Guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits can make excellent companions. However, small pets require appropriate housing, diet, care and long-term commitment. Before bringing one home, ensure you understand their needs fully.
Please note: This guide is for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice, and we do not accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this guide.
Choosing a Guinea Pig
When viewing guinea pigs:
Use your eyes and nose. Cages should be clean and odour-free.
The seller should be able to provide clear and detailed information about the animal.
If information is limited or conditions appear poor, proceed with caution.
Housing
Provide a minimum of four square feet of cage space per guinea pig.
Use solid-bottom cages; never wire floors.
Avoid glass or plastic aquariums, as they provide poor ventilation.
Keep cages indoors, away from drafts and extreme temperatures.
Ideal temperature range is approximately 16–27°C.
Use safe bedding such as hardwood shavings or grass hay. Avoid cedar or pine chips, as the oils can be harmful.
Guinea pigs are social animals, but confirm gender before housing together, as they reproduce quickly.
Provide hiding spaces, tunnels and a secure sleeping area.
Diet
High-quality guinea pig pellets (with Vitamin C).
Unlimited grass hay.
Small daily portions of fresh vegetables and fruit.
Fresh, clean water at all times.
Guinea pigs cannot produce Vitamin C, so supplementation through diet is essential.
Handling and Exercise
Guinea pigs are naturally shy. Handle them gently:
Support the bottom with one hand.
Support the back with the other.
Allow supervised exercise in a safe, enclosed space. Keep electrical cables and hazards out of reach.
General Care and Health
Remove soiled bedding daily.
Fully clean the cage weekly.
Provide safe materials for chewing, as teeth grow continuously.
Watch for sneezing, coughing, diarrhoea or lethargy, and seek veterinary care promptly if needed.
Choosing a Hamster
When selecting a hamster:
Eyes should be bright and clear.
The tail area should be clean and dry.
Fur should be glossy.
The animal should appear alert and active.
Avoid hamsters that seem lethargic or show signs of illness.
Housing
Provide a dry, draught-free environment.
Keep in a quiet area with consistent light and dark cycles.
Avoid placing cages near high-frequency noise sources.
Use deep bedding suitable for burrowing.
Choose a cage with a solid floor and secure construction.
Avoid cotton wool or similar materials that may cause entanglement.
Hamsters are skilled escape artists, so ensure the enclosure is secure.
Diet
Fresh water must be available at all times.
Use a commercial pellet or seed mix formulated for hamsters.
Offer small quantities of vegetables and fruit (avoid grapes and rhubarb).
Monitor eating and drinking habits closely.
Behaviour and Health
Hamsters are typically nocturnal and sleep during the day.
Provide enrichment such as wheels and tunnels. Ensure any wheel is appropriately sized.
Observe for dental issues or repetitive behaviours. Only use medication recommended by a vet.
Not all hamster species can be housed together, so research carefully before pairing.
Choosing a Rabbit
When viewing rabbits:
Housing should be clean and odour-free.
The seller should provide clear information about care and health history.
Housing
Minimum cage size for a small to medium rabbit should be approximately four feet wide, two feet deep and two feet tall with a solid base.
Remove soiled bedding daily and perform a full clean weekly.
Rabbits are territorial. Do not house together unless neutered and properly introduced.
Indoor or Outdoor Housing
If kept indoors, rabbit-proof the home by protecting wires and removing hazards.
If housed outdoors, the hutch must be sheltered from wind and direct sunlight. Additional protection may be required in cold weather.
Litter Training
Rabbits are naturally clean and can be litter trained.
Place a litter tray in their chosen toilet area.
Use newspaper and hay.
Avoid pine or cedar shavings.
Clean litter trays daily.
Diet
Unlimited high-quality grass hay is essential.
Use good-quality rabbit pellets rather than cereal mixes.
Provide small daily portions of leafy greens.
Fresh water must always be available.
Excess fresh food can cause serious digestive problems.
Exercise and Enrichment
Rabbits require several hours of exercise daily.
Provide secure exercise areas and chew toys. Supervise outdoor time, as rabbits dig and can escape.
Handling and Care
Support both the forequarters and hindquarters when lifting.
Never lift by the ears.
Groom regularly, particularly long-haired breeds.
Trim nails as needed, preferably with veterinary guidance.
Veterinary Care
Rabbits require annual vaccination for Myxomatosis.
Spaying or neutering is recommended to prevent health and behavioural issues.
Seek urgent veterinary care if a rabbit stops eating, has diarrhoea or shows signs of illness.
Rabbits are sensitive to medication and should only receive treatments recommended by a vet.
Rabbits and Children
Rabbits are easily frightened and may scratch or bite if distressed.
Always supervise interactions between rabbits and children.
Final Considerations
Small pets require time, attention and ongoing care. Before committing, ensure you can provide:
Appropriate housing
Correct nutrition
Veterinary care
Daily interaction and supervision
With proper preparation, small pets can be rewarding companions.
We spoke to Michael McCahill, Veterinary Surgeon at Walkinstown Vet Practice, in preparing this guide.
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