Preparing a home for a new bunny buddy? These cute, fun animals have specific housing needs. Follow these tips for the proper setup of a rabbit cage:

• Set up your rabbit’s housing before you bring your pet home.
• Unless they’re spayed or neutered, rabbits should be housed alone.
• Caging should include a hiding area, food bowl, water bottle, salt lick, and hay manger.
• The larger the cage, the better! Get a cage that has a lot of surface area, rather than multiple levels. Two levels are fine, but there is no need for a really tall cage.
• The cage should have a solid bottom. Avoid a wire bottom, which can irritate a rabbit’s sensitive feet (the same goes for exercise wheels).
• Use rabbit-safe litter or shavings to line the litter box. Make the bedding about one inch deep and be sure to change it at least every other day.
• Put the cage in an area that gets a lot of activity – rabbits are very social and love people!
• Use only pet-safe cleaners in your pet’s cage. Nature’s Miracle is great for cleaning rabbit cages.
• If you give your rabbit access to the outdoors, beware of high temperatures and potential predators (stray or wild animals).
• Rabbits need daily exercise for their health. An exercise pen is ideal for keeping your rabbit safe, but still giving them room to run.
• If you allow your rabbit to roam your home, first rabbit-proof it by:

1. Moving all plants out of reach.
2. Moving all electrical cords out of reach. Rabbits try to chew them and can be electrocuted.
3. Restricting access to furniture & rugs (to avoid chewing and digging behaviors).

Use this advice to properly choose and set up a new rabbit home. Cages like our Deluxe Habitat provide extra features and a quiet, secure home for your bunny.

Want toy ideas to keep your playful ferret entertained? Read on for some ferret favorites…

Tubes and tunnels
Ferrets were meant to chase rabbits or rodents and love running through tubes and tunnels. The Chewbular Play Tube and other tunnel systems can provide hours of fun. The Crinkle Tunnel adds another layer of amusement with its crinkly noises.

Plush or stuffed toys
Your ferret is sure to love small plush toys he can carry, chew on or hide. Use plush or stuffed toys with squeakers or without.

Balls
Whether to play with or play in, balls are another ferret favorite. Get small plastic balls, balls with noisemakers in them or soft balls your ferret can carry. Also, ferrets love playing in large balls with holes they can climb in and out of.

Dig boxes
A dig box will satisfy your ferret’s instinct to dig. Provide a box with safe filler material such as shredded newspaper, biodegradable starch peanuts, long grain rice, clean sand, ping-pong balls, beans or pebbles. Supervise him at first to make sure he isn’t eating the filler. Also, never use Styrofoam peanuts, which can cause blockages or instant rice, which will swell in your ferret’s stomach.

Squeaky toys
Rubbery toys that squeak can also be fun, but may bring mixed reactions. Many ferrets enjoy the sound or perk up in attention, but some pounce on it as they would prey. If yours seems to react strongly, remove the squeak.

Toys to avoid
Unfortunately, ferrets can easily get intestinal blockages that could be life threatening. Avoid rubber toys that can be chewed apart into pieces or toys stuffed with plastic beads. Also, constantly review his toys for small, breakable pieces that can be swallowed.

Even with a large variety of toys, your ferret can get tired of them. Be sure to rotate his toys to prevent boredom and keep your ferret happily entertained!

Bringing home a new rabbit? Every bunny needs a safe haven where he can eat, play and rest comfortably. Follow these tips and your bunny is sure to love his new home.

• DO buy a cage or pen big enough for your rabbit. A bigger cage offers more freedom of movement.
• DO line the litter area with rabbit-safe litter. Timothy hay, grass hay or pelleted newspaper are safe options for litter. Avoid pine/cedar shavings or clay cat litters as they can cause health problems.
• DO use sturdy food or water bowls that can’t be tipped over.
• DO get a home with a side opening. If your bunny is going to roam indoors occasionally, a side opening will allow him to get in and out on his own.
• DO keep his home stocked with toys. Bunny boredom can lead to mischief! To avoid it, make sure your rabbit gets interaction and has plenty of toys. Occasional treats will also keep him healthy and entertained.
• DON’T make your bunny live on wire flooring. Floors of wire or grating may be easier to clean, but they’re not very comfortable for your rabbit. They can also lead to sore hocks and other foot problems later. Get a home with solid flooring or insert a wooden floor or sisal mat to protect your bunny’s feet.
• DON’T keep your bunny’s home outdoors. It may seem natural to keep rabbits outdoors, but it’s a very lonely option for these social animals. Also, rabbits can have heart attacks from fear if confronted by other animals. Keep him in an area where he is safe and can interact with you and your family instead.

