Small animals - selected products for rabbits, rodents & hedgehogs

Small animals in pet keeping

Keeping small animals is very popular and widespread in Switzerland. Whether rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, degus or chinchillas, keeping small animals offers many positive aspects and can also make it possible for people who are unable to keep a larger animal such as a cat or dog due to work or living conditions to have a pet.

The acquisition of small animals and rodents as pets is comparatively very inexpensive and uncomplicated and also less binding due to their rather short life expectancy. Unfortunately, however, it is often underestimated how much space the animals need for a species-appropriate and happy life and that high veterinary costs may also be incurred here. Even with these small animals, it is important to find out exactly what they need and to consider whether you can and want to provide this before you definitely decide to keep them.

Guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters in particular often come into the household as gifts for children. The relationship with small animals or animals in general can also teach children important lessons about responsibility, care and empathy. Caring for a pet can help children learn to look after other living creatures and take responsibility. However, rabbits and co. are not cuddly animals and rarely like to be stroked or even picked up. Also, some species are not primarily diurnal and it can happen that the child does not get to see the animal for days on end. This should be clearly discussed with the child beforehand and rules for handling the animal should be established. Small animals tend to be observational animals, which should be respected so that the animals feel comfortable. With the right handling, adapted to the small animal species, the chance of a tame animal over time is much higher. Tame is to be understood here in the sense of taking food from your hand, voluntarily coming to your hand, possibly allowing itself to be stroked from time to time and/or allowing itself to be observed from close up.

In addition to correct handling and a well-thought-out purchase, the housing conditions themselves, which include the enclosure with appropriate size and furnishings, possibly free run, type of enclosure, food, water and activities, are of course also an important factor for a joyful coexistence of humans and small animals. You can find a large selection and more detailed information on what the individual small animal species need in the small animal subcategories in our store.

Hedgehog support

There are various organizations and initiatives in Switzerland that work to protect and support hedgehogs living in the wild. These include, for example, the Pro Igel association, which works to protect hedgehogs and educate people about their needs.

An important measure to support free-living hedgehogs is the creation of suitable habitats. This includes, for example, the creation of near-natural gardens with shelter such as piles of leaves, dead wood and hedges that offer hedgehogs protection.

As a private individual, you can also do a lot to promote the protection of free-living hedgehogs in Switzerland. This includes

• Creating hedgehog-friendly gardens: private individuals can make their gardens more natural by providing piles of leaves, dead wood, hedges and undisturbed corners or hedgehog houses (known as hedgehog hotels) to provide shelter for hedgehogs. The provision of fresh water and suitable hedgehog food is also gratefully accepted by the prickly little creatures.
  
  
• Avoid pesticides: The use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers can be harmful to hedgehogs. Natural methods of pest control can be used instead.
  
  
• Education and awareness-raising: Private individuals can inform themselves about the needs of hedgehogs and share their knowledge with others to raise awareness of the need to protect these animals.
  
  
• Support for local organizations: Volunteering or donating to organizations working to protect hedgehogs can help support their work and promote conservation.
  
  
• Reporting injured hedgehogs or hedgehogs in need of help: If private individuals find injured hedgehogs or hedgehogs in need of help, they can contact local animal shelters or wildlife rescue centers to find professional assistance.