Caring for a small mammal
How to care for a small mammal
Last updated 15 November 2025
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Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and mice, gerbils and chinchillas are all small mammals. However, they vary differently in terms of care, housing and diet requirements.
Feeding a small mammal
Provide fresh clean water daily, and feed appropriate diets according to their species.
Herbivores – Rabbits, Guinea pigs and Chinchillas
Their diet should consist of
Mainly timothy and orchard grass hay – There are many different types of hay and some types are unsuitable when consumed in large amounts.
Some fresh vegetables – Make sure to research on which vegetables they can or cannot be consumed.
A small amount of commercial pellets.
Fruits – Should be provide sparingly as treats. Overconsumption can lead to sickness.
Guinea pigs require vitamin C vegetable sources or supplements.
Unlike other small mammals, they are unable to make their own vitamin C. This means that it is essential to provide vitamin C supplements in their diet. A lack of vitamin C can cause sickness.
Omnivores – Hamsters, Rats, Mice and Gerbils
Their diet should consist of:
Seeds, grass, grain and occasionally insects.
Some fresh vegetables as treats.
Enclosures for a small mammal
Some small mammals burrow into the ground while others do not. Their enclosures should reflect their natural behaviour as closely as possible, and provide them the opportunities to do so.
Rabbits
Size
The cage should be well ventilation and allows the rabbit to complete three full hops in all directions.
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable bedding.
Litter box
Should be open and be large enough to fit two times the size of the rabbit
Use paper-based litter and change it daily
Keep litter boxes away from their resting areas
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot
Cover and hide all exposed wiring as rabbits love to chew on them, which can be dangerous.
Rabbits can hear very well and tend to get stressed in loud environments. It is best to keep them in a quiet room, away from traffic and noise.
Compatibility with other animals
Rabbits are social animals and should ideally by housed together with other rabbits. However, their interaction should always be monitored to prevent fights.
Do not house rabbits with guinea pigs.
Hamsters
Cage size
Provide enough vertical space for them to burrow
Cages should be large enough for your hamsters to separate toileting and resting areas.
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable, paper-based bedding that is at least 3 – 5 cm deep.
Compatibility with other animals
Hamsters are solitary animals and should be housed by themselves.
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot
Mice
Cage
Provide enough vertical space for them to climb around.
Provide adequate hiding spaces, nesting boxes and comfortable, paper-based bedding.
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable, paper-based bedding.
Compatibility with other animals
Rats and mice are social animals and should ideally by housed together with others of the same sex.
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot
Gerbils
Cage
Provide enough vertical space for them to burrow
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable, paper-based bedding that is at least 20 – 30 cm deep.
Compatibility with other animals
Gerbils are social animals and should ideally by housed together with other gerbils of the same sex.
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot
Guinea pigs
Cage size and type
Provide enough horizontal space for them to run around.
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable bedding.
Compatibility with other animals
Guinea pigs are social animals and should ideally by housed together with other guinea pigs of the same sex.
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot
Chinchilla
Cage size and type
Provide enough vertical space for them to run and climb around.
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable bedding.
Compatibility with other animals
Chinchillas are social animals and should ideally by housed together with other chinchillas of the same sex.
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot
Healthcare for a small mammal
Bring your pets to the vet for regular health checks, and to keep them up-to-date on their vaccinations and preventatives.
Seek medical help if you observe any of these signs in your rabbits:
Lethargy
Inappetence
Abnormal breathing
Abnormal poo and pee
Bloated abdomen
Head tilt/shaking
Lameness
Overgrown teeth and nails
Sterilisation of small mammals
Rabbits can start breeding at 4 months old. Sterilise your rabbits, or keep them separate to prevent unwanted breeding of litters.
If your pet is a social species (E.g. Rodents, Mice, Chinchillas, Guinea pigs), house them together with individuals of the same sex to prevent unwanted breeding.
Enrichment for a small mammal
Provide plenty of opportunities for your pet to exhibit their normal behaviours such as:
Burrowing – Rabbits, Hamsters, Mice and Gerbils
Chewing/Gnawing – Rabbits, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas,
Nest building – Mice
Bathing – Chinchillas and Hamsters
Exploring and Foraging
Climbing – Rats, Mice, Gerbils, Chinchillas
Resources
Infographic: 8 Ways to be a Good Rabbit Owner
Infographic: 8 Ways to be a Good Hamster Owner