What are the Best Enrichment Activities for Small Mammals?

Small mammals like hamsters, gerbils, and mice can make wonderful pets, but they can also be challenging to keep entertained. Providing enrichment activities for small mammals is essential to ensure they stay happy, healthy, and engaged. Enrichment activities can range from simple things like providing more space to explore or adding toys and games to their environment. These activities not only provide mental stimulation but also help to satisfy their natural instincts and prevent boredom. In this article, we will explore some of the best enrichment activities for small mammals, so you can keep your furry friend engaged and happy.

Small Mammals and Their Environmental Needs

Natural Habitats and Behaviors

Small mammals have evolved to thrive in specific natural habitats, each with its unique set of environmental factors that influence their behavior. To provide optimal enrichment activities for these animals, it is crucial to understand their natural habits and behaviors.

1. Natural Habitats:
   • Hamsters: burrows, open fields, and woodlands
   • Guinea pigs: grassy areas, forests, and burrows
   • Mice: grasslands, forests, and marshes
   • Rats: urban environments, forests, and riverbanks
2. Behaviors:
   • Burrowing: a primary behavior for many small mammals, including hamsters and mice
   • Foraging: essential for guinea pigs and rats, who search for food and resources
   • Social interaction: crucial for rodents, especially when living in groups
   • Exploration: small mammals are naturally curious and enjoy investigating new environments

By incorporating enrichment activities that mimic these natural habits and behaviors, caretakers can promote the physical and mental well-being of their small mammal companions.

Importance of Enrichment

Enrichment activities are essential for the well-being of small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, in captivity. Providing these animals with stimulating and engaging environments can improve their physical and mental health, reduce stress, and prevent boredom. Here are some reasons why enrichment is crucial for small mammals:

• Mental Stimulation: Small mammals, like humans, require mental stimulation to maintain their cognitive abilities and prevent cognitive decline. Enrichment activities, such as puzzle toys and foraging exercises, can help keep their minds active and prevent boredom.
• Physical Exercise: Small mammals need physical exercise to maintain their physical health. Enrichment activities, such as climbing structures and tunnels, can provide them with the necessary exercise to stay healthy and fit.
• Social Interaction: Small mammals are social animals and require social interaction to thrive. Providing them with opportunities for social interaction, such as playtime with toys or other animals, can improve their overall well-being and reduce stress.
• Prevention of Behavioral Problems: Boredom and lack of stimulation can lead to behavioral problems in small mammals, such as repetitive behaviors or aggression. Enrichment activities can help prevent these problems and improve their overall behavior.
• Improved Welfare: Overall, enrichment activities can improve the welfare of small mammals in captivity by providing them with a more engaging and stimulating environment. This can lead to improved physical and mental health, reduced stress, and increased contentment.

Types of Enrichment for Small Mammals

Physical Enrichment

Physical enrichment activities are essential for the health and well-being of small mammals. These activities can help meet their natural instincts and needs, such as exploration, climbing, and exercise. Some examples of physical enrichment activities include:

• Toys and Hiding Places: Providing small mammals with a variety of toys, such as tunnels, mazes, and hiding places, can stimulate their natural instincts to explore and play. This can also help reduce stress and provide mental stimulation.
• Exercise Equipment: Exercise equipment, such as wheels and ramps, can help small mammals stay active and healthy. For example, hamsters can benefit from a wheel to run on, while guinea pigs can enjoy a ramp to climb on.
• Perches and Beds: Providing small mammals with different levels and textures of perches and beds can help satisfy their need for climbing and resting in different locations. This can also help prevent boredom and promote physical activity.
• Foraging Activities: Foraging activities, such as hiding treats and providing obstacles to find them, can help stimulate small mammals’ natural instincts to forage for food. This can also help reduce stress and provide mental stimulation.
• Interactive Toys: Interactive toys, such as balls and feathers, can help small mammals engage in play and social interaction. This can also help reduce stress and provide mental stimulation.

Overall, physical enrichment activities are essential for the health and well-being of small mammals. By providing a variety of toys, equipment, and activities, owners can help meet their small mammals’ natural instincts and needs, and promote physical and mental health.

