very careful not to overfeed as this can lead to obesity. Do not change your rabbits’ commercial feed suddenly, as it can cause fatal digestive upsets. A change in food should be done over a period of at least two weeks. Rabbits come in different shapes, sizes and colours and domestic rabbits kept as pets are fundamentally the same as their wild cousins – who live in large social groups and cover an area equivalent to six football pitches every day.
Wood shavings or cat litter are both suitable floor coverings. As a general rule, cages should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week. A good quality, pet-friendly disinfectant should be used and all the bedding and shavings replaced with a fresh supply. Enrichment activities are a great way to keep small pets entertained, while also allowing them to satisfy their inquisitive natures. But it’s important to remember that not all small animals are the same, and a toy that’s okay for a hamster won’t necessarily be safe for a gerbil. Because of this, you should always read up on toys or activities to make sure they’re safe before offering them to your pet. Nutrition: Do some research into what a healthy and balanced diet looks like for your particular species of pet. Diet is very important for oral health too as small furries need the right type of food to look after their teeth. One easy way you can make an enrichment toy for your pet at home is by stuffing items such as toilet rolls with a mixture of hay and treats. These toys will encourage your pet to have a good old forage, and can also help to increase the amount of hay they eat – which helps to keep both their dental and digestive systems healthy.Mice are inquisitive and active, therefore they should be provided with as much stimulation as possible. Their cage should include a solid exercise wheel and a selection of toys to avoid boredom. You guinea pigs’ nails will require regular clipping, which you will need special small animal nail clippers for. Your pet shop or vet will be able to advise or do this for you if you do not feel comfortable. Chipmunks are very active and energetic and therefore a large cage is essential. There are several types of housing designed for chipmunks but aviaries are preferable. Whichever type is chosen it must be completely escape-proof with a mesh size no bigger than 25 x 25 mm. Aviaries should have a double-door entry system and a solid base to prevent vermin entering if kept outdoors. Any wooden framing should be similarly protected. There are many prepared foods that are suitable for gerbils, but those that contain a lot of sunflower seeds should be avoided. Food should be offered in a small, heavy bowl and changed daily.
When you first get your hamster home, leave him to settle in for 24 hours to allow him time to get used to his new surroundings.
It's a small animal thing!
Hygiene: Remove soiled bedding and droppings daily. Give bowls and toys a weekly clean. Once a month, remove everything and clean it (including the housing itself) with warm soapy water if possible or a pet-safe cleaning spray. As rats are indoor pets they should be kept at an even temperature ideally between 16˚C and 22˚C. You should avoid putting the cage in draughts, direct sunlight or in damp or humid conditions. Grooming:Grooming helps keep your ferret healthy and allows you time to bond with your pet. Your ferret should be groomed at least once a week and your pet shop will be able to advise you on a suitable brush.
A hutch or cage should have a layer of absorbent bedding on the floor with plenty of hay or straw for nesting. Any bedding that becomes wet should be removed daily along with any uneaten fresh foods. A litter tray can be used in the latrine corner, which is easier to clean daily. While long-haired guinea pigs require a daily brush to keep their coats tangle and matt-free, shorthaired varieties only need a weekly onceover as part of their regular grooming routine. Like puppies and kittens, ferrets tend to ‘test’ things with their teeth. They are not vicious, but can make one or two experimental nips. Ferrets are startled easily and do have sharp teeth, so until you have got to know your ferret and established mutual trust, do not allow him too near your face. Your gerbils will create a network of burrows in much the same way as they would in the wild. This is fun to watch and stimulating for the animals but makes handling difficult. The contents of the gerbilarium will need to be changed every few weeks. You could also place ceramic tubes or jars near the bottom of the peat to make for more permanent tunnels.HousingFerrets can be kept indoors or outdoors provided the accommodation is dry, draught-free, escape-proof and out of direct sunlight. If keeping your ferrets indoors, beware of open doors and windows from which they can escape through. Since chipmunks spend much of their time in the wild foraging, fresh food and treats should be placed or hidden in different parts of the enclosure, so that the animals have to search for it. A box containing peat or shavings encourages digging, allowing for natural behaviour.
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