For Rabbits, Ferrets, and Pocket Pets Habitats & Feeding For Rabbits, Ferrets, and Pocket Pets

Objectives Standard: Objective: 9.00- Select the best pocket pet or bird for a given use. Objective: 9.02- Use care techniques that improve the well-being of pocket pets & birds.

Rabbits-Housing and Equipment Hutch size depends on the size of the animal with small rabbits needing cages 24” wide x 24 “ long x 14” high and large rabbits (over 12 pounds) needing 24” x 48” x 18” high. The Belgian Hare is an active breed that needs even more space

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Rabbits-Housing and Equipment Solid wood floors are needed for large breeds (over 12 pounds) to prevent sore hocks. Absorbent materials for solid floors should be replaced weekly, but cages should be cleaned daily www.petwebsite.com/.../ rabbit_woodshavings.htm

Rabbits-Housing and Equipment Wire floors are easier to keep clean because urine and feces drop to a removable tray below. Cages for small rabbits will need to be cleaned about once or twice a week

Rabbits-Housing and Equipment Control urine odor with baking soda sprinkled in the corners of the collection tray and replace absorbent material on a regular basis http://www.racingsmarter.com/images/Baking%20Soda.jpg

Rabbits-Housing and Equipment Raise rabbits outside year-round, but protect from winter wind and provide air movement in hot weather if temperature goes above 90 degrees F. A frozen water bottle and fans can help keep the rabbit cool in hot weather

Rabbits-Housing and Equipment Ventilation is a must, but avoid cool, damp, drafts Sixteen hours of daylight or artificial lighting promotes breeding

Rabbits-Housing and Equipment Galvanized metal self-feeders that clip on the outside of the cage allow quick feeding and help eliminate waste. Bowls take up cage space and are subject to be tipped over.

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Rabbits-Housing and Equipment Vacuum-type water bottles that clip on the outside of the cage are best for eliminating wet dewlaps and spills that can spoil bedding and result in lack of water for the pet http://www.havahart.com/rabbit/waterbottles.asp

Rabbits-Housing and Equipment Rabbits need a lot of water. A 16 ounce water bottle is minimum, and a 32 ounce bottle is better. http://www.bassequipment.com/manwater.htm

Rabbits-Feeding Best to use pelleted-type commercial feed formulated to meet daily nutritional needs Use fruits, vegetables, and leafy green foods in moderation to avoid gastrointestinal problems http://spinpro.from-the.net/graphic/feed-pellets.jpg

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Rabbits-Feeding Grass hay, oats, corn, oatmeal, wheat germ, pieces of carrot, carrot tops, slices of apples and bananas, pineapple, and green beans are acceptable http://www.wegmans.com/kitchen/ingredients/produce/fruit/images/apples.jpg http://www.cnn.com/interactive/food/0005/health.pantry/big.oatmeal.jpg http://www.eleganthack.com/archives/carrots.jpg

Rabbits-Feeding Young rabbits should not be fed leafy green vegetables such as lettuce because of their high water content. Results in diarrhea and dehydration because rabbits stop drinking water.

Hamsters-Housing and Equipment Size for a single hamster is 10” x 16” x 10” tall. Cages must be gnaw-proof. Commercial cages have stainless steel tops and bottoms. Plastic floors are designed so the animal can’t gnaw with their teeth

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Hamsters-Housing and Equipment Water bottle needs to hang outside the cage to prevent damage from the animal gnawing or be protected with a metal cover Aquariums make good cages. They allow the animal to see out and are easy to clean http://altura.speedera.net/ccimg.catalogcity.com/200000/203100/203198/Products/8608812.jpg

Hamsters-Housing and Equipment Exercise wheels may be plastic or metal. Plastic wheels will be destroyed by the animal’s gnawing, but are quieter. This is important because hamsters exercise all night long

http://www. shoppingbot http://www.shoppingbot.info/departments/PETCARE/Category-1-Hamster_Gerbil_Supplies-Hamster_Gerbil_Toys.html

Hamsters-Housing and Equipment Hamsters need plenty of clean fresh bedding (paper confetti or strips, wood chips or shavings, hay, straw, or pieces of cotton) to absorb urine and give hamsters something to chew on http://www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/acatalog/woodshavings1.jpg

Hamsters- Feeding Easiest to use commercially prepared hard , pellets Mixed rations should contain seed, lettuce, dried peas, beans and nuts Avoid sudden changes in the diet and don’t overfeed greens and fruits that may cause diarrhea Don’t leave soft type foods in the cage to spoil and be cautious because the feed may get stuck in the hamster’s pouch. Special treats include sunflower seeds, crickets, and grasshoppers.

