Small pet

There’s something about their little round body and tiny button nose that makes the hedgehog undeniably cute.   But with those squee-worthy looks come a lot of very specific care—and the truth is that most pet parents underestimate what their hedgie needs to thrive.   If you’re wondering about adding a hedgehog to your family, do your research and consider adoption, so that you’ll be taking in an animal who really needs a family.  

Guinea pigs are delightful pets who also can be fragile and sensitive to stress. Change and lacking creature comforts can affect cavies a lot in a short amount of time. “Guinea pigs can be stressed by changes in temperature or in habitat, especially if new pigs are introduced to the group,” says Lori Hageman, DVM, owner of Ark Pet Hospital in Antioch, California. To best care for your guinea pigs, and to encourage a long and happy life for them, learn guinea pig stress signs and how to improve their feelings of safety and security.

Baby rabbits need to stay with their mother until they are about 8 weeks old. Baby rabbits start nibbling on hay and pellets at about 2 weeks old. However, just because they start eating on their own does not mean they can be taken away from their mother. They need to continue to feed from their mother until they are about 8 weeks old. Baby rabbits separated from their mother before this time often end up dying.,Q.

Water is an essential part of rabbit care, and it impacts your rabbit’s health in many different and surprising ways. Here are some of the top reasons it’s so crucial that they get enough water every day. Aids in digestion: A rabbit’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essentially a “fermentation vat of plant matter,” notes Micah Woods, DVM, an exotic pets veterinarian at Ooltewah Veterinary Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As such, water plays an integral role in their digestive system. “Without enough water, the food material could be thick and unable to move normally through the GI tract,” he says. Fosters cardiovascular health: As with all mammals, getting the proper amount of hydration enables a rabbit’s heart to function at its maximum potential. Promotes kidney function: Rabbit diets are high in protein and calcium, which makes them more prone to developing kidney stones and bladder stones. It also makes rabbit urine quite thick compared to other animals. “Without adequate hydration, their urine—which is already a more thick and concentrated urine—turns into a sludge, slimy material,” Woods says. Regulates their temperature: Pet rabbits may be prone to overheating—particularly in hot weather—because of their dense fur and limited sweat glands. Water helps regulate their body temperature, which minimizes their risk of heatstroke and dehydration.,Jump to section How Water Helps Your Bunny How Much Water Do Rabbits Need? How To Give Water to Your Rabbit Tips on Keeping Your Rabbit’s Water Fresh Ways To Encourage Your Rabbit To Drink Water Dehydration in Rabbits FAQ About Water for Rabbits

While bunnies should only be housed indoors, you can allow your pet rabbit some outdoor time to enjoy the different sights, sounds, and smells in your yard.   With close supervision and a proper setup, playtime for bunnies outside can be fun and enriching for your furry friend. 

On average, ferrets grow to be 15 inches ​​long and weigh between 1–2 kilograms.  Ferrets aren’t rodents, but are part of the mustelid family, along with weasels, badgers, and otters.  Ferrets are crepuscular and mostly active at sunrise. They get ​​14–18 hours of sleep every day. ,Ferrets are cute carnivores that make wonderful pets. With proper care, ferrets can live 4 to 10 years. Here’s what you need to know about caring for a ferret before bringing one home. 

Soft and furry rabbits are available in many breeds, with more than 60 rabbit breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. The large selection of rabbit breeds and availability make rabbits a popular children’s pet. Holland Lops, Dutch and Polish are some of the popular bunny breeds, and larger bunny breeds like the Flemish Giant tend to be more tolerant of handling. Although life spans vary, rabbits generally live for about 10 years, which means getting a pet rabbit is a significant commitment. If a child is 10 when a young bunny joins the family, he or she will likely be a high school graduate or beyond for the bunny’s senior years. Rabbits are social animals that generally do best when paired or grouped with other rabbits, but be sure that all rabbits are neutered or spayed to avoid unintended breeding. Rabbits generally do not like to be held or picked up; incorrect handling can result in a rabbit’s nails scratching a child, or a rabbit’s back or legs being injured or broken. Since rabbits groom themselves, shorthaired breeds usually don’t need owners to do much beyond a weekly brushing and spot-cleaning of fur. Rabbits do require regular nail trims, especially if they do not have access to appropriate digging opportunities, and they must have items to chew on in addition to hay to keep their teeth trimmed. Rabbits with maloccluded teeth might need regular tooth trims done by a veterinarian. Long-haired rabbit breeds usually require daily brushing. Rabbits can be litter-trained. Special note: Rabbits absolutely must eat hay, so a rabbit won’t be a good fit if anyone in the house is allergic to hay. Lifetime Commitment: High Needs A Companion: High Likes To Be Held: Low Grooming: Low for shorthaired breeds; high for longhaired breeds,Some small animal pets are more kid-friendly than others. The success or failure of getting a “pocket pet” for a child depends on the choice made by you or your child of which small animal pet to get. Life span, interactions, grooming needs and etc. all combine to make each pet species unique. According to the American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 survey, the top eight small pets are rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice/rats, gerbils, chinchillas and ferrets. Here’s a quick review of each species’ child-friendly pet potential.

Rabbits are all different — some may have health problems as they age while others won’t have any. Be prepared, and know which signs are a concern.

With their cartoonishly oversized eyes, fuzzy little bodies, and playful personalities, sugar gliders may seem like the perfect pets.   However, these cute companions are exotic animals. They’re meant to be wild marsupials—native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea—and they have unique needs when it comes to their care.   So, are sugar gliders good pets? Not exactly, but there might be exceptions for those being rehomed.   Here’s everything you need to know about keeping sugar gliders as pets, including a few questions to start.  

Hamsters may be small, but they need a safe and fun place to call home. Choosing the right hamster cage can help ensure your pet thrives—whether you’re setting up a first home for a dwarf hamster or upgrading to a roomier Syrian hamster cage.   The best cages offer enough space for exercise, cozy spots for resting, and easy-to-clean features.   In this roundup, we’ve selected the top-rated hamster cages on Chewy to make it easy to find the perfect match. From starter kits to extra-large hamster cages that are big enough for adventurous hamsters, these picks will help you create a cozy and secure environment your pet will love.   We’ll also share tips on setting up a new hamster cage and their new habitat, so they feel happy, safe, and enriched every day.