Comfortable living quarters are the first step to providing a loving home for your rabbit. Stop at Pet Supermarket for rabbit cages, accessories and other essentials for a bunny in healthy hopping shape.

Hamsters are omnivores and thrive on a diet of plant-based food and occasional protein. To keep your little omnivore healthy, follow these hamster diet tips:

Hamster food
Hamster food is available in various forms, generally pellets, seeds and/or grains. Pellet food with a little protein (18-22%) is sufficient for a healthy diet, but your hamster may prefer a mix with dried vegetables or fruit. Whichever you buy, avoid mixes with a high ratio of sunflower seeds which can lead to diet deficiencies and weight gain. Keep in mind also that dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes and should eat few sweet foods or treats.

Fresh food
If your hamster’s diet consists of pellet food, add some fresh food for variety and nutrition. Offer small portions as hamsters generally only need 12 grams of food a day. Try carrots, apples (without seeds), oranges, bananas, green beans, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, celery, lettuce, spinach and turnips.

Hay & alfalfa
Your hamster may enjoy nibbling on Timothy hay, alfalfa or a mix as grasses are a natural part of a hamster’s diet in the wild.

Treats
Hamster love treats, which are often sticks, bars or mixes of seeds, nuts, fruit or dried veggies. Don’t offer them daily though. A couple times a week is fine.

Supplements
Even if your pet eats hamster food, he may need a supplement for a balanced diet. There are supplements specially formulated for hamsters with the vitamins and minerals they need.

You may have noticed your hamster likes to hoard food as well. Check your pet’s cage for hidden food that may spoil.

See to your pet’s health with hamster food and treats from Pet Supermarket!

In the wild, rabbits spend their days eating grass and other greens. At home, rabbits depend on us for a proper diet. Making sure they get enough water and fiber is important not only for their digestive health, but also for their continuously growing teeth. Keep reading for top tips to a healthy rabbit diet.

Hay for High Fiber
Hay is vital to a rabbit’s diet and should be available at all times. It provides roughage (fiber) and can prevent serious health issues, as well as obesity. There are two basic types of hay: legume hay and grass hay. Legume hay (alfalfa or clover) is tastier for rabbits, but should be used in moderation as it’s too rich in calories, protein and calcium. Instead, offer grass hay (timothy, meadow, oat, rye, barley, or Bermuda) which offers needed nutrients, but is lower in calories. Peter’s Rabbit Meadow Mix and Timothy Hay are two examples of grass hay we carry.

Pellets for Nutrients
Pellet food adds some of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that may be missed with a diet of hay and fresh foods. Since it’s not the main ingredient of their diet, ¼ cup of pellet food per five pounds of rabbit body weight should be enough to keep your rabbit healthy. Foods with dried fruit or seeds have more sugar and should be avoided or used as occasional treats.

Vegetables for Variety
Vegetables are another source of high fiber with all of the benefits of hay, but with more micronutrients and water. Healthy greens include broccoli, dark leaf lettuce, kale, parsley, carrots, endive, escarole, dill, basil, mint, cilantro, spinach and tomato. They help your rabbit consume more water and keep its gastrointestinal tract, kidney and bladder function healthy. Make sure to wash all vegetables first. Also, avoid corn which is not easily digested and can be harmful to rabbits.

Water for Health
Water is vital for hydration and proper digestion. Give your rabbit fresh water every day and clean the bowl or bottle often to avoid bacterial growth. If your rabbit eats plenty of greens, he may not need as much water.

Keep your bunny in top hopping condition with a healthy rabbit diet!

Love ferrets? To keep your ferret his normal, playful self, make sure you’re meeting his dietetic and nutritional needs. Here are a few facts about feeding your ferret:

• As carnivores who can’t absorb nutrition from vegetation, ferrets need a diet high in animal protein, high in fat and low in fiber.
• It’s important to include high-quality animal protein in a ferret’s diet. A premium ferret food is recommended.
• Ferrets digest and metabolize food quickly and so should eat small meals often. Think of them as small athletes who need 7 to 10 meals a day. For this reason, make sure there is constant access to food and fresh water.
• Dry food is best as it can be left out all day. Use canned food or meat-based treats as occasional ferret treats or supplements.
• These active, mischievous creatures like to tip things over. Be sure to use a heavy or weighted food bowl and a water bottle attached to the cage.