Social Enrichment

Providing social enrichment is essential for small mammals, as they are social animals that thrive on interaction with their own kind. Some of the best social enrichment activities for small mammals include:

• Playdates: Organizing playdates with other small mammals can provide social interaction and stimulation. It is important to ensure that the animals are compatible and have a positive interaction.
• Group housing: Housing small mammals in groups can provide social interaction and reduce stress. It is important to ensure that the group size is appropriate for the species and that the animals are compatible.
• Handling: Regular handling and interaction with humans can provide social enrichment for small mammals. It is important to handle the animals gently and regularly to build trust and establish a positive relationship.
• Toys: Providing toys that promote social interaction, such as puzzle toys or hide-and-seek toys, can provide mental stimulation and social enrichment.
• Interactive feeding: Interactive feeding, such as hiding treats in toys or hiding food for the animal to find, can provide mental stimulation and social enrichment.

It is important to note that social enrichment activities should be tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the small mammal. It is also important to monitor the animals during social interactions to ensure that they are comfortable and having a positive experience.

Mental Enrichment

Mental enrichment is an essential aspect of ensuring the well-being of small mammals such as rodents and rabbits. It helps stimulate their cognitive abilities, reduce stress and boredom, and promote natural behaviors. There are various ways to provide mental enrichment for small mammals, including:

• Puzzle toys: Providing small mammals with puzzle toys that challenge their problem-solving skills can be a great way to keep them mentally stimulated. These toys can be filled with treats or pellets and designed to require the animal to figure out how to access them.
• Hiding treats: Hiding treats around the cage or enclosure for the small mammal to find can be a fun and engaging activity. This activity encourages the animal to use its sense of smell and search ability to locate the hidden treats.
• Training: Training small mammals can be a great way to provide mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between the animal and its owner. Training can involve teaching the animal simple tricks such as “sit,” “stay,” or “come,” or teaching it to perform specific actions such as pushing a ball through a small opening.
• Foraging: Providing small mammals with opportunities to forage for food can be a natural and engaging activity. This can be done by hiding treats or pellets around the cage or enclosure, or by providing a “food maze” that requires the animal to navigate through obstacles to access the food.
• Interactive toys: Interactive toys such as balls, puzzle feeders, and tunnels can provide small mammals with opportunities to engage in play and exercise their natural instincts. These toys can also be filled with treats or pellets to make them more engaging.

It is important to note that the type and complexity of the mental enrichment activities should be appropriate for the species and individual needs of the small mammal. It is also important to rotate the activities regularly to prevent boredom and ensure continued mental stimulation.

Creating Enrichment Opportunities for Small Mammals

Building Enrichment Devices

Building enrichment devices is an excellent way to provide mental and physical stimulation for small mammals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and mice. These devices can be simple to construct and can offer hours of entertainment and exercise for your small pet. Here are some ideas for building enrichment devices for small mammals:

• Hide and Seek Tunnels: Small mammals love to explore and hide, so building a hide and seek tunnel is an excellent way to provide them with exercise and mental stimulation. You can create a tunnel using cardboard boxes, plastic tubing, or even paper towel tubes. Add treats or toys to the tunnel to make it more exciting.
• Food Puzzles: Food puzzles are a great way to keep your small mammal engaged and mentally stimulated. You can create a puzzle using a small box or container with holes cut out for your pet to reach through and retrieve food or treats. You can also use different types of food, such as pellets, fruits, and vegetables, to make the puzzle more challenging.
• Climbing Structures: Small mammals love to climb and explore new heights, so building a climbing structure is an excellent way to provide them with exercise and mental stimulation. You can create a climbing structure using cardboard boxes, wooden blocks, or even branches from outside. Add different levels and obstacles to the structure to make it more challenging.
• Toy Dispensing Devices: Toy dispensing devices are a great way to keep your small mammal entertained and engaged. You can create a dispensing device using a small container or box with holes cut out for your pet to reach through and retrieve toys or treats. You can also use different types of toys, such as balls, blocks, and rings, to make the dispensing device more challenging.

Overall, building enrichment devices is a fun and rewarding way to provide mental and physical stimulation for your small mammal. These devices can be customized to your pet’s preferences and needs, and can offer hours of entertainment and exercise.

