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Getting a Small AnimalGetting a Small Animal

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Getting a Small Animal?

Welcoming a new pet into the family can be a bit overwhelming so we formulated this shopping list so you can make sure you have all the tools for a smooth introduction

HUTCH OR CAGE

Needs to be roomy enough that your pet can sleep comfortably, have a run around and go to the toilet. Consider whether you will be keeping your pet indoors or outdoors and how easy it is for you to keep clean

HOUSE OR HIDING SPOT

Small pets need a quiet dark place to make themselves a bed. There are a variety of options available including igloos, fiddlesticks, tunnels and hiding caves. Choose something that can be easily washed or replaced on a regular basis

PET SAFE HUTCH / CAGE DISINFECTANT

A spray on cleaner that is safe for use around small animals

WATER BOTTLE OR BOWL

Water bottles are an easy way to keep a constant supply of fresh clean drinking water available for your small pet. Otherwise use a ceramic or stainless steel heavy bottom bowl and change the water daily.

FOOD BOWL

Choose a bowl that will hold enough food for a couple of days. It should be sturdy enough that your small pet can’t knock it over

HAY & VEGETABLE MANGER

Helps keep your daily offerings of fresh vegetables and hay up off the ground

FOOD

Choose a good quality pellet or grain food formulated for your breed of small pet. Supplement daily with fresh hay, dark green leafy vegetables and a variety of hard fruits. Don’t give hay to rats and mice

VITAMIN & MINERAL / SALT SUPPLEMENT

Available as drops, powder and blocks these supplements are essential if you are unable to feed fresh foods daily

FLEA / MITE SPRAY

Small pets sometimes get mites that can cause itching and irritation. Apply mite powder directly to your small pet and it’s environment to control these pests

HAY

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs require good quality fresh hay daily. Hay forms a large part of the high fibre diet necessary to keep your rabbit or guinea pig in tip top condition

PINE BEDDING

Pine bedding is great for use on the bottom of small pet homes. It absorbs liquid and odour and provides warmth in cold weather. For rats and mice we recommend using a hard wood pine shaving such as Aspen or a recycled paper litter as bedding. These are both low in dust and contain no aromatic oils which are dangerous for rats and mice

GROOMING TOOLS

Long-haired rabbits and guinea pigs require regular grooming to keep the fur free from matting. Grooming is also a good way to help form a close bond between you and your small pet

SHAMPOO

Lots of small pets, especially rabbits quite enjoy being bathed. Choose a shampoo specially formulated for small animals

HARNESS & LEAD

If you have a small back yard or choose to keep your rabbit indoors a harness and lead are a great tool to help broaden your rabbit’s environment. Take your rabbit to a local park or to a friends house for some outside playtime and know that he is safe and under your control

TOILET TRAINING EQUIPMENT

It is possible to toilet train some small pets, especially rabbits. Arm yourself with a litter tray, scoop and litter. Place the litter tray in a quiet corner as far away from food and water as you can get it. Place a small amount of droppings in the tray to encourage your pet to use the tray. Some patience is required but your rabbit should get the hang of it eventually

CRITTER LITTER

Use specially formulated small animal or recycled paper litter and change every couple of days

CHEWING TREATS

Most small pets teeth are constantly growing so provide a variety of chewable treats and toys to help maintain good oral health

TOYS

Small animals love to play! Provide balls, tubes, swings, tunnels, ladders and soft companions to keep your small pets mind active