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FAQs

Small Animal FAQs:

Raising a small animal can be very challenging and from time to time you may have some problems that need to be solved or questions that need answers. Our experts at Kihei Pet Supply will be glad to assist you in any way we can to make small pet ownership as simple as possible. Here are some questions that of often asked by our loyal pet owners.

How do I stop my water bottle from leaking?

It is very important to fill the bottle completely to the top with water so that there is no empty space and no air bubbles. This will allow the vacuum to form correctly. As your pet drinks from the bottle and the water level goes down leaking should not occur as long as the vacuum was created initially.

How do I prevent unwanted chewing?

All rodents naturally chew to wear down their ever-growing teeth. Unfortunately some pets are bigger chewers that others. There are several things you can do to minimize and damage. Try these:

Place a small amount of commercially available small animal chew deterrent on any area you notice them gnawing on that they shouldn't. This makes the area taste bad and helps to redirect the chewing behavior to a more appropriate outlet. Provide your pet with a multitude of wood chews. The wood offers enough resistance to help wear down the teeth. Give your pet a wide variety of shapes and sizes to choose from.
Make sure you offer new toys and chews on a weekly basis. This helps prevent boredom which can cause unnecessary chewing, and keeps your pet active and happy.

How do I train my pet to use a litter box?

First choose a litter pan that fits your pet's habitat space. Next, place the litter pan in the area where your pet eliminates most often. Fill the litter pan with a material that is different from the bedding on the bottom of the habitat floor. Kihei Pet Supply recommends filling your litter pan with Critter Litter. Place a few pieces of your pet's fecal matter into the litter pan. Son, your small furry friend will check out the litter pan and investigate its new potty location. Eventually when your pet "has to go" it will retreat to its normal elimination location, where you've set the litter pan.

General Care

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Caring for your Small Animal

Good husbandry practices will help you take the very best care of your small animal. This means providing a healthy diet, a clean and dry habitat, fresh food, and water. Some small animals are very social and will need attention from you daily.

At least once per week, remove all bedding and wash cage with a mild soap solution. Rinse cage thoroughly with clean water to ensure the removal of soap residue. Frequency of cage cleaning depends on cage size and number of animals in cage. Always replace bedding with fresh product. Not maintaining a clean cage could result in your pet developing respiratory problems due to ammonia build up in the cage caused by urine.

Diet and Treats

Small animals eat a wide variety of food items in the wild, foraging to meet their needs. Most small animals are herbivores, although there are a few exceptions. Commercial diets such as Kaytee foods and treats meet all of the nutritional needs of your pet.

Some small animals will require dietary supplements along with their regular diets, such as dark leafy greens, vegetables and fruits.

Interaction/Socialization

The more time you spend with your pet, the more social it will become. Be sure the time spent is quality time and the animal is being handled properly with slow movements and gentle handling.

Health

It's very important to bring your small animal pet to a veterinarian for annual check-ups. Some small animals will need annual vaccinations such as rabbits and ferrets. Do your homework before purchasing a small animal as a pet.

Small Animal Homes Back

A comfortable critter is a happy critter! That is why it is important to provide your small animal with a habitat that is safe and comfortable for your pet and convenient for you. It is also important to provide chews, food bowls, water bottles, and toys to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Different species of small animals require different types of home. Hamsters, Mice, Guinea Pigs, and Gerbils enjoy plenty of space and bedding to explore and hide. It is also a good idea to provide these pets with plenty of chews and hideouts.

Rabbits need plenty of room to hop around and exercise. Rabbits can be kept in cages or hutches, and can be kept both indoors or outdoors.

Rats and Chinchillas are known for climbing so they need a taller cage with plenty of shelves or ledges for climbing. Ferrets also like to have levels on which they can jump and sleep.

Habitats offer room for your hamster, gerbil or mouse to roam and play.

Choosing the Right Small Animal Back

We all know that pets make great companions for adults and kids alike. They keep us healthy, they teach responsibility, and we form bonds with our pets that are downright irreplaceable.

There are many factors to consider when in the market to buy a small animal. It is important to know that not every small animal is right for everyone. However, with the proper research, you can find the small animal that is perfect for you!

One thing to consider is who will be the primary caregiver of the animal. Hamsters, Gerbils and Mice make great pets for kids. They are often kept in small cages and take up relatively little space. Being nocturnal in nature, they tend to sleep great lengths though out the day and become more active at night. If handled properly, they can be very gentle and tame when held. While rats often get a bad reputation, they also can be very affectionate pets. However they do require a larger living area than hamsters, gerbils and mice. Chinchillas on the other hand require gentle care due to their fragile bones. Chinchillas also require much cooler temperatures for survival.

Another thing to consider is energy level. Small animals such as Rabbits and Ferrets tend to be social creatures with a lot of energy. These animals like to run around, play, and need more space to romp than other small animals. They also need more attention. On the other hand animals such as Guinea Pigs are very low energy animals and like to stay in one place for most of the time.

The lifespan of your pet should also be considered. Some small animals live for only a few years, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats. On the other hand Chinchillas with proper care can live on average 10-15 years. Rabbits and Ferrets can live roughly 6-8 years with proper care. It is important to consider the time commitment you are willing to give for your new furry friend.

Whether you choose a Hamster or go with a Chinchilla, small animals make excellent pets and companions. With proper care, food, living space and a little bit of love, your new pet will be part of the family in no time!