Gerbils-Housing and Equipment Same as hamsters, but gerbils are more active and need more space A breeding pair needs 150 square inches of floor space Multiple gerbils need 36 square inches of floor space for each gerbil. Over crowding can lead to cannibalism

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Gerbils-Housing and Equipment Gerbils can jump, so a wire mesh cover is essential Avoid cotton and wool for bedding. These materials can cause blockage in the digestive system when the gerbil eats them

Gerbils-Housing and Equipment Cardboard tubes from toilet tissue and paper towels make excellent temporary tunnels and gerbils enjoy chewing them up Only use solid plastic exercise wheels. Wheels that have spokes may snag the tail of the gerbil and cause injury http://www.aerospace-research.co.za/images/cardboard_tubes.jpg

Gerbils-Feeding Easiest to use commercially prepared hard pellets Mixed rations should contain seed, corn, oats, wheat and barley Avoid sudden changes in the diet and don’t overfeed greens (lettuce, cabbage, carrots, turnips, and beets) that may cause diarrhea http://www.pets24.co.uk/prodpics/2/Gerri_Gerbil_Premium_Mice_Food-19489m.jpg

Gerbils-Feeding Gerbils like bird seed which adds variety to their diet, but care must be taken when feeding oilseed like sunflower, because it may lead to obesity Gerbils do not drink much water, an 8 ounce drip-type water bottle is best

Rats-Housing and Equipment Basically the same as gerbils and hamsters 10” x 16” x 10” high cage is sufficient for a pair of rats and their litter All equipment needs to be gnaw-proof or protected

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Rats-Housing and Equipment Ceramic feed bowls are easy to clean, will not rust, gnaw-proof, and are difficult to turn over Ropes and ladders are good for exercise and wheels for small rats

Rats-Housing and Equipment Rats prefer paper tissue for nesting, but bedding should be wood shavings or chips http://www.verydangerousbeans.com/paper%20bedding..jpg http://www.pet-shop.net/assets/images/s18738.jpg

Rats-Feeding Easiest to use commercially prepared hard pellets for gerbils or small animals May add dry dog food, fruits, and vegetables Rats consume about 1 ounce of water per day and vitamins and minerals can be added to the water http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/resources/productreviews/images/fullsize/staple_xtravital.jpg

Mice-Housing and Equipment A pair of mice need a minimum of 72 square inches of floor space and a height of 8 inches. An aquarium 6” x 12” x 8” will work for a pair Bars of cage must be close together (5/16” apart)

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Mice-Housing and Equipment A mouse condo consists of several layers or platforms built on a table with concealed legs and at lease 20” from the floor. Mice have poor vision and will not jump from the table

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Mice-Housing and Equipment Wood shavings are ideal bedding and should be changed at least once per week Mice urinate in the corners of their cages. Cat litter and baking soda can help with the strong urine odor Water bowls will not work for mice as they quickly become contaminated with feces and urine

Mice-Feeding Easiest to use commercially prepared hard pellets for gerbils or other small animals, however, almost anything will work Mice will not overeat http://www.aqua-food.hu/ragcsalok/images/51072159.jpg

Guinea pig-Housing and Equipment The bottom of the cage needs to be at least 3-4 inches deep in order to prevent bedding material from being scattered Single guinea pig needs a 12” x 24” cage in order to get enough exercise. Guinea pigs do not climb and the cage will not need a top

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Guinea pig-Housing and Equipment Guinea pigs like to see what is going on and aquariums make excellent cages, while wood cages should be avoided because of the urine odor that builds up in the wood

Guinea pig-Housing and Equipment When multiple guinea pigs are being kept, each pig will need at least 180 square inches of floor space Keep outside air temperatures warm to 50 deg F Provide 3 square feet of run using chicken wire for outside pens

