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The new year is the perfect time to get organized and start fresh—whether it’s updating your bedding or giving your home a deep clean. Your small pet deserves a little love too! Refreshing their living space not only keeps it clean but also adds excitement and enrichment to their daily routine. Here’s how to give their habitat a fun and functional makeover:
Deep clean the cage or hutch
- Take out all bedding, toys, and accessories, then clean the base thoroughly with a pet-safe disinfectant to eliminate odours and bacteria. Finish by adding fresh bedding or substrate that suits your pet's needs. Deep cleaning eliminates bacteria, mould, and harmful pathogens that could lead to infections or illness in your pet. It also helps remove pests like mites or fleas that may hide in bedding or cage corners. A clean, fresh environment reduces stress, promoting a healthier and happier space for your pet.
Rearrange the layout
- Move hides, food bowls, and toys to different spots to spark your pet's curiosity and sense of adventure. Adding levels or tunnels provides extra fun and encourages physical activity. A refreshed layout offers something new to explore, reducing boredom and discouraging behaviours like chewing on cage bars. Rabbits and guinea pigs are naturally inquisitive, and a changed setup challenges them to adapt, promoting mental stimulation and enrichment. In the wild, their environment is constantly changing—rearranging their cage mimics this, keeping their instincts sharp and their minds engaged.
Add new enrichment
- Introduce new toys, chews, or puzzles to keep your pet engaged and entertained. Budget-friendly DIY options like cardboard tubes or foraging boxes are great choices. Fresh enrichment reduces boredom, which can prevent destructive behaviours like chewing cage bars. Items like climbing platforms, tunnels, or running wheels also promote movement, helping your pet stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
Upgrade their bedding
- Choose softer, more absorbent bedding to improve comfort and maintain cleanliness. Add cosy materials like fleece or nesting fluff, ensuring they are safe for your pet. High-quality bedding absorbs moisture from urine and spills, keeping the cage cleaner and reducing odours. Poor-quality bedding can lead to issues like skin irritation, respiratory problems, or sore hocks. Upgrading to dust-free, safe bedding minimizes these risks and provides better insulation, helping your pet stay warm and cosy during colder weather.
Include natural elements
- Include untreated branches, hay mats, or wooden chews to mimic a natural environment, allowing your pet to display instinctive behaviours like chewing, digging, and foraging. For pets that enjoy burrowing, add digging areas with soil or sand. Natural chews, such as wooden sticks or apple branches, help wear down continuously growing teeth, preventing overgrowth and dental issues. Familiar textures and scents from natural materials also create a calming atmosphere, helping your pet feel secure and reducing stress.
Optimise for space and comfort
- If the cage feels cramped, consider upgrading to a larger enclosure. Ensure the space includes distinct areas for sleeping, eating, and playing. A larger cage allows rabbits and guinea pigs to engage in natural behaviours like hopping, running, burrowing, and exploring. This added room promotes movement and exercise, reducing the risk of obesity, muscle stiffness, and other health issues. A more spacious environment also minimizes overcrowding and territorial disputes, fostering a calmer and more harmonious setting, especially for pairs or groups. Plus, a bigger enclosure provides room for more toys, tunnels, and enrichment items, keeping your pets entertained and mentally stimulated.
Kickstart the new year with a great routine by shopping at one of our Animall stores! We’ve got everything you need for your small, fluffy friends in stock. 🐾✨
