How to Create the Perfect Home for Small Pets: The Ultimate Guide

How to create the perfect set-up for your small pet! 

Thinking of bringing home a furry friend that's on the smaller side? Small pets such as hamsters, gerbils and mice can be great introductory pets for young children to look after - practicing how to care for and nurture other beings, and how to take on responsibility. They also make a friendly companion to pet owners who may not have space for larger animals or who simply prefer the little things in life! 

Some might underestimate the amount of care and attention that smaller pets need - even though they require less routine and take up less space, they still require a lot of love and attention. Whether you're welcoming a curious gerbil or a cuddly hamster, creating the right environment is key to keeping your new pet happy and healthy. 

Here's a simple, friendly guide to setting up a small pet paradise! 

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAGE: your pet's home should be safe, spacious and escape-proof! 

• Size matters! - Small animals need a decent amount of space to run around, dig and explore. A floor space of 50 x 80cm is recommended. However, for smaller cages you may take into account whether they have any additional vertical space for additional exploration. For example, the Ferplast Multipla range has the option to customise and add levels to your small pet's cage, creating more room overall. 
  
• Solid base - Make sure to avoid wired flooring. Solid bases are more durable and will better protect your pet's little feet! 
  
• Bar spacing - Make sure the bars are close together (under 1cm) to prevent Houdini-style escapes! 
  

Glass tanks or large plastic habitats with mesh lids are great for gerbils - they keep the bedding inside whilst providing lots of digging space. 

BROWSE SMALL ANIMAL CAGES HERE. 

IMAGE: Ferplast Multipla Hamster Cage with Accessories. 

2. BEDDING AND SUBSTRATE: great bedding means great naps, burrows and adventures! 

• Recommended - Using dust-free, paper-based bedding or aspen shavings are the best choices for keeping your small pet comfy and safe. Paper-based bedding is ideal for burrowing, whilst hay can be a great addition for small animals to use as nesting material and even food.
  
• What to avoid - Avoid scented bedding or materials such as pine or cedar shavings (these strong scents can irritate and harm your pet's lungs). Cotton wool should also be avoided; the denser texture can be dangerous as your pet may get tangled in the fibres or even ingest it. 
• Layering - Ideally, layer at lease 15-20 cm of your chosen bedding for hamsters, and more for gerbils, who are natural diggers! 

BROWSE SMALL ANIMAL BEDDING HERE.

3. ENRICHMENT, TOYS & TUNNELS: don't let your fur baby get bored! Invest in toys and accessories to keep their day-to-day fun and engaging! 

• Chew toys - Wooden toys, cardboard rolls, and safe sticks help to wear down your small pet's teeth. 
• Tunnels & hideouts - PVC pipes, coconut shells and cardboard boxes make great hidey-holes and passageways for your small pet to navigate. Their world may be small, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun or interesting for them! 
• Exercise wheels - Hamsters in particular are big fans of exercise wheels. Make sure the wheel has a solid surface (no wire rungs) that are at least 20cm in diameter. Gerbils and mice? Not all are fans, but it doesn't hurt to offer one and see! 
  

Look for a quiet wheel - you'll thanks us at 2am! 

BROWSE SMALL ANIMAL ENRICHMENT HERE.

4. FOOD & WATER: keep their tiny tummies happy! 

• Bowls - Use small ceramic bowls for food and these are heavier and won't tip over as easily. 
  
• Water bottles - Fresh water is essential! Water bottles that are an appropriate size with a metal spout are best for easy cleaning and your pet's comfort. 
• Safe food - Small animal diets can range from high-quality hay, nutritious pellets and seed mixes. Additional treats or fresh veggies such as small slices of carrot or cucumber are great in moderation. To browse small pet food, please click here. 

Always look up the specific dietary requirements of your pet before giving them any new treat! 

5. SQUEAKY CLEAN: you pet should have a clean, habitable home, but remember - they also like familiar scents, so don't go overboard with the cleaning!

• Spot-clean daily - Remove soiled bedding or uneaten food regularly for general maintenance and to reduce hazards that build up over time.
  
• Full clean - Full cage clean-outs should take place every 1-2 weeks. Remove and replace their bedding, and clean surfaces with pet safe cleaner. 
  

Always leave a bit of old bedding behind when doing a clean. It helps your small pet feel more secure and comfortable in their space. 

BONUS TIP: BE PATIENT! 

Small pets like hamsters, gerbils and mice can be shy and hesitant at first. Give them time to settle, and avoid handling them too much over the first few days. Offer treats by hand, speak softly, avoid sudden movements or loud noises, and let them come to you. Before you know it, you'll have a trusting curious companion who can't wait to explore your hand (and maybe your sleeve too!) 

Ready to create your small pet's dream home? Shop your small animal needs at the Real Pet Store! Click here to browse!