Keeping small animals – what owners should pay attention to with rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs
Created: 01/09/2023, 09:30 am
By: Anna Heyers
Animals are not gifts or toys, that applies to all species.
But especially for small animals, which unfortunately often end up in children's rooms - and often don't get any rest there.
Small animals in particular are still regarded as uncomplicated and easy-care pets - and they are wonderfully cute at the same time.
However, this often means that they lead a sad existence in cages that are too small.
But hamsters, guinea pigs or rabbits also have needs in order to be able to lead a happy and species-appropriate life.
And their owners should be aware of them and react to them as best they can.
Keeping small animals - what owners should pay attention to with rabbits
For example, rabbits have a huge urge to move.
They want to hop around all the time and discover their surroundings.
Impossible when they're cooped up in the cage.
In addition, almost all cages from the pet shop are too small.
Here the German Animal Welfare Association issues a clear warning: Keeping rabbits only in conventional cages is against animal welfare.
An area of several square meters for a group of rabbits is recommended by animal protection organizations.
Many rabbits spend their entire lives alone and in a cage that is too small.
(Icon image) © Roshchyn/Imago
This can be a separate corner of the room, for example, where the bunnies can always retreat.
The toilet could also be accommodated here, because the Hopplers are definitely housebroken with training.
Group housing is also particularly important: rabbits need conspecifics, at least one.
In Austria and Switzerland, this is now even regulated by law.
A guinea pig is not a substitute - the animals don't even speak the same language.
Rabbits and guinea pigs are not stuffed animals
Small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs or rabbits can become quite trusting.
But they are not cuddly animals.
When coerced, they often freeze, hoping the situation will pass quickly.
Noises, such as a shrill "gurgling", is often interpreted as a sign of well-being, but it is usually not.
In the wild, the small mammals are flight animals and all too often prey for larger predators.
Hands coming from above and holding them evoke protective reflexes.
Consequences of an inappropriate attitude
Small animals that cannot communicate with other animals, that are penned in or that are touched despite clear signs of being unwell or while sleeping, often bite their owners.
Behavioral disorders such as nibbling on the bars of a cage, loss of appetite or excessive running in the balance bike can also be the result.
Just like rabbits, "Meerlies" should not be kept alone.
According to the German Animal Welfare Association, it should be two to three guinea pigs.
With so many animals, a cucumber eating competition is fun, for example, or building up an Instagram fan base - both bring a lot of variety to the guinea pigs' everyday life.
A light enclosure with a minimum size of 1.5 meters by 0.75 meters is recommended for such a group.
Similar to other rodents, they should also not stand in drafts or where people smoke a lot.
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Hamsters turn night into day
Hamsters can and do want to be kept alone.
A socialization of two golden hamsters can lead to bloody fights.
Unlike rabbits and guinea pigs, hamsters are also nocturnal.
If they are woken up during the day, this means great stress for the little animals.
In the dark, they want to cover long distances, which they can do with a hamster wheel.
On the one hand, however, it should not have any lattice bars and, on the other hand, it should be large and closed on one side (ø at least 25 cm).
Hamsters are rather uninteresting for small children, as they only wake up when their own bedtime begins.
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Small animals: Only a species-appropriate home ensures happy rodents
If you want to prevent your darling from developing behavioral problems and just sitting sadly in the corner, you should definitely ensure that the small animals are kept in a species-appropriate manner.
Then you can have a lot of fun with the cute little ones, teach them tricks and even get to know a new sport with rabbits: for example rabbit hop.
If you don't pay attention to the animal's needs, rabbits and co. can quickly become ill, which in turn results in high veterinary costs.
Every pet owner wants their pets to be as well off as possible, isn't it?
