Meta: Enrichment ideas for small rodents.
These animals are smart and active, and need a lot to do.
Gerbils
- Deep bedding for digging
- Cardboard tubes and boxes for chewing
- Sand bath (suitable for gerbils)
Rats
- Hammocks, ropes and ladders
- Foraging toys with hidden food
- Tunnels and cardboard boxes
Chinchillas
- Safe wooden chews, such as apple wood
- Dust bath (with proper chinchilla dust)
- Ledges and platforms for jumping
- Large wheel made for chinchillas
How to use these
- Rotate toys each week to keep them interesting.
- Hide small treats in tubes or paper to encourage foraging.
- Let them play outside the cage in a safe, closed area, with supervision.
- Remove damaged toys immediately.
Safety tips
- Avoid plastic toys that can be chewed into pieces.
- Chinchillas can overheat easily, so keep them cool.
- Always research the needs of the species. Each one has special requirements, and a vet who treats small animals can help.