FAQ: Bowls & Feeders for small pets

Pellet dust and crumbs fall through a mesh or perforated base, leaving clean pellets for the animal. Such a feeder needs regular cleaning so dust does not build up beneath it.

Yes, especially for degus, chinchillas, rats or rabbits, which quickly chew plastic. Metal or ceramic feeders last longest, and a plastic one should be checked and replaced once chewed.

Herbivorous rodents and rabbits should not be, as they need fresh hay, vegetables and a check that all is well every day. If you are away for more than a day, ask someone to look after the animal.

Rats need heavy or bar-mounted bowls, as they tip over and carry off light ones. It is worth hiding some food around the cage or in toys so the rats forage for it and do not get bored.

Partly: foraging toys encourage movement and thinking and reduce boredom. Still, it is useful to have a normal bowl too, so you can see how much the animal eats.

A pellet or treat ball that releases food as it rolls gives a rabbit something to do. Put in only the daily pellet portion or part of it, not extra food.

Empty leftovers and crumbs every day and wash the bowl several times a week. Wash a bowl used for vegetables or moist food every day.

Wash them in hot water with a little mild dish soap, then rinse well so no smell or residue remains. Do not use harsh chemicals or bleach.

Ceramic and stainless steel bowls can usually go in the dishwasher, and plastic ones only if the manufacturer allows it. After washing, make sure no detergent residue is left.

Usually regular washing with hot water and detergent is enough. If the animal had an infectious disease, clean the bowls as the vet instructs.

The white film is usually limescale from hard water. It comes off easily if you soak the bowl in diluted vinegar or citric acid solution and then rinse it well.

For hygiene many owners wash pet dishes separately or at least with a separate sponge. This reduces the risk of transferring bacteria between pet and human dishes.

In damp conditions pellets get moist, clump and can go mouldy. Dry the washed bowl well or let it dry before adding dry food.

Vegetables and moist food spoil quickly in a warm cage, and soiled pellets can go mouldy. Throw out leftovers daily so the animal does not eat spoiled food.

Replace a bowl that is cracked, chewed, badly scratched, has flaking glaze or coating, or has started to rust. Bacteria collect on such surfaces, and sharp edges can injure.

Good-quality stainless steel bowls do not rust. Painted or coated metal can chip over time and start to rust, so such a bowl should be replaced.

Ideally there should be as many bowls as animals, or one more, placed well apart. That way a weaker guinea pig can eat in peace while the dominant one is busy elsewhere.

A group of animals should have at least two bottles in different parts of the cage. If one jams or is guarded by a dominant animal, the others can still drink.

A single bowl creates competition for food, especially for the tastiest bits. Several bowls and racks spread around the cage and enough space help.

Watch that all the animals are eating and weigh them regularly: weight loss may show that one is missing out. More bowls and food placed in several spots help.