Rotating Toys and Activities

One of the best ways to keep small mammals mentally stimulated and physically active is by rotating their toys and activities. This approach involves regularly changing the available items and experiences to prevent boredom and promote curiosity. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of rotating toys and activities and provide some tips for implementing this enrichment strategy.

Benefits of Rotating Toys and Activities

1. Mental stimulation: By regularly changing the environment and introducing new items, small mammals are challenged to explore and learn, which helps to maintain their cognitive abilities.
2. Physical activity: A variety of toys and activities can encourage small mammals to engage in physical exercise, which is essential for their overall health and well-being.
3. Reduced stress and anxiety: Providing a constantly changing and stimulating environment can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels in small mammals, leading to a more relaxed and contented animal.
4. Prevention of boredom: Rotating toys and activities ensures that small mammals do not become bored with the same old items, which can lead to destructive or repetitive behaviors.

Tips for Rotating Toys and Activities

1. Plan ahead: To ensure a consistent rotation of toys and activities, it is essential to plan ahead and create a schedule or checklist of items to be introduced and removed.
2. Incorporate natural elements: Incorporating natural elements, such as branches, leaves, and grasses, can provide small mammals with opportunities to forage and explore their environment.
3. Introduce new experiences: Introducing new experiences, such as visiting a different room or cage, can help to stimulate small mammals and promote exploration.
4. Monitor and adjust: It is essential to monitor the response of the small mammal to the rotating toys and activities and adjust the schedule as needed to ensure continued interest and engagement.

By following these tips and incorporating a rotation of toys and activities, small mammal owners can provide their pets with the mental and physical stimulation they need to live a happy and healthy life.

Using Scents and Textures

When it comes to enriching the lives of small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, using scents and textures can be a highly effective way to stimulate their senses and keep them engaged. By incorporating a variety of scents and textures into their environment, you can help provide mental and physical stimulation, reduce stress and boredom, and promote overall well-being. Here are some examples of how to use scents and textures in small mammal enrichment:

Introducing New Scents

Introducing new scents can be a great way to stimulate a small mammal’s sense of smell and encourage exploration. You can do this by placing small amounts of different scents, such as lavender, peppermint, or citrus, in areas of their enclosure where they can explore and interact with them. For example, you could place a small piece of lavender in their sleeping area, or a small pile of peppermint leaves in their play area.

Introducing New Textures

Introducing new textures can be a great way to stimulate a small mammal’s sense of touch and encourage exploration. You can do this by providing a variety of materials with different textures, such as cardboard, hay, or fabric, for them to explore and interact with. For example, you could place a small piece of cardboard in their play area, or a small pile of hay in their sleeping area.

Encouraging Natural Behaviors

By incorporating scents and textures that are natural to their environment, you can encourage natural behaviors and promote overall well-being. For example, providing a small pile of hay or a piece of wood with bark on it can encourage foraging and natural scratching behaviors.

Monitoring Reactions

It’s important to monitor your small mammal’s reactions to new scents and textures, and adjust accordingly. Some small mammals may be more sensitive to certain scents or textures, so it’s important to introduce them gradually and observe their reactions. If they seem stressed or uninterested, it’s best to remove the scent or texture and try something else.

In conclusion, using scents and textures can be a highly effective way to enrich the lives of small mammals and promote overall well-being. By providing a variety of scents and textures, you can stimulate their senses, encourage natural behaviors, and reduce stress and boredom.

Benefits of Enrichment for Small Mammals

Improved Physical Health

Enrichment activities for small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, provide numerous benefits beyond just mental stimulation. One of the most significant advantages of enrichment is improved physical health.

Physical Health Benefits of Enrichment

• Weight maintenance: Enrichment activities that encourage movement, such as obstacle courses or interactive toys, can help maintain a healthy weight in small mammals. Overweight rodents and rabbits are at a higher risk for developing health issues, such as heart disease and joint problems.
• Exercise: Enrichment activities provide small mammals with the opportunity to exercise, which is essential for maintaining physical health. Lack of exercise can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, arthritis, and respiratory issues.
• Muscle development: Enrichment activities that require climbing, pushing, pulling, and chewing can help develop muscles in small mammals. Strong muscles are important for maintaining mobility and preventing injury.
• Improved digestion: Enrichment activities that promote natural behaviors, such as foraging and burrowing, can help improve digestion in small mammals. Foraging provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, while burrowing can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

In conclusion, enrichment activities are essential for maintaining physical health in small mammals. By providing opportunities for exercise, weight maintenance, muscle development, and improved digestion, enrichment activities can help prevent a variety of health problems and promote a longer, healthier life for your small mammal companion.