Keep your ferret healthy and active with a safe diet and loving attention!

There are a greater variety of hamsters now being kept as pets. But whether you have a tiny dwarf hamster or a large Syrian, you’ll need to consider your pet’s size when getting your hamster a home.

Cage types

• Wire cages: Wire cages tend to be larger and work well for large hamsters. Make sure the wire bars aren’t spaced more than a half inch apart.
• Plastic cages: Plastic cages, many of which have various tunnels or levels, are good choices for small- to mid-sized hamsters. The built-in tubes are great for hamster exercise, although they may be more difficult to clean.
• Aquariums. Small Chinese and dwarf hamsters do well in aquariums, which give them (and you) greater visibility.

Size is important

Because hamsters are very active, a bigger home is better. Get a cage that suits your pet’s size and gives him enough room to play and climb. Keep in mind that it needs to be convenient enough for you to clean as well.

Accessories make the home

Start with vital accessories, like a hanging water bottle and a shallow food bowl that can’t be easily tipped over. Then move to the fun stuff: exercise wheel, ramps, tunnels, toys and places to hide or nap. If your cage already provides some of this, even better. If it doesn’t, get tunnels or toys that will allow your pet to get in and out without getting stuck.

Location, location, location

Don’t forget that where you place the cage is also important for both you and your pet. Don’t want to wake to the squeaky hamster wheel at midnight? You may want to place the cage outside of your bedroom. Also drafts and sunlight can affect your pet, depending on the cage. Avoid cold or drafty areas with a wire cage and avoid direct sunlight, which can heat up an aquarium.

Ready to build a happy hamster home? Visit Pet Supermarket for hamster cages and accessories and feel free to ask an associate for help.

Home Sweet Home
Regardless of what kind of small animal you’ve chosen as a pet, you’ll need to give him a cage and bedding that suits his needs. Our experienced associates at Pet Supermarket can help you make him feel right at home.

Rabbits Need Room
Housing your rabbit inside your home has many advantages. Your pet will become part of your family and receive the companionship he needs. His wonderful personality and unique bunny behaviors will delight you. Furthermore, you will get so familiar with your rabbit that any changes in his behavior, (activity level, eating, or bathroom habits) will be observed when they first appear. Choose either:

• Wire Cage— Buy the largest cage for the space in which it will be located. The length of the cage should be 4-5 times the size of the full-grown rabbit when he is stretched out, and the height should allow enough room for him to sit up comfortably. Ideally, the cage should have both a side and a top opening. Be sure the opening is large enough to accommodate a litter box. There should be a metal tray below the wire floor. Line this with newspapers or a paper based litter.
• Wire Exercise Pen — Collapsible wire exercise pens can be placed on hardwood or linoleum floors. This enclosure allows you to get in with the rabbit and open it so he can roam. Inside you can place a wooden or cardboard box for him to hide in and chew on, several litter boxes, food and water dishes, and of course toys.

Rabbits at Work
Most rabbits love to chew, so you must protect all your exposed electrical, computer, and telephone cords. Rabbits will eat any houseplants within reach, and furniture, wall moldings, rugs, and precious objects can become victims of a digging or chewing bunny. Getting to know your rabbit’s habits is crucial. If he is a chewer or digger, try plastic corner covers to protect moldings and place linoleum, carpet squares, phone books, or sea-grass mats where he is digging.

A Gerbil’s Perfect Place

Home Sweet Home
The best gerbil home by far is a simple glass aquarium with a wire-mesh lid. Because gerbils dig and chew so much, a glass tank lasts longer. The size depends on whether you have one or more gerbils: 2 or 3 gerbils can live happily in a 10-gallon tank.

Lids are Tops!
Gerbils can easily jump out of tanks, especially when they’ve raised the litter level with the remains of the tubes and boxes they’ve chewed up for you. If your gerbil makes a getaway during the day while you’re at work, it may be very hard to find him, and he may find a way out of the house. You won’t regret getting a good lid, and some lids have clips to keep the lid in place.

