S ma ll E xot i c C o mp an i on Mammal Wellness Management and E nvironmental Enrichment Anthony A. Pilny,
DVM, DABVP (Avian)
KEYWORDS Wellness Preventative medicine Environmental enrichment Education Exotic mammal KEY POINTS Preventative veterinary medical care is an important part of keeping exotic companion mammals healthy. Veterinarians should encourage annual or biannual wellness visits for all pets. Environmental enrichment is necessary for a pet’s psychological health and well-being. Clients must be educated on proper husbandry, diet, and enrichment for mental stimulation to decrease the likelihood of medical problems of small exotic mammals.
INTRODUCTION
Preventative veterinary medicine is defined as the science aimed at preventing disease in captive animals. It can also be simply defined as doing all one can to decrease the likelihood of developing medical conditions that could have been otherwise avoided. All too often the concepts of environmental enrichment, socialization, and exercise for small exotic pet mammals are ignored as many of these pets, such as guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, chinchillas, and rats, will live most of their lives in cages or tanks with little regard given to their mental and physical stimulation. Without education on wellness care, inappropriate diets and poor husbandry practices lead to animals becoming obese, lazy, and less likely to interact and provide pleasure as pets. Constant confinement without enrichment will lead to stress as well as certain otherwise avoidable behavioral and health problems. Veterinarians treating small exotic mammals should not only be familiar with the species’ native habitats, lifestyles, and social interactions but also how to educate clients to ensure these unique pets
The author has no affiliation with any product or service mentioned in this article. The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine, 562 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10025, USA E-mail address: [email protected] Vet Clin Exot Anim 18 (2015) 245–254 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2015.01.002 vetexotic.theclinics.com 1094-9194/15/$ – see front matter Ó 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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receive proper care during veterinary visits. It is a misconception that these animals are maintenance free because they do not need to be walked or mentally and physically enriched. Exotic pets living in our homes are usually captive bred and depend entirely on their human caretakers for food and exercise and often in need of social time and companionship. VETERINARY WELLNESS VISITS
Any veterinarians treating small exotic mammals must encourage clients to schedule regular wellness visits. Many pet owners still think they should or choose to only seek veterinary care when the pet is sick or in need of medical intervention, which is a huge oversight. The new pet or postadoption/postpurchase visit is one of the most important as an opportunity to educate clients on everything they should be aware of to keep their pet healthy. Suggestions of diet, training, and general care as well as reliable Web sites and hospital-prepared care sheets and handouts can be provided. The wellness visit is a chance to discuss new diets or current research, monitor the pet’s weight, and perform routine blood tests, fecal testing when appropriate, and radiographs for earlier diagnosis and prevention of disease. It also allows the veterinary to guide pet owners to trusted Web sites and correct any misconceptions they may have read or heard about their pet. Discussion of spaying and neutering is also imperative during these visits and should not be overlooked. Mammary masses in rats, ovarian cystic disease in guinea pigs, and uterine adenocarcinomas in rabbits are just a few examples of preventable conditions that can be avoided with elective ovariohysterectomy. All too often veterinarians are faced with the death of or having to perform euthanasia of a pet with an otherwise preventable disease, meaning one that might have been avoided if the client had elected more responsible veterinary care. Lastly, these visits are essential in establishing a relationship that allows the clients to call or e-mail with questions or concerns and use the veterinary hospital for services, such as nondoctor grooming and boarding where offered. Unfortunately, convincing pet stores and breeders to recommend postpurchase or postadoption veterinary visits remains a challenge. SPECIES-SPECIFIC VETERINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
Rabbits, especially from pet stores or breeders, should have a fecal ova/parasite check for coccidia and treated accordingly. There are no currently approved vaccinations for rabbits in the United States at this time. Guinea pigs and rats should be evaluated for pediculosis as lice are commonly seen. Checking for the presence of nits (louse eggs) is also necessary and treated accordingly. Ferrets need vaccinations for rabies and distemper virus according to both local and state law and veterinarian recommendations for need. Currently, there is no approved distemper vaccination available for ferrets. Chinchillas should be tested for giardia infection and treated accordingly. Also, fur loss or signs of possible dermatophytosis should be assessed. All small mammals, but rabbits and chinchillas particularly, should have a full oral examination to evaluate for dental disease, such as malocclusion or other congenital anomalies. Elective castration of male rabbits will markedly decrease the likelihood of urine scent marking and humping behaviors in males and dominance behaviors of female rabbits. Spaying and neutering are important for some pets’ ability to cohabitate.