Emotional Well-being

Providing enrichment activities for small mammals can greatly improve their emotional well-being. In captivity, small mammals may experience stress, anxiety, and boredom, which can lead to negative effects on their physical and mental health. By providing appropriate enrichment activities, owners can help promote positive emotional states in their small mammal pets.

Some examples of enrichment activities that can improve emotional well-being in small mammals include:

• Playtime: Small mammals enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their owners. Providing a variety of toys, such as balls, tunnels, and chew toys, can help keep them mentally stimulated and happy.
• Exercise: Regular exercise is important for maintaining physical health, but it can also help reduce stress and anxiety in small mammals. Providing opportunities for exercise, such as a daily walk on a leash or a large enclosure to explore, can help improve their emotional well-being.
• Social interaction: Small mammals are social animals and thrive on interaction with their owners and other animals. Providing opportunities for social interaction, such as playdates with other small mammals or regular handling and attention from their owners, can help improve their emotional well-being.
• Environmental enrichment: Changing up the environment in which small mammals live can help provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom. This can include adding new furniture or accessories to their enclosure, rotating toys and treats, or providing different types of bedding or substrate.

Overall, providing appropriate enrichment activities can help improve the emotional well-being of small mammals and promote positive emotional states. By taking the time to provide a stimulating and engaging environment, owners can help ensure that their small mammal pets are happy and healthy.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Providing enrichment activities for small mammals can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. One of the primary benefits of enrichment is the reduction of stress and anxiety in these animals.

• Stress and Anxiety in Small Mammals: Small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, can experience stress and anxiety due to various factors, including poor living conditions, social isolation, and lack of mental stimulation. These stressors can lead to negative effects on the animal’s physical and mental health, including suppression of the immune system, excessive grooming, and repetitive behaviors.
• Enrichment as a Stress-Reducing Tool: Enrichment activities provide small mammals with opportunities to engage in natural behaviors, explore their environment, and interact with other animals. This environmental enrichment can help reduce stress and anxiety levels in these animals by promoting positive emotional states and reducing negative ones.
• Types of Enrichment Activities for Stress Reduction: There are various types of enrichment activities that can help reduce stress and anxiety in small mammals. For example, providing toys and objects for animals to manipulate and explore, such as cardboard tubes, hide-and-seek boxes, and scent-based toys, can help satisfy their natural curiosity and keep them mentally stimulated. Offering opportunities for social interaction, such as supervised playtime with compatible animals or the presence of a compatible cage mate, can also help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
• The Importance of Monitoring Stress Levels: While enrichment activities can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety in small mammals, it is essential to monitor their stress levels to ensure that they are not overwhelmed or stressed by the enrichment itself. Observing the animal’s behavior, body language, and physiological responses, such as heart rate and cortisol levels, can help determine their stress levels and adjust the enrichment activities accordingly.

Overall, incorporating enrichment activities into the daily routine of small mammals can have a significant impact on their well-being by reducing stress and anxiety levels. By providing opportunities for natural behaviors, exploration, and social interaction, these animals can experience improved mental and physical health, leading to a higher quality of life.

Enrichment Challenges for Small Mammals

Space Constraints

One of the primary challenges in providing enrichment activities for small mammals is the limited space available in their enclosures. This is particularly true for rodents such as mice and rats, which typically live in small cages or tanks. While these animals are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, it is important to provide them with opportunities to engage in natural behaviors and explore their surroundings.

One solution to this challenge is to create vertical enclosures that allow small mammals to climb and explore different levels. This can include adding ramps, ladders, and platforms to their cages, or using multi-level habitats that provide different levels of activity and stimulation. This not only helps to address the issue of space constraints, but also encourages natural behaviors such as climbing and foraging.