Location, Location, Location
Choose the location of your gerbils’ tank with care. The key safety issues are temperature control, daily contact, safe removal, and supervision of children. You may also want to consider the fact that gerbil activities can make some mess. Also, you’ll need at least some storage for food and toys. So pick a spot where clean-up is easy, and you don’t mind (or can hide) their equipment.

Toasty Warm
Even though gerbils are descended from desert animals, they cannot endure extremes of heat or cold. In the wild, they would have deep burrows to escape the elements, but in a tank, they have only a few inches of litter. As a rule of thumb, consider your own comfort. If the temperature range is comfortable for you, it will be okay for gerbils: 65-80°F is comfortable and safe for all. Do not put gerbils directly below an air-return vent since dust and allergens will be sucked up into the system and blown all over the house.

Fine for Ferrets

Correct Cages
A ferret’s cage should be the largest you can get to keep him happy and active. Features to look for are solid floors and shelves or balconies (wire mesh is hard on the feet), and preferably solid ladders. Our associates can help you choose a cage that will keep your ferret safe and happy. And remember, ferrets are wild animals and need time out of the cage at least 4 hours daily.

Climate Control
Ferrets tolerate cool climates well but are most comfortable at temperatures around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. They have poorly developed sweat glands and cannot tolerate temperature above 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit, and humid weather can also be a problem.

Sleepytime
Ferrets like to be in an enclosed area while sleeping, and they need undisturbed sleep, about 16 to19 hours a day, in a dark quiet area without artificial lighting.

Remember: because small animals have such a variety of needs in terms of habitat and care, you’ll want to have expert advice on how to be the perfect pet owner. At Pet Supermarket our associates are always ready to answer your questions and help you give your pet a good home.

No Couch Potatoes Allowed
Regardless of what kind of small animal you’ve chosen as a pet, you need to give him opportunities to be active so that he’ll stay strong and healthy. Our experienced associates at Pet Supermarket can help you choose appropriate toys and equipment.

Rambunctious Rabbit
Chewing, digging, burrowing, and throwing are all normal rabbit ways of having fun.

• Digging — To prevent bunny destruction caused by digging, introduce him to untreated grass mats and tunnels instead. They’ll make good substitutes for your rugs, carpet, and lawn.
• Burrowing — Rabbits are natural burrowers and live in underground burrows in the wild. Given a chance, your rabbit will try to recreate that habitat in your home or garden. Show him instead the comfort of human-made tunnels, tubes, and nesting dens.
• Chewing — With constantly growing teeth, it’s no wonder rabbits like to chew constantly. It keeps tooth growth in check. But chewing on carpet fibers, electrical cords and certain plants can lead to bunny pain. Offer him any kind of small animal chew instead.
• Throwing — Many rabbits like to throw or toss things as a form of play or getting attention. Rather than playing toss with the food bowl, how about playing with a Toss ’N Chew Celery or a Flip ’N Toss Carrot? These and others toys are perfect for toss-playing bunnies.

Just remember, the more your bunny has to chew, dig, and throw, the less likely he is to get into trouble around the house! Visit Pet Supermarket for chewable and throwable items for your bunny.

Happy Healthy Gerbils

Keep an Eye Open
Gerbils are sociable, curious, clean, and robust animals. If you spend a lot of time with your pet, then it is likely that you would soon notice if anything were wrong. Observe what your gerbil is doing at least once a day Here are just a few things to look for:

• Ailments — Respiratory infections, seizures, diarrhea, parasites. For these potentially serious problems you and your gerbil need to see a vet.
• Sore or Red Nose — This is rather common in gerbils. The nose can get bald, red, sore, and look bloody. This is usually caused by an allergy to the bedding, so the first thing to do is change the bedding material. Aspen, corn cob, or a paper-based bedding work well. If the nose is so badly irritated that there is also a bacterial infection, a topical antibiotic such as Neosporin can be applied twice a day.

Love That Wheel!
Many gerbils love their exercise wheel and will run in it throughout the day or night. For some gerbils a 6-8 inch wheel works best. Each gerbil usually expresses his own personality when it comes to toys, so experiment with different kinds. Our associates can give you suggestions.

