Bringing home a rabbit, guinea pig or gerbil is exciting, but choosing the right enclosure is just as important as choosing the pet itself.
Your pet's home is where they will spend most of their time sleeping, eating, exercising and feeling safe. A well-designed enclosure helps support both physical health and natural behaviours, making life happier for both pets and owners.
Whether you're buying your very first small pet or upgrading an existing enclosure, this guide explains everything you should consider before making your decision.
Quick Guide: Choosing The Right Home
| If you have... | Recommended Home |
|---|---|
| Rabbit | Large rabbit hutch or spacious indoor enclosure with exercise area |
| Guinea Pig | Large single-level habitat with plenty of floor space |
| Gerbil | Deep habitat with room for digging and tunnels |
| Hamster | Secure cage with enrichment and deep bedding |
Think About Space First
The biggest mistake new owners make is buying an enclosure that is too small.
Small animals may be little, but they still need plenty of room to exercise, explore and express natural behaviours.
Before choosing a cage or hutch, think about:
- How much floor space your pet will have.
- Whether they can stand upright comfortably.
- Room for feeding areas.
- Separate sleeping areas.
- Space for toys and enrichment.
If you're browsing our range of small animal housing, choosing the largest enclosure your available space allows is usually the best long-term investment.
Indoor Or Outdoor?
Many owners wonder whether their pet should live indoors or outdoors.
Both options can work well, provided the enclosure is appropriate for the species and offers protection from weather, predators and temperature extremes.
Indoor homes allow pets to become part of family life and often provide more consistent temperatures throughout the year.
Outdoor hutches and runs offer fresh air and additional exercise but should always include sheltered sleeping areas.
Whichever option you choose, you'll also need suitable small animal bedding to keep your pet warm, dry and comfortable.
Choosing The Right Home For Rabbits
Rabbits require considerably more space than many people realise.
A rabbit should be able to stretch fully, stand upright and hop around comfortably within its enclosure.
Many rabbit owners now combine a spacious hutch with a secure exercise run, allowing rabbits to move freely during the day.
Adding quality rabbit food, hay racks and enrichment toys helps encourage natural foraging and chewing behaviours.
Choosing The Right Home For Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs thrive in wide, open habitats with plenty of floor space rather than tall cages with multiple levels.
They enjoy spending time together, so many owners keep guinea pigs in compatible pairs.
Provide soft bedding, hideaways and constant access to hay alongside quality guinea pig food and fresh water.
Regular cleaning helps maintain a healthy environment while reducing unpleasant odours.
Choosing The Right Home For Gerbils
Gerbils love to dig.
Unlike rabbits or guinea pigs, they benefit from deep bedding that allows them to tunnel naturally.
Look for secure habitats with excellent ventilation and enough depth for burrowing.
Adding chew toys, tunnels and climbing features helps keep gerbils mentally stimulated while reducing boredom.
Don't forget to provide appropriate small animal food alongside fresh water every day.
Create An Interesting Environment
A cage should be more than simply somewhere to sleep.
Adding enrichment encourages natural behaviours while keeping pets active and mentally stimulated.
Good additions include:
- Hideaways
- Tunnels
- Chew toys
- Hay feeders
- Exercise wheels (species appropriate)
- Natural treats
Browse our range of small animal toys, small animal treats and small animal accessories to help create a more enriching home.
