Rodents: gerbils, mice, rats, hamsters

 

1. Good quality food that is species-specific:

We have recommended foods on our diet page (insert link) to help with your food selection process.  It is important to ensure that your pet receives plenty of vitamins and minerals.  Ideally, food should be dispersed in the living space to encourage foraging and prevent boredom. However, if using bowls, please ensure that they are cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis.

 

Small mammals travel huge distances in the wild to forage for food, and eat a variety of plants. Remember that species such as rats are omnivores, and may require additional protein in their diet.

 

2. Fresh water must be available and accessible at all times.

Small mammals frequently find using a water bottle difficult – no wild small animal will crane its head at an odd position to drink if there is a ground source available!  Please offer water in a bowl instead of or as well as a water bottle.  Bottles and bowls should be cleaned regularly to avoid build-up of algae and bacteria that can cause ill health or block the water bottle spout.

 

3. A hutch or cage of suitable size should be available.

Please contact us if you are thinking of purchasing any of these species for more information.

 

Gerbils will need plenty of height as well as floor area. They love to rearrange their houses on a regular basis – do not be offended if they change your set-up!

 

All species require different floor levels to move between, and as much space as possible should be provided.

 

4. Space to exercise:

Exercise is extremely important to prevent obesity and diabetes mellitus, and to promote natural behaviour.  These animals would forage all day in the wild so require huge amounts of exercise.  Try to avoid exercise wheels: these are detrimental to spinal health and have been known to cause fatalities for animals struggling to get off again.

 

5. Environmental enrichment:

Hiding places are essential for all of these species, whether indoor or outdoor, and help to dramatically reduce stress. Hides can range from commercially available products to bits of old drain pipe, flower pots, or old toilet rolls.  A variety of toys should also be provided, ideally that can be gnawed on.  These should be replaced and refreshed regularly to provide more chewing opportunity, and to prevent boredom.

 

6. Safety from predators, including your pets, at all times.

Never leave your dog or cat with your small mammal when unsupervised. Although they may be the best of friends, instinct is strong in predatory species. It only takes one slip for your dog or cat to kill your small pet by accident, leaving everyone devastated. We can never blame dogs and cats for hunting –it is simply their nature.  Never leave your pet in an exercise ball in plain view of a predator.

 

7. Regular health care:

We recommend six monthly check-ups as a bare minimum for all species, to keep up-to-date with their general health.  These animals are prey species and are designed to hide any signs of ill health until they cannot keep going any longer.  If you notice any change in your pet, please bring them for a check-up as soon as possible.