Wellness Management and Environmental Enrichment
There should be an in-depth review of dietary practices and recommendations, especially for sugar gliders. Body weight and growth rates should be evaluated in all small exotic mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT
By definition, environmental enrichment, also termed behavioral enrichment, is the husbandry principle that should enhance the quality of pet care by providing the environmental stimuli necessary for optimal psychological well-being (Table 1). The goals are to improve an animal’s physical and psychological health by increasing the species-specific normal behaviors, providing better utilization of the environment, and, thus, preventing or reducing the frequency of aberrant behaviors. Environmental enrichment should not be seen as an option in pet exotic mammal care because providing appropriate items to enhance the animal’s captive environment is necessary to meet their emotional needs. Because most zoos, marine mammal parks, and sanctuaries have had to evolve their captive husbandry protocols to better meet these vital needs, individual pet owners must do the same. The following are the main groups of enrichment: Occupational/environmental: enhancing the pet’s habitat in ways that change or add complexity Social: providing the ability to live with and interact with other animals Dietary/nutritional: encouraging animals to investigate and work for their food by using different methods of food presentation Sensory: stimulating animals’ senses (visual, olfactory, taste) Manipulation: promoting investigatory play by providing items that can be manipulated by the paws, feet, tail, mouth, and so forth; requiring a pet to solve problems to access food or other rewards with puzzles/games Training: training animals with positive reinforcement or similar methods GENERAL CONCEPTS The Cage
Because many small exotic pet mammals live in cages or tanks, each should have the largest cage that owners can afford, maintain, and have room for. Because many exotic mammals spend most of their lives in cages, extra inches or feet make a big Table 1 Enrichment based on natural history and typical behaviors Natural History
Behavior
Equipment
Enrichment
Food quest
Foraging, digging, eating
Box of paper litter or tub of soil
Work to find treats, dig for rewards
Den sites
Hiding or sleeping
Nest box, cardboard, or cloth hammock
Security, play, climbing
Arboreal life
Climbing, foraging
Branches, ropes, platforms
Climbing, foraging, playing, exercise
Scent oriented
Smell attraction
Various scents
Exploring, exercise, rewards
Predator species
Hunting
Various small toys
Stalking, exercise
Prey species
Hiding, nocturnal
Hides, huts, coverings
Security, play, social behavior
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difference and larger cages allow for greater creativity and enrichment. The size should be large enough to allow for exercise beyond a running wheel and free movement and room enough for the pet to have an elimination area or litter box when appropriate. The use of grate cage bottoms designed for feces and urine to fall through is discouraged, and plastic-bottom caging filled with appropriate substrate or bedding is more desirable. Clients should ensure cages have proper bar spacing to prevent injuries and escapes and have platforms so pets have an opportunity to be off the cage floor. Cage decorations are often species specific; but houses or hides, hammocks, beds, and thick bedding or hay will be welcome additions to toys and objects to chew. A simple way to provide enrichment is by changing the cage setup periodically. Relocating shelves and hanging ropes in different places and moving nests around allows the pet to reexplore and redecorate. Clients may offer foods in different locations to stimulate their pets to think and adapt to change and place food in places where pets have to climb to get to it. Supervised Time-out
Because constant confinement can lead to stress and anxiety, clients should occasionally provide a safe environment outside of the cage. Allowing pets to run around and explore a larger area provides great exercise, even if just in a tiled bathroom or kitchen. Proper supervision is a must when pets are outside of their cages. Owners should ensure rooms are escape proof and ensure electric cords are inaccessible to prevent their pets from chewing on them. Company
