Mary Allen
There is a lot to consider for the appropriate keeping of small animals. Each species of animal has special characteristics and needs and therefore needs different requirements for a relaxed life. Find out here how the most popular small animals should be kept.
The Keeping of Rabbits
In the wild, rabbits live in large groups to protect one another and keep one another company. For this reason, care should be taken to keep small animals in a species-appropriate manner and the rabbits never live alone. In order for the little long-eared ears to feel good, they need at least one partner with whom they can play, romp and cuddle to their heart’s content because they have very pronounced social behavior.
Pack Formation
There are no “rules” in putting the pack together, but it has been proven that couples get along best. Keeping two same-sex long-eared ears is not a problem until sexual maturity, but afterward, there can be strong rank fights, which is why the group often has to be separated. Sometimes castration helps avoid fights in males.
The Rabbit Home
The accommodation of the small animals should also be designed in a species-appropriate manner. The following rule of thumb applies here: at least 2m² of space is required for each rabbit (including the area for daily exercise). This area can be achieved, for example, with an additional outlet. In the living room, every rabbit needs its own personal sleeping space, to which it can retreat undisturbed.
When it comes to furnishing, variety is particularly important. Rabbits like to jump on higher lookout points and plateaus, which is why there should be different floors in the run. Various places of retreat such as caves or small houses should of course not be missing. The facility is rounded off with various tunnels, bridges, and tubes, over and under which the animals can run and jump as they please. Of course, the optimal equipment also includes a hay rack, feeding, and drinking options.
Food
From fruit to vegetables, there is actually nothing that a rabbit does not eat. However, caution is advised here: the small animals do not tolerate some types of fruit and vegetables particularly well. Red cabbage or plums, for example, shouldn’t be on the menu for cuddly long-eared people. Rather, you should offer your rabbit fresh grass, herbs, and flowers. Special dry fodder as well as hay and straw also play an important role in nutrition.
The Keeping of Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs can also always be found in large groups in the wild. Therefore, the guinea pig home should be inhabited by at least two guinea pigs in the apartment. The rodents feel most comfortable with a group of at least four animals. Unfamiliar surroundings are then explored, cuddled, and played together.
Group Formation
Ideally, there is only one goat in each group, otherwise, disputes between the hosts can quickly arise. The age and even the character of the individual animals also play an important role in the perfect harmony in the piggy group. A pure group of goats should also be avoided, as life without females is unnatural for the animals. Furthermore, turf wars can occur more quickly in this combination. A coexistence of groups of females, on the other hand, is less of a problem. Here, one animal usually takes on the role of the buck.
The Spatial Design
When designing the space for the guinea pigs, it should be ensured that the animals are very happy to move. They love to run and jump, which is why a lot of space is almost indispensable. This space can be made available either in the form of a separate run or as a large enclosure. As a rule, a minimum floor area of 0.20m² is included per animal, which of course can be exceeded.
Above all, the dwelling should be equipped with enough houses and sleeping places, as guinea pigs like to have a personal retreat. The animals should also be given enough variety. They don’t need climbing frames, but furnishings such as tunnels, caves, bridges, and floors are welcome fun in any guinea pig home. In addition to the pleasure, essential items such as a hay rack as well as feed and water dispensers should of course not be missing.
The Menu
The diet of small animals should mainly consist of grasses and herbs, as this corresponds to the natural diet. But fruit and vegetables are also very popular with many guinea pigs and represent a healthy change. The animals are supplied with all the important nutrients they need for a balanced, healthy life. It should be noted, however, that guinea pigs cannot tolerate all types of fruit and vegetables. The menu is rounded off with a delicious portion of kernels and seeds, which ensure a species-appropriate diet.
The Keeping of Hamsters
In contrast to almost all other small animals, hamsters are loners. In nature they live in their own burrow and defend it with all their might from intruders – conspecifics not excluded! The only exception is the animals during the mating season, from an age of 4 to 8 weeks, however, the young animals are also left to fend for themselves. When keeping pets, the animals should be separated by the time they reach sexual maturity at the latest, as otherwise strong territorial fights can occur. Keeping several hamsters almost always means sheer stress for the animals!
Spacious Home
The accommodation of the little rodent should offer as much space as possible, as the animals are very happy to move. In the wild, hamsters can travel several kilometers in search of food. Its construction consists of an underground tunnel system with many corridors. The cage should also offer plenty of space for running and digging when keeping hamsters at home. The minimum size for such an accommodation is at least 0.5 to 1m². There should always be a mesh lid on the cage, even if an aquarium is used as the cage. Otherwise, hamsters will quickly learn how to make their way into freedom.
There are no limits to the design of the hamster housing. The more hiding places, climbing frames, and tunnels the better. Hamsters are very active animals at night and love to scurry, climb and dig. The dwelling should therefore offer a lot of variety, different floors and plenty of litter for digging are ideal for the small animals. One thing that should not be missing in any hamster cage is the impeller. The little ones can really work out on a balance bike and pursue their natural urge to move. It is important to ensure that the wheel is adapted to the size of the animal. Golden hamsters, for example, should be provided with a larger wheel than a dwarf hamster.
The Hamster Kitchen
When it comes to daily meals, the composition of the diet is similar to that of other small animals. Above all, herbs, fruits, grains, and vegetables are at the top of the menu. But also unusual things like insects like mealworms are very popular with hamsters. The animals collect the food in their cheek pouches and then bring it to their self-made camp, usually buried or in a small chamber in the dwelling. For this reason, fresh food should not be fed too often, because here you have to check where the hamster has hidden the food to make sure that it does not go moldy.
Appropriate Small Animal Husbandry Means Small Animal Happiness
Whether hamsters, rabbits, or guinea pigs, all small animals look forward to a cozy home with plenty of space to play and relax. If you pay attention to species-appropriate small animal husbandry and a healthy, species-appropriate diet, you will ensure them a long, happy, vital, and contented life for them.