Would you love to have a pet, but are in a situation that doesn’t allow for a cat or dog?
Consider pocket pets.
It sounds like a toy, but this is just the term for small animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, gerbils, and other small rodents.
But before you run off to the pet store to get one, it’s important to do a little research.
Different Pocket Pets Have Different Needs
We’ll take a look at three of the most popular pocket pets and the best ways you can meet their specific needs.
Rabbit
Be sure to provide a clean and roomy cage with an aspen substrate. Avoid pine and cedar substrates, since these are toxic to rabbits. The cage should also have a water bottle, a place for bunny to hide, and perhaps a litter box.
Your rabbit also needs time out of her cage each day so be sure to bunny-proof your home. Remove toxic plants or chemicals, cover cords and wires, and keep shoes, purses or other hiding places out of reach.
The bulk of your bunny’s diet should be fresh grass hay, so have it available at all times. She can also have commercial rabbit food, as well as fresh produce.
And if you want to really spend some quality time together and keep her happy, brush or comb her coat regularly. It’ll keep the coat shiny and she’ll bond with you at the same time.
Guinea Pig
Like gerbils, guinea pigs are happiest when there are other guinea pigs.
When setting up the cage, keep in mind that guinea pigs have teeth that are constantly growing and they will chew on just about anything. That means everything in the cage must be nontoxic. Look for ink-free paper and commercial nesting materials at pet-supply stores.
And avoid cedar chips, sawdust, or fabrics.
Also provide your guinea pig with tunnels to crawl through, as well as platforms on which they can climb. Additionally, give them a heavy food bowl, water bottle with sipper tube and a gnawing log.
Guinea pigs love to snack on high-quality hay, commercial guinea pig food, and fruit and veggies. They need a lot more Vitamin C than other pets, so be sure to feed them fresh veggies such as kale and cabbage too.
Gerbil
The gerbil is a social creature, so it’s a good idea to have two. Be sure that they are the same sex though. And if they haven’t been introduced, they may need time to get to know one another.
Your gerbil cage needs to have plenty of aspen shavings, shredded newspapers, or other paper products because they love to dig and burrow. Much like with the rabbit, pine and cedar substrates are dangerous to gerbils, so avoid them.
Also, be sure the cage has at least one hiding place.
Rodent pellets should make up the basis of their diet. Be careful with seed mixes specially formulated for gerbils as they tend to pick out only their favorite morsels. Gerbils also enjoy small bits of fruits and veggies, bread, and even a tiny bit of cheese for a special treat.
Fall in Love with Your Pocket Pets
When properly cared for and loved, your pocket pet will reward you in so many different ways.
And if you’re concerned about where to go if your pocket pet gets sick, don’t worry! Contact us today with any questions or concerns you might have.