Just got a new companion?
A small animal's life starts with Beaphar
You have bought your new furry friend home, but what now? Give them the best start possible, for a happy, healthy and thriving pet.
With the Beaphar range, we have got you covered, taking care of your pet throughout their lifetime. Whether you're a fond rabbit owner or the carer of a tiny Syrian hamster, the Beaphar Small Animal Range has all the products you need.
Check out our guides to help you get on the right track. #startswithbeaphar
Beaphar Small Animal Care Guides
Gerbil Care Guide
Gerbils are fascinating to watch, and have fast and energetic nature. Mainly nocturnal but still active throughout the day, they make great pets for older children. Wild gerbils live in desert conditions so naturally conserve food and water, meaning they produce little waste so owners often find them cleaner and less smelly than other rodents. Captive gerbils have a lifespan of up to 4 years (or longer), so make ideal long-term family pets.
Read your new gerbil guideGuinea Pig Care Guide
Guinea pigs are sociable, chatty animals that originate from the Andes in South America. Although naturally shy, they can be tamed quite easily and very rarely bite, making them an ideal first pet for young children. Living between 4-8 years, guinea pigs are a wonderful family pet, which can be kept either indoors or outdoors.
Read your new guinea pig guide
Hamster Care Guide
Hamsters make a lovely addition to any family, and are particularly good for those with limited space but unlimited love. Ranging in size from Syrian hamsters to smaller dwarf hamsters, they are mostly nocturnal but incredibly active when awake. They may only be small, but through gentle handling and taming you can forge a strong and loving bond with your hamster. Hamsters have an average lifespan of 2-3 years.
Rabbit Care Guide
Rabbits make great family pets due to their sociable nature, and are ideal for older children and adults. With an average lifespan of 8–12 years, keeping rabbits as pets requires a large commitment, but offers huge rewards, with strong, long-lasting bonds being built between pet and owner. While traditionally kept outdoors, the number of house rabbits has increased in recent years, making rabbits an even more accessible pet to those with limited outdoor space.
Rat Care Guide
Rats are highly intelligent and with regular handling can even be taught to do simple tricks, so can make ideal pets for older children. Although rats sleep a lot during the day they aren’t fully nocturnal, and enjoy human company during the day and evening. Contrary to popular opinion rats are very clean animals, and with the correct care their enclosures can be virtually odourless. On average, rats live for between 2-2 ½ years.
Social Needs
Rodents are social animals and should be kept in neutered, bonded pairs. As an owner, you should also make time to bond with your small furries. You can do this through grooming, toys and treats. |
Behavioural
Rodents need lots of activities to keep them occupied. Small animal puzzle toys or scatter feeding can encourage rabbits to forage for food as they would in the wild. You can also create burrow boxes so rabbits can express their natural urge to dig and burrow. |
Housing (for rabbits)
A pair of average-sized rabbits need a living space of 3m x 2m and a run height of 1m as a minimum, and should include spaces to hide, sleep, eat and toilet. Hiding places should have an entrance and an exit, and there should be the same number of hiding spaces as rabbits, plus one extra. Each rabbit should also have their own litter tray where possible, depending on your set up. |
Nutrition
Feeding a healthy diet is an essential part of rodent care. They should also be given a small amount of pellets and leafy greens, while treats can be given in moderation. |
Health (for rabbits) Rabbits should be visiting the vets for a check-up at least once a year. During these check-ups, your vet can check their weight, teeth and give them their vaccinations. Your rabbits, whether they live indoors or outdoors, should be vaccinated against myxomatosis, VHD1 and VHD2. |
Hygiene
Litter trays and/or toilet areas should be cleaned daily. This is particularly important in the summer months to help avoid fly strike in hutches. Hutches, cages and living spaces should be completely cleaned and disinfected, and bedding changed once a week. |
Teeth
Did you know, a small furries teeth grow continuously throughout their lifetime? Growth can be as fast as one centimetre per month! Their teeth need to be worn down through gnawing and eating to keep them healthy – another important reason to provide the correct diet. |
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