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The Hay Experts
Gerbil:
Caring for gerbils is fairly simple, but they do need attention to thrive. Here’s a basic guide on how to look after them:
1. Habitat:
Cage: Choose a large, well-ventilated cage (like a glass aquarium with a mesh lid or a wire cage). It should be at least 10 gallons per gerbil.
Bedding: Use safe bedding like aspen shavings or paper-based bedding. Avoid cedar or pine shavings as they can be harmful to their respiratory system.
Hideaways: Gerbils love burrowing, so include tunnels or small cardboard boxes for hiding.
Temperature: Keep them in a warm, dry area (65-75°F or 18-24°C) away from direct sunlight.
2. Diet:
Pellets: A high-quality gerbil pellet mix should make up the main part of their diet.
Fresh Vegetables: Offer small amounts of fresh veggies like carrots, spinach, and cucumbers.
Seeds and Grains: A little mix of seeds and grains like oats, sunflower seeds, or millet can be a treat but avoid overfeeding as it can lead to obesity.
Water: Fresh water should always be available in a water bottle with a sipper tube, and make sure it’s changed daily.
What they must not eat:
Citrus Fruits:
Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits should be avoided, as they are too acidic and can cause digestive problems.
Onions and Garlic:
Both are toxic to gerbils and should never be given.
Caffeine or Chocolate:
Both are toxic and should never be fed to gerbils.
Alcohol:
Alcohol is highly toxic and should never be given to gerbils.
Nuts and Seeds:
High-fat nuts and seeds can cause obesity and other health problems if fed in large quantities. Limit their intake.
Raw Beans:
Raw beans contain toxins that are harmful to gerbils, so avoid them.
Sugary or Processed Foods:
Avoid processed or sugary human foods like cookies, bread, chips, or candy, as these can cause obesity and digestive issues.
3. Exercise and Mental Stimulation:
Gerbils are very active and need plenty of exercise. A wheel (without a solid surface) is great for them.
You can also give them time outside their cage in a safe, gerbil-proofed area, like a playpen, to explore.
Toys like cardboard tubes, small tunnels, or chew toys (wood or ceramic) will keep them entertained and help prevent boredom.
4. Social Interaction:
Gerbils are social animals and should ideally be kept in pairs or small groups. They can get lonely if kept alone for too long.
You can handle them gently, but remember that they are small and delicate. Be calm and patient when interacting with them to avoid stressing them out.
5. Cleaning:
Spot clean the cage every few days, removing any wet bedding or waste.
Do a full cage clean about once a week, replacing all bedding and wiping down surfaces.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can be toxic to gerbils. Stick to pet-safe cleaners or warm water.
6. Health:
Keep an eye on their weight and activity levels. Any signs of lethargy, changes in eating habits, or weight loss could signal health issues.
Gerbils' teeth grow constantly, so provide safe materials for them to chew on to keep them from overgrowing.
Regularly check their fur for signs of parasites or skin issues.
With proper care, gerbils can live up to 3-4 years or more. They’re fun, energetic, and affectionate pets if well cared for!
Hamster:
Degus:
Degus are curious, social, and active little rodents, and they make great pets when properly cared for. They require a bit more attention than some other small pets, but with the right setup and care, they can thrive and become affectionate companions. Here’s a guide to caring for degus:
1. Habitat:
Cage: Degus are very active and need a large cage to move around in. Aim for a cage that’s at least 30 inches long, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches high for one or two degus. If you have more, the size should increase accordingly. A multi-level cage with ramps or platforms is ideal, as degus enjoys climbing.
Bedding: Use paper-based bedding or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as they can cause respiratory problems. Make sure the bedding is deep enough (around 4-6 inches) to allow them to burrow and dig.
Temperature: Degus are sensitive to heat, so keep them in a cool, dry area with temperatures between 64-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid direct sunlight or hot rooms, as they can overheat quickly.
2. Diet:
Hay: Hay should be the main part of their diet. Offer plenty of fresh, high-quality hay (like timothy or meadow hay) every day. Hay provides the fibre they need for good digestion and dental health.
Pellets: Provide a small amount of degu-specific pellets. These pellets are specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Avoid pellet mixes with added sugars or seeds, as they can be unhealthy for degus.
Fresh Vegetables: Offer fresh veggies daily. Good options include leafy greens like dandelion greens, kale, spinach, and parsley, as well as carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Be careful with high-sugar veggies and fruits, as degus can develop diabetes.
Avoid Sugary Foods: Degus are prone to diabetes, so avoid fruits that are high in sugar (like grapes, bananas, and apples). Stick to a small amount of fruit as an occasional treat.
Water: Always provide fresh, clean water. A water bottle with a sipper tube works well, but you can also offer a shallow bowl if they prefer it. Change the water daily.
What they can't eat:
High-Sugar Foods:
Fruits like grapes, bananas, apples (due to the risk of diabetes, they should only be given in small amounts).
Dairy Products:
Degus are lactose intolerant and should not be given dairy.