Another approach is to use modular enclosures that can be easily rearranged or modified to create new environments and challenges. This can include using interlocking cubes or panels that can be combined in different configurations to create mazes, tunnels, and other interactive structures. These modular enclosures can also be used to create different themed environments, such as a “cave” or “treehouse,” that provide visual and sensory stimulation for small mammals.

In addition to providing physical enrichment activities, it is also important to consider the social and emotional needs of small mammals. While some species are naturally solitary, many rodents are social animals that benefit from the presence of a compatible cage mate. Providing opportunities for social interaction, such as supervised playtime or introducing a compatible cage mate, can help to reduce stress and promote positive social behaviors.

Overall, addressing space constraints in small mammal enclosures requires creativity and innovation. By using vertical and modular enclosures, providing opportunities for social interaction, and offering a variety of physical and sensory stimuli, it is possible to create enriching environments that meet the needs of these fascinating animals.

Cost and Availability of Resources

One of the major challenges when it comes to providing enrichment activities for small mammals is the cost and availability of resources. While there are many different types of enrichment activities that can be provided for small mammals, they can often come with a high price tag.

Some enrichment activities, such as commercial toys and treats, can be relatively affordable, but they may not provide the same level of stimulation as homemade or natural items. Homemade enrichment items, such as cardboard boxes or paper towel tubes, can be easily made at home, but they may not be as appealing to the small mammal as store-bought items.

Additionally, the availability of certain enrichment items can be limited depending on location. For example, some stores may not carry a wide variety of toys or treats for small mammals, making it difficult for owners to provide a diverse range of enrichment activities.

It is important for small mammal owners to carefully consider the cost and availability of enrichment items when planning their animal’s daily routine. While some activities may be more expensive or difficult to obtain, there are still many affordable and accessible options available.

Balancing Enrichment with Safety

Enrichment activities for small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, are essential for their physical and mental well-being. However, it is crucial to balance enrichment with safety to ensure that the animals remain healthy and happy.

Here are some tips for balancing enrichment with safety:

• Choose appropriate toys and objects: Not all toys and objects are suitable for small mammals. Some toys may be too small and pose a choking hazard, while others may be too large and cause injury. It is essential to choose toys and objects that are appropriate for the size and age of the animal.
• Monitor the animal’s behavior: When introducing new toys or objects, monitor the animal’s behavior to ensure that they are not becoming stressed or overwhelmed. If the animal seems stressed or overwhelmed, remove the toy or object and try again later.
• Supervise playtime: It is important to supervise playtime, especially when introducing new toys or objects. This will help prevent accidents and ensure that the animal remains safe.
• Provide a variety of enrichment activities: Providing a variety of enrichment activities can help prevent boredom and keep the animal engaged. This can include hiding treats in toys, providing opportunities for exercise and exploration, and offering different types of food.
• Gradually introduce new activities: When introducing new enrichment activities, it is important to do so gradually to prevent overwhelming the animal. Start with small changes and gradually increase the complexity of the activity over time.

By following these tips, you can provide enriching activities for your small mammal while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Importance of Regular Enrichment for Small Mammals

Regular enrichment is crucial for the well-being of small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, in captivity. The absence of natural stimuli and social interactions can lead to physical and psychological problems in these animals.

One of the main reasons for providing enrichment activities is to satisfy the innate needs of small mammals. These needs include the need for exploration, foraging, and social interaction. By providing appropriate enrichment activities, owners can help meet these needs and improve the welfare of their pets.

In addition to improving the physical and psychological well-being of small mammals, regular enrichment can also help prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of negative behaviors, such as pacing and self-mutilation. Boredom and lack of stimulation can lead to destructive behaviors, which can be harmful to the animal and the environment.

Providing regular enrichment can also help improve the bond between the owner and the small mammal. Engaging in enrichment activities together can strengthen the relationship and provide opportunities for positive reinforcement and training.

Overall, the importance of regular enrichment for small mammals cannot be overstated. By providing appropriate activities and stimuli, owners can help meet the needs of their pets and improve their quality of life.