Safe group housing is ideal for many exotic pets, especially species that normally live in pairs or groups. With the exception of hamsters, most small mammals are happier with others of their kind; however, clients may need to be educated about such issues as sex mixing and dominance hierarchy, which may be factors with some species. In most cases, clients should not own just one of any species; but they should consult their veterinarian and breeder for advice on which sexes coexist best. Clients should also be warned of careful introduction of any new pets to existing cages to ensure safety as not all new pets are automatically accepted. Unfortunately on many occasions that someone is acquiring a new pet, the sex may be incorrectly identified by pet store employees, which can be a factor in successful cohabitation but can lead to unwanted pregnancies. Exercise Wheels
Exercise wheels are the most common and familiar form of exercise for small mammals, and almost all rodents will use a wheel. Clients may need to be reminded that the wheel should be the right type and size for their pets to ensure that workouts are valuable. Some wheels are specifically designed for a particular species (eg, chinchillas), so be sure the one used is suitable and safe and can be cleaned. Cardboard Boxes
Boxes are one of the cheapest and easiest ways for clients to provide their pets with an excellent source of enrichment. Almost any type of box will work, although many people think that boxes that contained food (eg, cereal) are less likely to have harmful chemicals or toxins. Some animals will make a nest in the box, and others chew or tear boxes apart. Owners can be creative and design a luxury home for pets or even build a castle from boxes.
Wellness Management and Environmental Enrichment
Hiding and Nesting Places
All small mammals should have some type of hiding spot in their cage. Commercially available wooden or plastic houses work well, and other ideas include shoeboxes and baskets (Fig. 1). Nesting material should be provided for nesting; most pets will appreciate cut pieces of T-shirts and towels. Commercially available cotton squares also make good nest material. Most clothing is acceptable provided it has been washed, rinsed, and dried. Articles should be free of hanging strips, fringes, embroidery, sequins, and the like; material that frays easily should be avoided. Tubes
Another easy way to enrich pets’ lives is by providing tubular-shaped objects (Fig. 2). Most pets enjoy running through and hiding in them, and certain types of long plastic tubing are sold for ferrets particularly. Cardboard tubes from toilet paper, paper towels, or rolled carpeting are excellent options. Tubes are a must-have for most rodents, and gerbils are especially fond of chewing and shredding them. Some species accept terracotta drainage pipes, and prairie dogs love to sleep in terra cotta flowerpots. Polyvinyl chloride pipes can be connected (pipes will fit together without glue or metal connectors) and made into a maze or hung in cages to provide beds or for exercise. They should be cleaned regularly and not hung too high. Many other safe objects, such as plastic tubing, can be found in hardware stores. Toys
Most pet bird–style toys constructed of wood, rope, and leather are suitable for small mammals. A variety of toys can be hung in cages for pets to chew and shred. No metal objects, glass, or mirrors should be used. In all cases, common sense should be used in making proper choices. Wooden blocks, chew sticks, and other wood toys are available for small mammals. Clients can also try to satisfy their pets’ chewing needs with branches of safe trees. Branches are available at pet stores, or clients can make their own as long as the wood is clean and pesticide and pest free. Most common trees (eg, elm, apple) are safe.
Fig. 1. Commercially available houses like these igloos (Kaytee Products Inc, Chilton, WI) and wooden houses are ideal for most small mammals and come in a variety of sizes and colors.
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Fig. 2. These plastic tubes are ideal for play, hiding, and exercise.