Nuts and Seeds:
These are high in fat and can lead to obesity and digestive issues.
Caffeine or Chocolate:
Both are toxic and should never be given to degus.
Processed or Sugary Foods:
Candy, cookies, or other sugary human food should be avoided.
Citrus Fruits:
Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits can upset their stomach and cause digestive problems.
Potatoes:
Raw or cooked potatoes (including skins) contain solanine, which is toxic to degus.
3. Exercise and Mental Stimulation:
Wheel: Degus need plenty of exercise. A solid-surfaced wheel (at least 8-10 inches in diameter) is a great way for them to stay active and healthy. Avoid wire wheels, as they can cause injury.
Toys and Chews: Degus love to chew, so provide wooden toys, cardboard, and branches from non-toxic trees (like apple or willow) to keep their teeth trimmed and healthy. Avoid anything treated with chemicals or painted.
Climbing: Degus are natural climbers, so include ramps, platforms, or ladders in their cages to give them extra space and variety. They love to explore and jump around.
Out-of-Cage Time: Allow them supervised time outside of the cage in a safe, enclosed space. A playpen or rat-proofed room works well. Make sure there’s nothing they can chew on or get into that’s dangerous.
4. Social Interaction:
Companionship: Degus are highly social animals and thrive in pairs or small groups, so it’s best to keep at least two together. However, introducing degus to each other can be tricky, so it’s important to introduce them slowly and in a neutral space to avoid fighting.
Handling: Degus can be a bit skittish and may take time to trust you. Start by offering them treats from your hand, and gradually move to gentle handling. Be patient, as they may need time to warm up to you.
Daily Interaction: Spend time interacting with your degus every day, whether it’s through playtime, training, or simply talking to them. They love attention and can form strong bonds with their owners.
5. Grooming:
Brushing: Degus are generally clean and groom themselves, but if you have long-haired degus, you may need to brush them occasionally to prevent tangles.
Nail Clipping: Check their nails regularly and trim them if necessary using small animal nail clippers. Be careful not to cut into the quick (the sensitive part of the nail).
Bathing: Degus don’t need baths with water. Instead, they enjoy dust baths, which help keep their fur clean and healthy. Provide a small, shallow dish of chinchilla dust or sand for them to roll around in.
6. Health Monitoring:
Signs of Illness: Keep an eye out for symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, or changes in behaviour. Degus are prone to diabetes, so if you notice excessive drinking or urination, contact a vet.
Dental Health: Degus’ teeth grow continuously, so providing chew toys and safe wooden branches is important to keep their teeth from overgrowing.
Respiratory Issues: Degus are prone to respiratory problems if exposed to poor bedding (like dusty bedding) or drafts. Make sure their living environment is clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
Regular Vet Checkups: It’s a good idea to schedule an annual vet check-up, especially with a vet who has experience with small rodents. If you notice any health changes, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care.
7. Cleaning:
Spot Cleaning: Clean up waste and soiled bedding daily to keep the cage fresh.
Full Cage Cleaning: Once a week, do a full clean by replacing all bedding and wiping down surfaces with a pet-safe cleaner.
Litter Box: Degus can be trained to use a litter box. Place one in a corner of the cage and encourage them to use it. This can help keep the cage cleaner.
8. Life Span and Lifespan Care:
Degus typically live for 5-9 years. As they age, they may need a little extra care and attention, particularly with their diet and exercise.
Regular health checks, keeping their cage clean, and ensuring they maintain a healthy diet can help your degu live a long, happy life.
Degus are intelligent, playful, and affectionate animals that thrive on social interaction, mental stimulation, and plenty of space to explore. With proper care, they can become wonderful, engaging pets. Be sure to provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of love and attention, and they’ll reward you with their charming personalities!
Chinchillas:
Chinchillas are adorable, fluffy, and fun-loving animals, but they do require specific care to keep them healthy and happy. They’re a bit more delicate than other small pets, so it’s important to get their environment, diet, and routine just right. Here’s a guide to help you care for your chinchilla:
1. Habitat:
Cage: Chinchillas need a large, multi-level cage that gives them plenty of room to hop and explore. The minimum recommended size for a single chinchilla is 24 inches by 24 inches by 36 inches. The more space you can provide, the better, especially if you have more than one chinchilla.
Bars: Choose a cage with horizontal bars, as chinchillas love to climb and jump. Ensure that the bars are spaced close enough (around 1 inch or less) to prevent escape or injury.
Bedding: Use safe, dust-free bedding like paper-based bedding, aspen shavings, or special chinchilla bedding. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as these can be harmful to their respiratory system.
Temperature: Chinchillas are sensitive to heat and can easily overheat. Keep them in a cool room with temperatures between 60-70°F (16-21°C). Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or in rooms that get too warm.
Humidity: Chinchillas are prone to fungal infections if the humidity is too high, so it’s important to keep their environment dry (below 60% humidity).
