Setting Up Your Small Pet’s Habitat

Small pet needs

Whether you’re the new pet parent of a gerbil, hamster, mouse or Guinea pig, you’ll want to set up your small pet comfortably.

Most small pets are social and can live in twos (not Syrian hamsters, though; they’re loners). If you do keep a small pet pair, make sure they’re both of the same sex.

Place your small pet’s habitat somewhere not too hot or humid and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Be sure your small pet can’t escape through the bars of their cage. For gerbils, mice and hamsters in particular, make certain the bars are no more than ½ inch apart.

Does my small pet need a big cage?

For an idea of the size of your pet’s home, see below:

Guinea pig

• 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, 12 inches high

Gerbil

• 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, 12 inches high

Rat

• 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, 12 inches high

Mouse

• 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, 12 inches high

Chinchilla

• 30 inches long, 29 inches wide, 18 inches high

Hamster or Dwarf Hamster

• 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, 12 inches high

Rabbit

• 30 inches long, 29 inches wide, 18 inches high

Bedding down

• Line the habitat floor with 1 to 2 inches of bedding (the type you use may depend on the species; ask a PetSmart associate for more information).
• Scoop any poop daily, spot-clean the bedding as needed, and change the bedding completely once a month.
• Hamsters, mice, rats and gerbils all like making nests to sleep in. Give them fabric or paper and watch them shred it into a cozy sleeping nook.

Habitat accessories

• Hide houses give your small pet some much-needed privacy. You can even get one that’s edible to help keep their teeth healthy!
• An exercise wheel essential for mice, rats, chinchillas and gerbils. If your pet has a tail, be sure the wheel has a solid surface; tails can get caught in a wire wheel. If your pet is nocturnal, make sure the wheel runs quietly so the night activity won’t keep you awake.