Rabbits
Rabbits are not just super cute; they're fun-loving and fantastic family pets. By adopting a rabbit from the RSPCA, you're not just getting a fluffy friend, you're giving a little buddy a second chance at life; and in return, they'll shower you with devotion, unconditional love, and joy.
You'll need some essentials like a water bottle, food, a cozy hutch, and even some toys for playtime. Plus, remember, rabbits need companionship, a proper diet, and regular grooming.
A guide to keeping pet rabbits
Birds
If you're looking for a feathered friend – birds can be ideal companions, especially if you’re living with limited space. And they will reward you with devotion, unconditional love, and joy. All RSPCA birds are vet-checked, ensuring you start off as a responsible pet owner.
While birds are undemanding animals that are very simple to care for, they are highly intelligent animals and do require regular exercise and mental stimulation. It’s important to ensure these needs will be met when choosing how to house your pet birds. You’ll need a cage large enough for them to fly in along with toys to keep them occupied.
A balanced and varied diet is crucial, and regular health checks are essential for their well-being.
A guide to keeping birds as pets
Rats and mice
Rats and mice are social butterflies (who knew?!), so ideally, they should have a companion. Consider housing at least two mice or two rats together – or be willing to spend lots of time with them to give them the care and attention they need. To make sure there are no unwanted litters, same sex pairings are recommended!
Rats and mice can be housed in a few types of cages, but larger cages are better. Make sure their home is easy to clean, well-ventilated and predator- and escape-proof. Provide bedding materials such as shredded paper or pelleted recycled paper and change it regularly.
They are also susceptible to heat stress, so make sure their cage isn’t exposed to extreme temperatures.
Guinea pigs
Just like our rat and mouse friends, guinea pigs love companionship. They also need spacious housing (so they can stretch their little legs), a varied diet, and regular grooming – along with a well-ventilated and predator-proof cage, a healthy diet, and protection from extreme temperatures.
While guinea pigs are undemanding animals that can be very simple to care for, they are highly intelligent animals and do require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
They will be at their happiest with other guinea pigs. But, to avoid unwanted litters, it’s best to get two guinea pigs of the same sex. Male guinea pigs will get along better if they are introduced at a young age.
A guide to keeping guinea pigs as pets
Remember:
Before you embark on the journey of pet ownership, ask yourself a few questions.
-
Can I financially support the ongoing costs associated with caring for a pet?
-
Do I have a safe, secure environment and comfortable environment for my new pet?
-
Will I be able to spend lots of quality time with my pet?
-
Am I committed to caring for this pet for the whole of its life?
The adoption process doesn’t end once an animal leaves an RSPCA shelter. Staff provide advice to new owners on general pet care including dietary requirements and are also available for further advice in the days, weeks and months following adoption, as the animal settles into their new home.
You can also buy everything your new companion needs from the RSPCA, with the proceeds going towards helping more animals in need.
Title