2. Diet:
Hay: The bulk of a chinchilla’s diet should be hay. High-fiber hay like timothy hay should be available at all times. You can also offer other types of hay like meadow or oat hay. Hay helps with digestion and keeps their teeth healthy.
Pellets: You can give them a small amount of high-quality chinchilla pellets daily. Avoid pellets with seeds, dried fruits, or added sugars. These can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Fresh Vegetables: Chinchillas can have a small amount of fresh veggies, such as leafy greens (kale, parsley, dandelion greens), carrots, or squash. Avoid high-sugar veggies like peas or corn.
Treats: Offer occasional treats like small pieces of apple, banana, or other fruits. However, limit fruit to very small amounts since it’s high in sugar, which can lead to digestive problems.
Water: Fresh water should always be available in a water bottle with a sipper tube. Change it daily to ensure it's clean and fresh.
What they can't eat:
High-Sugar Foods:
Fruits like grapes, bananas, and apples (should only be given in very small quantities).
Fresh Vegetables:
Avoid high-water content vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes (can cause diarrhoea).
Dairy Products:
Chinchillas are lactose intolerant and should not be given milk, cheese, or yoghurt.
Seeds and Nuts:
These are high in fat and can cause obesity and digestive problems.
Caffeine or Chocolate:
These are toxic to chinchillas and should never be fed.
Human Food:
Processed food such as chips, bread, or cookies can be harmful.
Onions and Garlic:
These are toxic to many animals, including chinchillas.
3. Exercise and Mental Stimulation:
Exercise Wheel: Chinchillas are active and need regular exercise. A solid-surface wheel (at least 12 inches in diameter) is great for them. Avoid wire wheels, as they can cause foot injuries.
Climbing and Jumping: Chinchillas are excellent jumpers, so provide them with ramps, shelves, and platforms in their cage to climb on and explore.
Playtime: Allow your chinchilla some supervised out-of-cage time in a safe, enclosed area. A chinchilla-proofed room or a playpen works well. Make sure they can't chew on electrical cords or other dangerous items.
Toys: Chinchillas enjoy chewing, so provide safe toys like wooden blocks, hay cubes, and cardboard. You can also hang items like wooden ladders, swings, or tunnels in the cage for extra stimulation.
4. Grooming:
Dust Baths: Chinchillas can’t bathe in water because their thick fur can absorb moisture and lead to fungal infections. Instead, provide them with a dust bath a few times a week. Special chinchilla dust (not sand) works best. Place a shallow dish or dust bath container in the cage and let them roll around in it for 10-15 minutes.
Brushing: While chinchillas groom themselves, you can brush them occasionally to help prevent tangles, especially if you have a long-haired variety. Use a soft brush designed for small animals.
Nail Clipping: Chinchillas’ nails may need to be trimmed regularly, usually every 4-6 weeks. Use small animal nail clippers and be cautious not to cut too close to the quick (the sensitive area inside the nail).
Teeth: Chinchillas’ teeth grow continuously, so provide them with plenty of chew toys (like untreated wood or hay cubes) to help wear them down.
5. Health Monitoring:
Signs of Illness: Watch for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, or excessive scratching. If you notice any changes in behaviour or physical appearance, it’s important to consult a vet experienced with small animals.
Respiratory Health: Chinchillas are prone to respiratory issues, so they keep their environment clean, well-ventilated, and dust-free. Avoid using dusty bedding or cleaning products that could irritate their lungs.
Diarrhoea: Diarrhea in chinchillas can be serious and usually indicates a dietary issue. If your chinchilla develops diarrhoea, remove fresh fruits and vegetables from their diet and consult a vet.
Weight and Hydration: Monitor your chinchilla’s weight and ensure they’re drinking enough water. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems.
6. Cleaning:
Spot Cleaning: Clean up waste and uneaten food daily to keep the cage hygienic.
Full Cage Cleaning: Once a week, remove all bedding, wipe down the cage with a pet-safe cleaner, and replace it with fresh bedding. Be sure to clean the water bottle and food dishes regularly.
Dust Bath Area: Change the dust in their dust bath container regularly to keep it clean and prevent buildup.
7. Social Interaction:
Companionship: Chinchillas are social animals, and they’re happiest when they have a companion. You can keep them in pairs or small groups, but always make sure they’re of the same sex (to prevent breeding). Introduce new chinchillas slowly and in a neutral space to avoid fighting.
Handling: Chinchillas can be a bit skittish, especially if they’re not used to handling, so be patient. Gently scoop them up from underneath, and avoid picking them up by the tail. They can be quite tame with regular, gentle interaction.
8. Life Span and Care:
Life Expectancy: Chinchillas typically live 10-15 years, so they require a long-term commitment. Providing them with a healthy diet, a clean environment, and lots of mental and physical stimulation can help them live a long, happy life.
Chinchillas are unique pets with specific care needs, but they can be incredibly rewarding with the right attention. Their playful personalities and soft, fluffy coats make them a delight to interact with. By offering them the right environment, a proper diet, and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have a happy and healthy chinchilla companion!
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