Encouraging Responsible Ownership and Care

Responsible ownership and care are crucial aspects of ensuring the well-being of small mammals. Here are some ways to encourage responsible ownership and care:

1. Provide Necessary Resources: As a pet owner, it is essential to provide your small mammal with the necessary resources such as a suitable cage, proper bedding, clean water, and a balanced diet. It is also essential to ensure that the cage is appropriately sized for your small mammal, and that it has enough space to move around and exercise.
2. Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: It is essential to take your small mammal for regular veterinary check-ups to ensure that it is healthy and to detect any health issues early on. This will also help to prevent any potential health problems from developing in the future.
3. Training and Socialization: Small mammals such as hamsters and guinea pigs can benefit from training and socialization. Training can help to improve their behavior and socialization can help them to develop positive relationships with other animals and humans.
4. Environmental Enrichment: Environmental enrichment is crucial for the well-being of small mammals. This can include providing toys, hiding places, and opportunities for exercise and play. Providing a variety of experiences will help to keep your small mammal mentally and physically stimulated, which is essential for their overall health and well-being.
5. Research and Education: As a responsible pet owner, it is essential to research and educate yourself on the specific needs of your small mammal. This will help you to provide the best possible care for your pet and ensure that it is happy and healthy.

Future Directions for Enrichment Research and Development

• Investigating the effects of different types of enrichment on small mammal well-being and behavior
  • Examining the impact of sensory-based enrichment, such as toys and scents, on small mammal stress levels and emotional states
  • Exploring the influence of social-based enrichment, such as play and companionship, on small mammal social behavior and bonding
  • Assessing the benefits of environmental-based enrichment, such as access to natural light and fresh air, on small mammal health and longevity
• Developing new and innovative enrichment methods for small mammals in different settings, such as in laboratory research and in zoos
  • Investigating the use of technology, such as virtual reality and audio, to enhance small mammal enrichment in laboratory settings
  • Exploring the potential of incorporating natural elements, such as plants and soil, into small mammal enclosures in zoos to promote more naturalistic behaviors
  • Researching the effectiveness of alternative enrichment methods, such as foraging and problem-solving activities, for small mammals in different settings
• Investigating the long-term effects of enrichment on small mammal well-being and behavior over time
  • Examining the potential for habituation to enrichment and the development of negative effects on small mammal welfare
  • Assessing the impact of repeated exposure to enrichment on small mammal behavior and cognition
  • Researching the potential for adaptation to enrichment and the development of more complex behaviors in small mammals over time

FAQs

1. What are enrichment activities for small mammals?

Enrichment activities for small mammals are activities that provide mental and physical stimulation for them. These activities are designed to improve the welfare of small mammals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and mice by satisfying their natural behaviors and instincts. Enrichment activities can include providing toys, hiding spots, exercise wheels, and other forms of environmental stimulation.

2. Why is enrichment important for small mammals?

Enrichment is important for small mammals because it helps to meet their physical and psychological needs. Small mammals have a natural instinct to explore, play, and forage for food and materials. Enrichment activities provide opportunities for them to engage in these behaviors, which helps to prevent boredom and reduces the risk of behavioral problems such as stereotypies and aggression. Enrichment also helps to improve the overall health and well-being of small mammals by stimulating their senses and providing mental stimulation.

3. What are some examples of enrichment activities for small mammals?

There are many different types of enrichment activities that can be provided for small mammals. Some examples include providing toys such as balls, blocks, and tunnels, creating hiding spots with blankets or cardboard boxes, providing exercise wheels, and offering treats in puzzle feeders. Enrichment activities can also include providing access to natural light, fresh air, and opportunities for social interaction with other animals or humans. It is important to provide a variety of enrichment activities to keep small mammals engaged and stimulated.

4. How often should I provide enrichment activities for my small mammal?

Enrichment activities should be provided regularly for small mammals, ideally on a daily basis. The frequency and type of enrichment activities will depend on the individual needs and preferences of your small mammal. Some small mammals may enjoy more complex or challenging activities, while others may prefer simpler or more familiar activities. It is important to observe your small mammal’s behavior and preferences to determine the appropriate type and frequency of enrichment activities.

5. Can I use human toys as enrichment for my small mammal?

Human toys can be used as enrichment for small mammals, but it is important to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for your small mammal’s size and abilities. Small mammals may enjoy playing with toys such as plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, or small balls. It is important to supervise your small mammal when they are playing with human toys to ensure their safety.

Cool Science – Animal Enrichment