Dust Baths
Dust bathing is not only for chinchillas, although they require frequent dust baths to maintain their fur coats. Many rodents will enjoy having access to a dust bath, and gerbils and degus are particular fans. Clean dust is commercially available and sold in pet stores. It can be placed in a plastic-enclosed house inside a deep box (to control the mess) and offered to the pet a few times a week. Hiding Food
An excellent technique for enrichment is to creatively make food less readily available to pets, so they get exercise while working to find food and treats. Items can be hidden in toys, hung from the cage, or hidden in bedding (Fig. 3). Hiding food in hayracks or toys with special openings also provides work and exercise. Hammocks
Although many people typically associate sleep hammocks with ferrets, other small mammals such as rats and chinchillas will also use them. Hammocks are
Fig. 3. Tubes are great for chewing and can be refilled with hay or other treats. Toilet paper and paper towel cardboard tubes are excellent for enrichment.
Wellness Management and Environmental Enrichment
commercially available at pet stores or sold online, but pet owners can make their own from old shirts or denim pants. Cloth used for hammocks should be large and without a frayed edge, zippers, buttons, and the like. Making corner holes and using shower curtain rings is cost-effective. The leg from a pair of jeans is a great option. SPECIES-SPECIFIC IDEAS
The following tips offer species-specific options for enrichment of pet small mammals. Ferrets
The curious nature of ferrets and their ability to be loose in the home without fear of escape allows them to get exercise. As they age, however, ferrets sleep more and spend less time exploring and playing. Owners are advised to have more than one ferret to provide not only company for each other but also playmates. Ferrets are generally known to accept new ferrets without aggression or fighting. One issue may be introducing a young and very active ferret to an older, less-active ferret, as the younger ferret may not have the right playmate. Ferrets can learn to tolerate wearing a harness and may be walked on leashes near the home or in parks or other public places (except in a few cities or states where ferrets are illegal). This practice provides exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization opportunities for the ferrets and their owners. Most ferrets love to run through lengths of tubing. Commercially available tubing for pets or even dryer exhaust tubing or any flexible, tubelike material that is wide enough will work. Ferrets typically play when they meet in a tube. Owners can be creative with designs. Creating a multilevel cage in which different levels are connected by ladders and ramps provides an environment that forces ferrets to exercise. Filling a cardboard box with shredded paper or Styrofoam (Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI) peanuts makes a great playpen. Rabbits
As they age, many older rabbits tend to be less active and can become overweight. Rabbits that are not litter-box trained are often kept in cages when unsupervised, whereas some rabbits live only in small rabbit hutches without the ability to stretch and have room to exercise. Routine exercise is also thought to be an important way to help prevent gastric stasis syndrome. With the right yard space and setup, clients can place their rabbits in outdoor exercise pens. Most pet supply companies sell pens that confine the rabbit while still allowing it to graze and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Owners should ensure their rabbits have access to a sheltered area and plenty of clean water. Having a reserve water bottle and bowl is advised. It is not recommended to leave them out or have them live in outside hutches. It is the author’s recommendation that rabbits be caged at home and let out for exercise time. This practice will encourage exploring and chinning behavior; these rabbits typically do not become sedentary like free-range bunnies often do. Many rabbits play with toys; small stuffed animals or many types of plastic baby and toddler toys are ideal. Offer pet rabbits toys to see if they throw them around, carry them, and entertain themselves. Toys can be dangled in the cage as well.
