A Balanced Diet – the Key to Success

You should be able to keep your pet in perfect condition by making sure that it eats the right sorts of food in the right amounts. Just as with humans, overeating or eating too much of one particular type of food can lead to a fat and lazy pet that isn’t much fun as a companion.

The correct diet for rabbits and guinea pigs is basically green vegetables and fruit – cabbages, carrots, apples, pears etc. You should complement this with some dried food such as oats or nuts or a packaged food – don’t overdo this as it could lead to a weight problem. Hay should always be available either in the hay rack or as bedding, but ensure that it is clean and changed regularly.

Hamsters and gerbils are best catered for with specially balanced packaged diets, but be careful and supplement this once or twice a week with fresh fruit and vegetables.

They might also like the odd piece of cheese or meat – they are not complete vegetarians.

Don’t Forget – Fresh Water Every Day!

You will probably find that your pet doesn’t drink much water but you must still give him a fresh supply every day. A water bottle hanging on the bars may prevent spills. Another idea is to use a heavy earthenware bowl for the water, this is harder to overturn when the animal clambers over it. Finally, remember to clean out the water container daily.