Table of Contents
Introduction: Habitat For Your Exotic Small Mammal Pet
Pet or exotic animals who form part of our small mammals as pets bring happiness or companions in our environment, but if we want to see them happy and healthy then we need to contemplate more on the aspect of their environment. Of course, if you have chinchillas, sugar gliders, hedgehogs or other small mammals; it will be very important to create proper conditions for them. Here’s a guide to creating the perfect habitat for your exotic small mammal friend.
Here’s a guide to creating the perfect habitat for your exotic small mammal friend:
1. Research Species-Specific Needs
Small mammals are specific in the type of habitat that they need based on the type of habitat that they would naturally live within. It is also important to read up on your pet species to know their requirements concerning the area they prefer, temperature, humidity levels, and substrate. For instance, a sugar glider should have a place to climb vertically while hedgehogs should have sections they dig or move horizontally.
2. Choose the Right Enclosure
The choice of the right enclosure is therefore operational. Small mammals are kept in wire cages or terrariums in this case. Make sure the cage is very hard to open and the bars properly placed so that your pet cannot get its head stuck in it. The latch to the door should be secure because these animals are very intelligent and would get into almost anything.
3. Provide Adequate Space
Small mammals require an area for cycling, swinging or generally doing whatever may be required by the small mammals when inside the cages. It should have adequate space for tunnels, hides and exercise wheels depending on the species of the pet rats. Do not overcrowd them with animals as this is likely to cause stress to some animals and they may fight for territory.
4. Consider Temperature and Humidity
The proper temperatures are important to keep as is the humidity of the environment. Most small mammals originate from specific weather conditions of their geographical regions, they are suited for. Temperature can be measured using thermometers while humidity can be measured with hygrometers and this can be supplemented by heating pads, heat lamps, and humidifiers depending on the situation.
5. Bedding and Substrate
Select bedding or substrates that would be comfortable to your pet or that will be safe for the pet to lie on. For bedding, the choices are aspen shavings, paper-based bedding, or fleece liners appropriate to the species. Do not use pine and cedar shavings since they are toxic to small mammals because of their aromatic oils.
6. Enrichment and Toys
Enrichment activities should be performed to avoid monotony and for the animals to display their normal activities. Provide tubes, branches, ladders, toys, and feeders that have to be solved to get the meal. To add some crucial variety into your pet’s environment and prevent him from getting bored, toys should be rotated.
7. Food and Water
Feed your small mammal a healthy diet that will meet its needs and should not be a generalized diet for all small animals. Water needs to be provided at all times in a non-tip water bowl or water bottle according to the size of your pet and its habits.
8. Cleaning and Maintenance
Sanity: Another factor which should not be overlooked is the sanitation of the enclosure, perhaps weekly cleaning or when possible to avoid smell. Take off dirty bed clothes, food crumbs and clean toys and accessories with flammable cleaning products that are safe for the pets to handle. Change curtains and cushion covers if any , frequency depends upon the soiling of the bedding.
9. Safety Considerations
Before placing, ensure it is safe from things like draft, direct sunlight, and any other pets. Ensure there are no pointed objects ie sharp edges or wiring that could be a danger to the small mammal also ensure there are no toxic materials.
10. Monitoring Health
Daily, observe changes in your pet’s activities, feeding pattern and general health of your pet. In small mammals, it may not be easy to diagnose the signs of the illness; thus, early diagnosis is helpful. The pet owners should therefore take their pets for periodic check ups with the veterinary to confirm that it is in good health.
Conclusion
Designing the environment in which your exotic small mammal would thrive is not a very easy task. However, when done, the joy is immense. If housing is well designed, it provides health and well-being of a pet and creates proper conditions for an animal to live under captivity in the same way as in wild nature. Thus, if you acquaint yourself with and satisfy their specialties, it will be possible to create the necessary conditions essential for an exotic pet to have a long and happy life with you and your family.
Image Source: Getty Images
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