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Some dog and cat toys work well for rabbits. Chew sticks and rings are ideal, and many rabbits play by tossing or carrying them (Fig. 4). Rabbits can be clicker trained or taught to run thru mazes or obstacle courses if one commits to the training. Filling a cardboard box with bedding, straw, or shredded paper will allow for normal digging behavior. Guinea Pigs
Although guinea pigs are quiet and fairly sedentary, they should still be provided with ample space. Other pigs, hide spots, and soft bedding are appreciated by these gentle pets. Well-socialized guinea pigs are outgoing and do not resent handling. They enjoy social time with their owners and permit brushing or petting. Many guinea pigs naturally exhibit rooting behaviors. Clients can encourage this behavior by hiding food and treats in clean bedding or inside certain toys. Chinchillas
It is important to take advantage of a chinchilla’s natural jumping and bouncing behaviors when designing a cage. Platforms, rope perches, and concrete bird perches work well. Some owners provide chinchillas with cholla (dried cactus; available from pet stores and pet supply companies) for chewing and climbing. Carpeted cat towers make great environments for chinchillas when they are out of the cage. Chinchillas should always be supervised when they are out of their cage. Regular dust baths are required for fur coat maintenance but also seem to be enjoyed. Compressed hay cubes will provide exercise, nutrition, and activity. Rodents (Rats, Mice, Gerbils, Hamsters)
By nature most species of hamsters live a solitary existence because of territorial fighting, although some raised together may coexist with enough space. The other common pet rodents can and should live in groups with appropriate spaying and neutering. To enrich rodents’ environments, owners can construct mazes or bury tubing under bedding. Many rodents can learn tricks when their owners apply positive reinforcement.
Fig. 4. Wicker and grass mats are safe for chewing, digging, and hiding food treats.
Wellness Management and Environmental Enrichment
Objects to chew and make into beds and social time are appreciated by these rodents. Sugar Gliders
As social animals that live in colonies in the wild, gliders should never be kept alone, especially to avoid stereotypic self-destructive behaviors. Owners must give attention to their unique dietary requirements that allow for further enrichment opportunities. Gliders appreciate a proper running wheel. Pouches or hide-hammocks are a must for this species. Natural climbing surfaces can help keep nails short while allowing foraging sites. Sisal or avian rope perches are great additions to the cage. Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs tunnel, dig, and live in large colonies in the wild. A well-socialized prairie dog makes an excellent pet for those seeking a larger pet rodent. Cages that rest on top of large tanks are highly recommended (Fig. 5). The tank can be filled with bedding and hay to dig and eat, thereby allowing a more natural environment. Harness training allows prairie dogs to be walked in safe locations. Hide boxes and high perching platforms in cages. Prairie dogs love being petted and scratched by owners.
Fig. 5. Providing a cage with multiple levels connected by ramps offers pets a more stimulating environment and promotes exercise. This style is best suited for pets that would prefer deeper bedding or hay placed in the tank bottom.
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SUMMARY
Veterinarians that treat small exotic mammals must consider the pets’ total health not just the immediate medical needs. These concepts are foundational ideas to provide environmental enrichment, but the options are limitless. Clients can use their creativity to make ownership of pocket pets more rewarding. More importantly, they can provide a better quality of life for their special pets. The better quality of life would allow more ethical captivity conditions and prevent many psychological disorders that may develop in substandard or poorly enriched environments. WEB SITES OF INTEREST
http://rabbit.org/shop-for-supplies/ http://www.rattoy.com/ http://www.ferret.com/toys-and-tunnels/199/ http://www.petchinchillatoys.com/ http://spoiledrottensuggies.com/ http://libbyandlouise.com/shop/product-category/small-exotic-animals/ http://www.martinscages.com/ http://www.exoticnutrition.com/ FURTHER READINGS
Bradley Bays T, Lightfoot T, Mayer J, editors. Exotic pet behavior birds, reptiles, and small mammals. St Louis (MO): Saunders Elsevier; 2006. Church B. Enrichment for small mammals and exotic pets. Proc North Am Vet Conf 2007. p. 1640–2. Young RJ. Environmental enrichment for captive animals. Wiley-Blackwell; 2003.
DVM, DABVP (Avian)
KEYWORDS Wellness Preventative medicine Environmental enrichment Education Exotic mammal KEY POINTS Preventative veterinary medical care is an important part of keeping exotic companion mammals healthy. Veterinarians should encourage annual or biannual wellness visits for all pets. Environmental enrichment is necessary for a pet’s psychological health and well-being. Clients must be educated on proper husbandry, diet, and enrichment for mental stimulation to decrease the likelihood of medical problems of small exotic mammals.
