Mary Allen
Keeping small animals outside is a great thing, especially in summer. The natural environment and the fresh air stimulate the senses and invigorate the mind. Find out here what precautions you have to take to create a cozy home for your animals on the balcony or garden.
Keeping Small Animals Outside: Fresh Air is Healthy
The keeping in the outdoor enclosure is the form of keeping guinea pigs and rabbits, which comes closest to the natural way of life of the animals. Your pets need enough exercise – short distances in a dwelling that is far too small are by no means sufficient. Getting your rabbits or guinea pigs too little or no exercise at all can have worrying consequences. The animals may behave completely indifferent or aggressive. But the lack of exercise is also noticeable physically. Muscle curvature, obesity, cardiovascular weakness, and lower life expectancy are not uncommon here. Small animals that are physically challenged and encouraged, on the other hand, are much more vital, more curious, happier, and healthier.
The First Step: Getting Used to the Climate
Guinea pigs and rabbits that have only been kept indoors must first be acclimatized slowly. We recommend getting used to it in the spring, as this time of year is usually the ideal time to get used to the climate. For example, if you put a rabbit on the cold terrace surface in winter, you negligently endanger the health of the animal, as it has not formed any winter fur in the warm dwelling. So approach your project calmly and thoughtfully.
Oasis of Well-Being on the Balcony
A balcony that is oriented to the east, south-east, or south-west is particularly suitable. In the warm summer months, it can quickly get too hot on a south-facing balcony. Of course, the animals must not be exposed to drafts either. For this reason, positioning the dwelling in a north / north-west direction should also be avoided if possible.
Are you worried that your balcony is rather “unsuitable”? No panic! Alternatively, you can use an awning or a large parasol to protect your heat-sensitive companion. You can also easily build a wonderfully airy shade yourself with a canvas that you can fix at two points, for example. Of course, you should always keep an eye on the shifting position of the sun! If your balcony is completely open at the top, you should also think about suitable roofing.
Safety Precautions on the Balcony
Small animals can slip through the smallest of gaps. Occasionally, rabbits even jump over a railing. In order to counteract such activities preventively, you should adequately secure any gaps in the parapet, especially near the ground, but also towards the top. A galvanized steel mesh proves to be particularly suitable for this, as it can withstand the power of rabbit teeth, which should not be underestimated. In addition, the robust material protects the animals against invading martens.
Even slippery surfaces, such as smooth floor tiles, can be dangerous for your animals and are also very cool. Therefore, it is better to use a rice or corn straw mat. Alternatively, you can also have an edging made, which is then sprinkled with straw or bark mulch.
The Enclosure in the Garden: the Position of the Sun
The same applies here: Find a rather shady spot in the garden! Of course, nothing speaks against it if a smaller corner of the new home is illuminated by the much weaker morning or evening sun. Many small animals even love it when the mild warmth of the morning or evening sun rays to warm their fur. Contrary to the saying, the motto is Better too little than too much!
Security Measures: Animal Opponents
Martens, birds of prey, weasels, and wild cats pose a serious risk when keeping small animals outside. You should therefore not take your eyes off your favorites in a provisionally limited area. The situation is different, however, if you set up an enclosure that is surrounded from above and all around with robust material, for example, galvanized steel grating. To be on the safe side, you can also fix the grille in the ground. Of course, you should still take a look at your favorites in between and make sure that they are fine.
The Change in Diet: Too Much Green Can Be Dangerous
Rabbits in particular, who are used to little green fodder, greedily pounce on the tempting blades of grass. In order to avoid serious digestive problems resulting from this, you should get your animals used to the change in diet step by step in advance. Additional caution is required in meadows that have been trimmed with a gasoline lawnmower shortly before your pet’s stay. The pollutant residues can be a health disaster for your four-legged friend. After a heavy rain shower, however, the grass should be ready to eat again.
Reaching Your Goal With Creativity
A weatherproof and solid sleeping house, as well as a well-kept toilet box, should not be missing in any small animal housing. Of course, the physical well-being of your faithful companion must also be taken care of. A food bowl is just as much a part of the interior as a drinking machine. There should also be gnawing material and a small digging box – after all, your darling shouldn’t get bored! Small tunnels, bridges, houses, and elevated vantage points give your guinea pig or rabbit additional pleasure. So you see: Everything that your animal friend has fun with is allowed – and best of all: a cozy open-air oasis keeps your animals happy and healthy!