Small Animal Housing: cage, hutch and run for your rodents

Small Animal Housing: a complete home for your rodents

Small Animal Housing is our collective section for everything to do with accommodation. It means the home your animals live in, whether that is a cage, a hutch or an outdoor run, rather than a rescue centre. From the wire cage and the wooden hutch through to bedding, hay rack, water bottle and cage accessories, you will find the complete basic setup for guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, degus, rats and mice.

Choosing the right home

Floor space and structure make the difference. Guinea pigs and rats live in groups and need room to match, while golden hamsters live on their own. A cage with several levels adds usable area, and a hutch for outdoors needs a watertight roof and a sheltered sleeping compartment. In a garden run, escape protection, cover from birds of prey and a shaded corner all count. A little house for hiding belongs in every home, because rodents like to rest out of sight and away from the daily bustle of the room.

Bedding, feeding station and water

Bedding takes up liquid and holds down odour, while hay and straw on top serve as enrichment and gnawing material at the same time. A hay rack keeps the hay clean and dry so that guinea pigs and chinchillas always have some within reach. A water bottle with a drinking tube keeps the water free of bedding. Bowls, feed dispensers and a corner toilet round off the setup and make daily cleaning easier.

Frequently asked questions

What belongs in a basic setup?
A cage or hutch, a house for hiding, bedding, a hay rack, a water bottle and a bowl or feed dispenser cover everyday life.

Can a small animal hutch stand outside?
Hutches for outdoor use are built to stand the weather. Pick a sheltered, shaded spot and make sure the sleeping area is well insulated.

How do I know the cage is big enough?
Your animals should be able to stretch, run and keep some distance from each other. More floor space always matters more than one extra level.