Free Time!
Gerbils that get a lot of contact will run up your arm, sit on your shoulder, sniff your ear, and crawl happily all over you, their human jungle gym. If gerbils are trained well, they will behave outside the cage, and even sit on your head (if you like that)! Use some treats to reward good behavior when the gerbil is out of the cage, and then move to extending the time the gerbil is outside, while decreasing the treats.

Playful Ferrets

Fun Fun Fun
Playful, inquisitive and smart, ferrets are entertaining to watch and are much loved by their owners. Learning how to handle a ferret’s long, agile body in different situations is important. Here’s how:

How to Hold
Place your hand under his chest to support his upper body. Use your other hand to support his hind end. Never hold a ferret by his head, legs, or tail.

Hi, Stranger!
If you’re not sure how your ferret will react to strangers (or how they will react to him), it’s best to cradle your ferret with one hand and arm, leaving the other free to protect him. Hold him firmly with your hand under his chest and the rest of his body lying along your arm. He might wrap his legs around your forearm for stability. Hold him facing towards you or away from you, depending on his comfort level with strangers.

“Scruffing”
In the wild, a female ferret may hold her young by the scruff of the neck to discipline them. The same technique can be used at home. Use your thumb and first two fingers to grasp the loose skin at the back of the ferret’s neck right below his head. Hold him firmly, but gently. When held this way, ferrets will usually relax, go limp, and may even yawn. Don’t hold one by the scruff for long without supporting his hind quarters.

Ferrets can be quite mischievous, so handling one properly will ensure his safety and that of others. For expert advice, visit a Pet Supermarket near you.

Choosing the Best
Regardless of what kind of small animal you’ve chosen as a pet, we suggest you consider specially formulated premium, natural, and holistic foods that have been developed especially for the species you own. Our experienced associates at Pet Supermarket can help you choose food that will keep your pet strong and healthy.

Rabbit Food — More Than Just Carrots
The best foods for rabbits are:

• Pellets — Nutritious pellet foods formulated specifically for rabbits serve as a good overall meal.
• Timothy Hay — Rich in fiber, Timothy Hay helps the rabbit avoid problems like hairballs and diarrhea.
• Alfalfa — Very high in calories, protein and calcium, alfalfa should only be given to adult rabbits in small quantities or as a treat.
• Dark, green vegetables — Rabbits should balance their diet with vegetables like parsley, spinach, carrot tops, and broccoli leaves and stems for a long and healthy life.

Keep in mind that older rabbits need to have their meals portioned or else they will eat almost all that you give them. With all this food, fresh water must be available at all times.

Gourmet Gerbils

Basics plus Variety
It’s best to give your gerbil a varied diet high in nutrients. Gerbils can be fed seed mixes or block feeds. Other treats and supplements include fresh fruit and vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, apples, and berries.

When and How
Set up a routine to feed the gerbil every 24 hours, approximately at the same time. Place the block or pellet in a ceramic or heavy plastic bowl, with the supplement on the side. Try to get a feel for how much the gerbil will eat within a day, and then keep feeding that amount. Remove any uneaten food from the previous day before feeding. Feed any treat food in a separate bowl and remove it after a couple of hours to prevent spoiling. You can hand-feed the gerbil to instill trust in the animal and provide a solid base for training outside the cage.

Water is a Must
Although gerbils are small, they still require a fresh water supply to maintain their internal organs. This water should be replenished regularly into a bottle sipper. Try not to allow the water to get stale.

Ferret Food

Meat Eaters
Ferrets are strict carnivores and should be fed a high protein (at least 34%), high fat (at least 20%) high quality chicken- or lamb-based dry ferret diet. Chicken or lamb should be listed in some form (poultry, lamb, or poultry meal) as the number one ingredient in the ferret’s regular food. You should also look for food that is naturally preserved with vitamin E and has no artificial colors.

A Little Extra
You can supplement your ferret’s regular chow by giving him some cooked chicken. Some ferrets like to chew on the soft ends of bones as well. Bone marrow contains a lot of nutrients (including calcium) ferrets need. Chicken baby food can also be a form of meat supplement.

When and How
Ferrets need to be provided with fresh food and water twenty-four hours a day. They require several small meals throughout the day due to their fast metabolism. Water should be supplied in a heavy bowl that cannot be tipped over, as well as a hanging water bottle. The water and food should be changed at least twice a day.

Remember: regardless of what kind of small pet you have, Pet Supermarket’s associates can provide you with information and recommendations so that your pet stays well-fed and healthy.