KEEPING YOUR FURRY FRIENDS HAPPY AND HEALTHY

Small pets like gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs may be tiny, but they have big personalities and complex needs. Providing them with proper enrichment is essential for their physical health and mental well-being. Just like larger animals, small pets require a stimulating environment to stay active, reduce stress, and prevent boredom-related behaviours such as chewing on cage bars or becoming lethargic. Here are some best practices for enriching your small pet’s life.

Small animals love to chew, and it’s not just for fun—it’s essential for their dental health. Animals like rabbits and guinea pigs have teeth that grow continuously, so providing them with safe chew toys, like our hay-ropes, is crucial. Always choose natural materials, such as untreated wood, hay, and cardboard, to give them something to gnaw on that’s both safe and satisfying. Chewable toys, woven tunnels, or hanging toys encourage chewing and play, providing both physical and mental stimulation.

In the wild, many small animals spend a significant portion of their day foraging for food. To mimic this natural behaviour, use food-dispensing toys or scatter their food around their enclosure to encourage them to search for it. Simple homemade solutions like hiding treats inside one of our hay balls or wrapping food in untreated paper can keep your pets engaged for hours. It’s not just about the food—it's about stimulating their instincts.

Small animals love to explore and burrow. Providing them with tunnels, hideouts, and platforms can make their environment more dynamic and engaging. Hideouts offer them a safe space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed, while tunnels and platforms allow them to explore and exercise. Adding multi-level enclosures or placing hay ropes as climbing aids can enhance their sense of exploration, offering both physical and mental challenges.

Many small pets are social animals and thrive on interaction with their humans and, in some cases, with other pets. Spend time handling and talking to your pet, allowing them to bond with you and feel safe in their environment. For animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, who prefer to live in pairs or groups, providing social companionship is key to their happiness. Our tugs are wonderful bonding tools in these shared moments.

Lastly, ensure your small pet has enough space to explore and play. Their environment should be clean, safe, and stimulating. Regularly rotate toys and enrichments, such as new chew items or rearranging their tunnels and hideouts, to keep things fresh. We all get bored with the same old same old. Our furry friends are no different.

By providing your small pet with a variety of enrichment activities, you’ll help them lead a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.