How to Choose a Small Pet’s Cage
A small pet’s home should be a safe, fun sanctuary, with lots of space to move about and a cozy bed for relaxing. Think about what you’d want if you had to live in a cage—and take it from there!
Up next in How to Care for Small Pets (13 videos)
Small pets need special care. Learn how to tend to your little four-legged friend with these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- Small-pet books, magazines, and websites for research
- A pet-supply store, either real or online
Steps
-
Step 1
Think big
Always get the largest enclosure you can afford, even if your pet is tiny. Just like larger animals, 'pocket pets' need plenty of space to roam around.
-
Step 2
Consider categories
Keep in mind that small-pet cages fall into three main categories: Glass aquariums with wire covers, wire cages, and plastic habitats.
-
Step 3
Choose glass aquarium for larger pets
If you have a 'larger' small pet, such as a rat or teddy-bear hamster, consider a glass aquarium that’s 20 gallons or bigger. These provide enough room to run around, with space for toys and exercise wheels.
-
A rat will adore a two-level ferret cage, if you can afford it.
-
Step 4
Consider wire cage
If you’re looking for something inexpensive and easy to find, go for a wire cage with a plastic tray bottom. The tray makes the cage easy to clean.
-
Step 5
Make sure bottom is solid
If you select a wire cage, make sure that it has a solid bottom that can hold bedding and is comfortable for your pet to walk on.
-
Step 6
Check cage’s bars
A mouse can squeeze through an opening no wider than a pencil. So if you choose a wire cage for a mouse, make sure the cage’s bars are close enough together to contain the little critter.
-
Step 7
Consider plastic habitat
For gerbils, mice, and hamsters, consider a plastic habitat with tubes and tunnels--but keep in mind that these cages are more expensive and a bit harder to clean.
-
Small animals are surprisingly good climbers and escape artists. Make sure to put covers securely on aquariums and to fasten doors and latches of wire cages and plastic habitats.
-
Step 8
Get an exercise wheel
All rodents, big and small, love exercise wheels. Make sure your cage is big enough to hold the right-sized wheel for your little friend.
-
Step 9
Set your pet up
Lug the cage home and set up your pet in his nice new habitat!
-
Rearranging your small pet’s cage will prevent him from getting bored.