INTRODUCTION
Preventative veterinary medicine is defined as the science aimed at preventing disease in captive animals. It can also be simply defined as doing all one can to decrease the likelihood of developing medical conditions that could have been otherwise avoided. All too often the concepts of environmental enrichment, socialization, and exercise for small exotic pet mammals are ignored as many of these pets, such as guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, chinchillas, and rats, will live most of their lives in cages or tanks with little regard given to their mental and physical stimulation. Without education on wellness care, inappropriate diets and poor husbandry practices lead to animals becoming obese, lazy, and less likely to interact and provide pleasure as pets. Constant confinement without enrichment will lead to stress as well as certain otherwise avoidable behavioral and health problems. Veterinarians treating small exotic mammals should not only be familiar with the species’ native habitats, lifestyles, and social interactions but also how to educate clients to ensure these unique pets
The author has no affiliation with any product or service mentioned in this article. The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine, 562 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10025, USA E-mail address: [email protected] Vet Clin Exot Anim 18 (2015) 245–254 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2015.01.002 vetexotic.theclinics.com 1094-9194/15/$ – see front matter Ó 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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receive proper care during veterinary visits. It is a misconception that these animals are maintenance free because they do not need to be walked or mentally and physically enriched. Exotic pets living in our homes are usually captive bred and depend entirely on their human caretakers for food and exercise and often in need of social time and companionship. VETERINARY WELLNESS VISITS
Any veterinarians treating small exotic mammals must encourage clients to schedule regular wellness visits. Many pet owners still think they should or choose to only seek veterinary care when the pet is sick or in need of medical intervention, which is a huge oversight. The new pet or postadoption/postpurchase visit is one of the most important as an opportunity to educate clients on everything they should be aware of to keep their pet healthy. Suggestions of diet, training, and general care as well as reliable Web sites and hospital-prepared care sheets and handouts can be provided. The wellness visit is a chance to discuss new diets or current research, monitor the pet’s weight, and perform routine blood tests, fecal testing when appropriate, and radiographs for earlier diagnosis and prevention of disease. It also allows the veterinary to guide pet owners to trusted Web sites and correct any misconceptions they may have read or heard about their pet. Discussion of spaying and neutering is also imperative during these visits and should not be overlooked. Mammary masses in rats, ovarian cystic disease in guinea pigs, and uterine adenocarcinomas in rabbits are just a few examples of preventable conditions that can be avoided with elective ovariohysterectomy. All too often veterinarians are faced with the death of or having to perform euthanasia of a pet with an otherwise preventable disease, meaning one that might have been avoided if the client had elected more responsible veterinary care. Lastly, these visits are essential in establishing a relationship that allows the clients to call or e-mail with questions or concerns and use the veterinary hospital for services, such as nondoctor grooming and boarding where offered. Unfortunately, convincing pet stores and breeders to recommend postpurchase or postadoption veterinary visits remains a challenge. SPECIES-SPECIFIC VETERINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
Rabbits, especially from pet stores or breeders, should have a fecal ova/parasite check for coccidia and treated accordingly. There are no currently approved vaccinations for rabbits in the United States at this time. Guinea pigs and rats should be evaluated for pediculosis as lice are commonly seen. Checking for the presence of nits (louse eggs) is also necessary and treated accordingly. Ferrets need vaccinations for rabies and distemper virus according to both local and state law and veterinarian recommendations for need. Currently, there is no approved distemper vaccination available for ferrets. Chinchillas should be tested for giardia infection and treated accordingly. Also, fur loss or signs of possible dermatophytosis should be assessed. All small mammals, but rabbits and chinchillas particularly, should have a full oral examination to evaluate for dental disease, such as malocclusion or other congenital anomalies. Elective castration of male rabbits will markedly decrease the likelihood of urine scent marking and humping behaviors in males and dominance behaviors of female rabbits. Spaying and neutering are important for some pets’ ability to cohabitate.
