How to enrich your small animal’s environment

Small animals have specific needs just like cats and dogs. With a few simple steps, you can enrich your pet’s environment!

Environmental Enrichment

Hiding

All small animals need the opportunity to hide. Many of the small animals in our animal centres are a prey species and so they may feel threatened or startled by any unfamiliar sound or person. They need to be provided with a safe place where they can retreat.

Hiding places might also be seen as bathrooms; therefore clean these areas more frequently. Examples of hiding places to place in a cage include, but are not limited to:

• Plastic igloo
• Small cardboard boxes
• Tunnels (PVC piping, dryer piping, toilet paper rolls)
• Tents
• Paper bags

Nesting material

Aside from bedding, nesting material should be provided for the small animal to build a nest or resting place for themselves. This will provide physical and mental stimulation, and occupy their time as well.

Examples for nesting material include:

• Cotton balls
• Pieces of fleece
• Shredded newspaper
• Toilet paper
• Hay

Climbing

Many small animals find enjoyment in climbing. This will provide opportunities for exploration and exercise.

• Multiple levels, perches, shelves
• Hammocks
• Plastic tubes that connect
• Pull string through toilet paper tubes and hang them across the cage
• Ladders
• Braid fleece to make a rope to hang across the cage

Let’s keep our small animals active and stimulated! 

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