Guinea pigs-Feeding Easiest to use commercially prepared hard pellets and feed twice a day Guinea pigs are vegetarians Guinea pigs can not synthesize Vitamin C in their body and need Vitamin C enhanced pellets to supplement their diet and prevent scurvy. Vitamin C pellets must be used within 30 days of opening http://www.petfooddirect.com/store/images/prod/100159103KT1_lg.jpg

Guinea pigs-Feeding Fresh greens, lettuce, fruit, herbs, green vegetables, root vegetables, potatoes, clover, and dandelion greens are favorite foods Peanuts and sunflower seed are good treats but may lead to obesity because of their high fat content http://www.prodigalgardens.info/Images/Herb%20Pics%20May/Dandelion/Dandelion%20Greens.JPG

Guinea pigs-Feeding Guinea pigs drink with their mouth full of feed, so water bottle tubes must be cleaned regularly to prevent the build up of bacteria Guinea pigs consume a lot of water and need a 16 or 32 ounce water bottle to meet their needs http://www.diddly-di.fsnet.co.uk/Feeding%20Water%20Bottle%20Trixie.jpg

Chinchillas-Housing and Equipment Chinchillas are nocturnal and need a quiet location during the day Metal and wire cages 14” x 24” x 12” will work for a single chinchilla but 24” x 24” x 14” is better, any wood must be on the outside of the wire mesh or it will be destroyed

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Chinchillas-Housing and Equipment Need adequate ventilation and a location that is not too hot (over 90 deg F will cause heat prostration) Need small mesh wire less than 1” square to prevent losing small chinchillas

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Chinchillas-Housing and Equipment Chinchillas must be kept in individual cages or they fight and inflict serious injury Polygamous breeding cages use a tunnel system for the male to go to different locations. Females are fitted with a collar that keeps them from using the tunnel

Chinchillas-Housing and Equipment Chinchillas need a bath twice a week in finely ground powder to remove excess moisture and oil (volcanic ash available from the pet store). During hot weather, baths are needed daily in the powder http://www.petsmart.com/media/ps/images/products/detail/standard/i/inp0/inP019204_12945.jpg

Chinchillas-Housing and Equipment Powder is placed in a small pan to the depth of 2-3” Leave the pan in the cage for 5 minutes to allow the chinchilla to roll around in it Chinchillas are not bathed in water http://www.chinchillas2home.co.uk/SHOP/sand1bath.gif

Chinchillas-Feeding Raisins are a favorite treat of chinchillas Pelleted feeds for guinea pigs or feeds made of ground alfalfa hay, corn gluten, wheat germ or bran plus alfalfa hay or timothy hay and green foods like grass, lettuce, leaves, carrots, celery, and fruits

Ferrets-Housing and Equipment Hutches similar to rabbits are used to house ferrets Ferrets can be kept outside all year long if protected from inclement weather, kept out of drafts, and shaded in the summer http://www.qualitycage.com/ferret.html

Ferrets-Housing and Equipment A wood and wire cage 12” x 24” x 10” will work for a ferret with a litter, but the animal will have to be let out for exercise A cage 24” x 24” x 14” is better for a ferret with a pair needing a cage 24” x 48” x 14” high http://www.redmap.co.uk/ferretsabout/acatalog/kingdomcage.jpg

Ferrets-Housing and Equipment Need larger water bottles like those used by guinea pigs and rabbits (16 or 32 ounce) Ferrets are escape artists and doors need to be locked

Ferrets-Housing and Equipment Food bowls need to be heavy earthenware so they will not be turned over Rubber balls, squeak toys, and plastic pipes provide ferrets with tunnels and fun for hours http://www.madisfriends.org/images/ferrets/ferret-toys.jpg

Ferrets-Feeding Ferrets need a feed containing at least 35% animal protein. Kitten food is higher in protein than cat food A commercial dry food helps maintain gum and teeth health, but plenty of water needs to be available http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/71/85/93/20/0071859320113_215X215.jpg

Ferrets-Feeding Young ferrets should be fed all they will eat twice a day Add ½ teaspoon vegetable oil to older ferrets diet to aid in digestion, bowel movement, and help maintain a healthy coat

Ferrets-Feeding Treats include meat scraps, cracklings, fruits, red licorice, and ice cream in limited amounts http://www.js-shop.com/us/pets/ferrets-food.html

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