Jack's Aquarium and Pets - Small Animal Tips

General Care of Small Animals

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rabbits

Small animals are naturally healthy and disease resistant. The most common health problems are colds and bronchial infections. Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, runny noses, etc. are symptoms of these illnesses. Avoid exposure to cold temperatures, drafts, or wet litter.

One of the most critical ailments a hamster can contract is ‘wet tail’. The ailment seems to be bacterial in origin and very contagious. The symptoms are the same as diarrhea, but much more severe. Infected pets must be treated immediately to offer any chance of survival.

The primary cause of death is dehydration due to the diarrhea. Fluids must be readily available and easy to reach. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the entire cage, feeding dishes, and water bottle. New bedding and food should be placed in the cage and the old discarded. All of the surrounding area should be cleaned immediately to prevent the spread of the problem. Diarrhea symptoms in other animals should be treated in a similar fashion.

Most commercial small animal foods supply a balanced diet for your small animal. Each food is specially formulated for the different nutritional requirements of each small animal. Because guinea pigs must have vitamin C in their diet to thrive, it is important to add extra vitamins to their drinking water. Be sure to change the water bottle daily. This water may foul quicker than plain water because of the vitamins.

Before choosing a home for your pet, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Your pet will spend most of the day in this home. The home should be large enough for the pet to move around freely, space to grow, good ventilation, and a deep bottom tray to contain the litter.

A small animal’s teeth continue to grow throughout it’s lifetime. Chewing and gnawing are necessary to keep teeth from overgrowing. Overgrown teeth must be trimmed by a veterinarian. Always provide chewable items for your pet such as wooden chews.

Normally hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats do not need their nails trimmed. Rabbits and guinea pigs nails do need periodic trimming to keep the nails from overgrowing and becoming uncomfortably for your pet. When trimming nails, be careful not to cut the vein. It can be seen, in light-colored nails, as a pink coloration inside the nail. Have styptic powder on hand to stop bleeding. Cut off tiny amounts at a time until the proper length is achieved. Stop at the first sign of bleeding.

Cedar bedding may cause respiratory problems in some animals due to allergies. Pine shavings, corn cob, or aspen bedding are better choices for your pet. The bedding should be changed frequently, at least once a week.

	Hamster	Mouse	Rat	Gerbil	Guinea Pig	Rabbit
Longevity	2-3 years	2-4 years	2-3 years	4 years	6-8 years	8-10 years
Gestation	16 days	28 days	28 days	24 days	65-70 days	30-32 days
Weaned	3 weeks	3 weeks	4 weeks	3 weeks	3 weeks	6 weeks
Sexual Maturity	60 days	45 days	75 days	75 days	3 months	6 months

Cage: Large enough for the full grown pet
Bedding: Absorbent & controls odor
Ammo litter: Helps eliminate odors
Food Dish: Weighted crock prevents spilling
Vitamins: For better nutrition and health
Treats: Variety in diet & added nutrition
Chew Sticks/Treats: Satisfies natural need to chew
Books: For general information & good care

Food: Must have a balanced & complete diet
Wheel: For exercise & better health
Runabout Ball: For exercise & fun for the family
Nesting Material: For sleeping, warmth and nesting

Food: Rabbit pellets
Salt Block: A necessary part of their diet
Hay Cob/Alfalfa Cubes: Natural food & fiber source
Leash/Harness: For exercise, walking & fun for the family
Nail Trimmers: Keeps nails short & smooth
Brush: Helps remove loose hair

Food: Guinea pig pellets for the added vitamin C
Hay Cob/Alfalfa Cubes: Natural food & fiber source
Nail Trimmers: Keeps nails short & smooth
Salt Block: For added minerals