Size
- Bigger is better
- For chinchillas, rats and mice, you can add
‘levels’ to the cage to increase living space
- Rabbits, and guinea pigs are not climbers, and
hamsters climb but tend to fall and get hurt. These
critters should have single-story dwellings or a
home with full-floor levels connected by a sturdy
ramp. These animals should not live in cages where
they could potentially fall from a height and
become injured.
Flooring
- If your cage has a wire floor, you MUST cover
the floor with a solid surface such as cage mats
or linoleum.
Bedding and Litter
- Do not use cedar or pine shavings for bedding.
These contain toxic hydrocarbons which can give
your pet serious respiratory problems. Choose
soft, absorbent, less aromatic bedding such as
carefresh, alpha-dri, or aspen.
- Small animals love to have soft things to
snuggle up with. Do not give materials with loops
or strands that can snag little nails. Choose
materials like fleece, felt, organic cotton fluff,
or tightly woven, securely sewn knits that are
unlikely to fray.
Food and Water Containers
- Water should be stored in a glass water bottle
mounted outside the cage. The opening of the water
bottle should be large enough to accommodate a
bottle brush for cleaning.
- We prefer storing water in glass rather than
plastic because it is easier to clean and does not
run the risk of leaching contaminating chemicals
into your pets water supply.
- Don't use an open bowl for water; they spill
and collect all sorts of debris.
- Food dishes should be low and heavy enough to
prevent tipping, or mounted to the cage by hooks
or clamps. We prefer ceramic or stainless steel
dishes for their durability and ease of
cleaning.
Environmental Enrichment
Environmental enrichment is not optional.
Providing only the basics, (food, water, exercise,
and a clean, safe living space), may meet your
pet’s physical needs, but the need for mental
stimulation is just as great as physical needs.
When animals live in impoverished environments,
they commonly suffer from behavior problems and
physical ailments. Your cage dwelling pet needs
cage accessories, toys, and out of cage time to
prevent boredom and stress and to provide the
opportunity to perform most of the behaviors she
would in a natural setting. Climbing, digging,
burrowing, hoarding, gnawing, you name it, if your
pet would do it ‘in the wild’, she should have the
opportunity to do it in her home environment.
(Within reason that is: There are certain
breeding, aggressive, and predatory behaviors that
are extremely impractical or unsafe to allow). So
study up on your pet. Contact species specific
rescue and fan groups that know the most about
your pet’s behavior and find out what other folks
are doing to make their little critters feel
naturally at home. Then take a look at our toys
and cage accessories to find some products that
will help you give your little pet the best life
you can.
|
