FAQ: Toys for small pets

Yes, an ice cube with a few peas or vegetable pieces frozen inside is both entertainment and cooling for rats in summer. Give it on a tile or in a bowl so the meltwater does not soak all the bedding.

A dig box is a container of material the animal can dig in without making a mess of the whole cage or room. It is especially useful for rabbits, gerbils, degus and hamsters, for whom digging is a natural need.

Shredded plain paper, hay, cardboard pieces or plain soil without fertiliser or additives work well. You can mix a few pellets or dried herbs into the material so the rabbit has something to search for.

Yes, digging is one of these animals’ key needs, so they need deep bedding or a separate dig box. Gerbils are often advised at least 20 cm of bedding so they can dig stable tunnels.

In the wild hamsters live in burrows, so deep bedding lets them dig, build a nest and hide food stores. Such a layer is probably a hamster’s most important activity, especially in a roomy enclosure.

No, such sand may be contaminated, dusty or contain additives. For gerbil and hamster sand baths choose sand made for small pets, while chinchillas need special bathing dust.

A dust bath is mainly for coat care, but chinchillas enjoy rolling in it as if playing. Offer it briefly every day, then remove it so the dust is not used as a toilet.

Garden soil may contain fertiliser, pesticides, parasites or sharp objects, so it is unsuitable. If you want to use soil, choose plain soil without fertiliser or additives, or safer materials such as paper and hay.

Digging is natural rabbit behaviour, especially in unspayed females. Put a dig box or a thick sheet of cardboard in the corner for the rabbit to dig at, and protect the floor with a mat.

It depends on the species. Rats, mice, degus and chinchillas love to climb and jump, while guinea pigs and hamsters live mostly on the ground, so floor space, hideouts and low platforms matter more to them.

Many rabbits like sitting on raised spots to survey their surroundings, so a low platform or a sturdy house roof is popular. The platform must be stable, non-slip and not too high, so the rabbit does not get hurt jumping down.

Sturdy ledges of untreated wood placed at different heights for jumping suit chinchillas. The gaps between them should not be too large, and there should be no hard objects beneath high ledges for the chinchilla to fall onto.

No, hamsters have poor eyesight and do not judge heights, so even a short fall can cause injury. Platforms and levels in their cage should be low with protective edges and a thick layer of bedding below.

Guinea pigs do not climb, so a large floor area matters most for their welfare. A low, wide ramp with a non-slip surface and sides can be fine, but steep ramps and high platforms are dangerous for them.

Yes, rats love climbing ropes and nets and swinging, which trains their balance and agility. Choose natural fibre ropes and replace frayed ones with loose threads, so the rat cannot get tangled.

Rats adore hammocks and often sleep in them, making them one of the most popular cage items. Chinchillas and degus often chew fabric, so a fabric hammock only suits them as long as it is not being chewed.

Rope climbers are fine if the rope is natural, tightly woven and firmly attached. When it frays or the animal starts chewing and swallowing the fibre, replace it, as long threads can wrap around limbs or block the gut.

Flexible wooden bridges work as tunnels, ramps or links between platforms for many small pets. The gaps between slats should be small enough that feet do not get caught, and the bridge should be firmly attached.

Fix them with bolts and wing nuts or purpose-made brackets so they do not wobble or fall when the animal jumps. Check regularly that the fixings have not loosened or been chewed.

Many animal welfare experts do not recommend exercise balls, as they lack air, the hamster cannot stop or hide, often crashes into obstacles and can overheat. A fenced play area and a properly sized wheel are safer alternatives.