Small Animal Glossary

A formulated solid feed containing balanced nutrients for small animals. Used as the staple diet for rabbits and guinea pigs. It is important to choose a product suited to the animal's age and life stage.

Dried grass that serves as the staple diet for rabbits and guinea pigs. Rich in fiber, it is essential for digestive health and tooth wear. Timothy hay is the most common variety and should always be available ad libitum.

A grass hay in the Poaceae family, used as the staple diet for rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. Available in first cut (high fiber, coarse), second cut (softer), and third cut (softest, most palatable). First cut is recommended for adults.

A legume hay higher in protein and calcium than Timothy. Suitable for growing juvenile rabbits and pregnant or nursing does, but overfeeding to adults can lead to obesity and urolithiasis.

A condition of misaligned teeth, common in animals with continuously growing teeth such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Insufficient hay intake is the primary cause, leading to appetite loss and drooling. Severe cases require regular dental trimming.

An inflammatory condition of the foot pads, common in rabbits. Caused by hard flooring, obesity, and lack of exercise. Prevention includes using soft mats and regular nail trimming.

A condition where gut motility slows or stops, formally known as gastrointestinal stasis. Common in rabbits, it is caused by stress, insufficient fiber, or dehydration. Loss of appetite or reduced droppings require emergency veterinary care.

The period when an animal becomes ready to breed. Hamsters cycle approximately every 4 days, while rabbits can breed year-round. Males may become more aggressive and increase marking behavior during this time.

Surgical removal of the testes in males. Benefits include reduced aggression, less marking behavior, and prevention of reproductive diseases. Generally recommended for rabbits and ferrets.

Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in females. Female rabbits have a very high incidence of uterine disease, so spaying is strongly recommended if breeding is not planned. The same applies to ferrets.

The arrangement of items inside a cage, including a water bottle, food dish, litter area, hideout, and exercise wheel. A layout suited to the animal's species and size is the foundation of a comfortable habitat.

An exercise device for hamsters, degus, and similar species. Since these animals may run several kilometers per night in the wild, a wheel is essential for preventing lack of exercise. Choose a diameter large enough that the animal's back does not arch.

A natural behavior of chinchillas and degus to remove dirt and excess oil from their fur. Fine dust (chinchilla sand) is provided in a container. Daily dust baths are essential for chinchillas to maintain coat quality.

Fur maintenance, including self-grooming by the animal and brushing by the owner. Long-haired breeds require regular brushing to prevent matting.

Maintaining proper temperature in the habitat. The ideal range is 20–26°C for hamsters and 18–24°C for rabbits. Heatstroke in summer and hypothermia (torpor in hamsters) in winter can be life-threatening, so air conditioning is essential.

Housing multiple animals together. Social species like degus and guinea pigs thrive in groups, while hamsters (especially Syrians) are territorial and generally must be kept alone. Compatibility and species traits should guide the decision.

Getting an animal accustomed to a new environment and owner. For the first week after arrival, avoid handling and let it settle in. Then gradually offer treats by hand to build trust. Rushing the process is counterproductive.

Picking up or holding an animal in your hands. For tame individuals, it serves as a means of health checking and bonding. Incorrect handling can cause fractures or stress, so learning proper technique is important.

A trait of being most active at night. Hamsters, chinchillas, and sugar gliders are nocturnal and typically sleep during the day. Forcing them awake causes stress, so respecting their natural rhythm is key to proper care.

A group of mammals—including hamsters, squirrels, degus, and chinchillas—with continuously growing incisors. They instinctively gnaw on hard objects, so chew-proofing cages and cables is necessary. Chew toys help prevent overgrown teeth.