Wellness Management and Environmental Enrichment
There should be an in-depth review of dietary practices and recommendations, especially for sugar gliders. Body weight and growth rates should be evaluated in all small exotic mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT
By definition, environmental enrichment, also termed behavioral enrichment, is the husbandry principle that should enhance the quality of pet care by providing the environmental stimuli necessary for optimal psychological well-being (Table 1). The goals are to improve an animal’s physical and psychological health by increasing the species-specific normal behaviors, providing better utilization of the environment, and, thus, preventing or reducing the frequency of aberrant behaviors. Environmental enrichment should not be seen as an option in pet exotic mammal care because providing appropriate items to enhance the animal’s captive environment is necessary to meet their emotional needs. Because most zoos, marine mammal parks, and sanctuaries have had to evolve their captive husbandry protocols to better meet these vital needs, individual pet owners must do the same. The following are the main groups of enrichment: Occupational/environmental: enhancing the pet’s habitat in ways that change or add complexity Social: providing the ability to live with and interact with other animals Dietary/nutritional: encouraging animals to investigate and work for their food by using different methods of food presentation Sensory: stimulating animals’ senses (visual, olfactory, taste) Manipulation: promoting investigatory play by providing items that can be manipulated by the paws, feet, tail, mouth, and so forth; requiring a pet to solve problems to access food or other rewards with puzzles/games Training: training animals with positive reinforcement or similar methods GENERAL CONCEPTS The Cage
Because many small exotic pet mammals live in cages or tanks, each should have the largest cage that owners can afford, maintain, and have room for. Because many exotic mammals spend most of their lives in cages, extra inches or feet make a big Table 1 Enrichment based on natural history and typical behaviors Natural History
Behavior
Equipment
Enrichment
Food quest
Foraging, digging, eating
Box of paper litter or tub of soil
Work to find treats, dig for rewards
Den sites
Hiding or sleeping
Nest box, cardboard, or cloth hammock
Security, play, climbing
Arboreal life
Climbing, foraging
Branches, ropes, platforms
Climbing, foraging, playing, exercise
Scent oriented
Smell attraction
Various scents
Exploring, exercise, rewards
Predator species
Hunting
Various small toys
Stalking, exercise
Prey species
Hiding, nocturnal
Hides, huts, coverings
Security, play, social behavior
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difference and larger cages allow for greater creativity and enrichment. The size should be large enough to allow for exercise beyond a running wheel and free movement and room enough for the pet to have an elimination area or litter box when appropriate. The use of grate cage bottoms designed for feces and urine to fall through is discouraged, and plastic-bottom caging filled with appropriate substrate or bedding is more desirable. Clients should ensure cages have proper bar spacing to prevent injuries and escapes and have platforms so pets have an opportunity to be off the cage floor. Cage decorations are often species specific; but houses or hides, hammocks, beds, and thick bedding or hay will be welcome additions to toys and objects to chew. A simple way to provide enrichment is by changing the cage setup periodically. Relocating shelves and hanging ropes in different places and moving nests around allows the pet to reexplore and redecorate. Clients may offer foods in different locations to stimulate their pets to think and adapt to change and place food in places where pets have to climb to get to it. Supervised Time-out
Because constant confinement can lead to stress and anxiety, clients should occasionally provide a safe environment outside of the cage. Allowing pets to run around and explore a larger area provides great exercise, even if just in a tiled bathroom or kitchen. Proper supervision is a must when pets are outside of their cages. Owners should ensure rooms are escape proof and ensure electric cords are inaccessible to prevent their pets from chewing on them. Company
Safe group housing is ideal for many exotic pets, especially species that normally live in pairs or groups. With the exception of hamsters, most small mammals are happier with others of their kind; however, clients may need to be educated about such issues as sex mixing and dominance hierarchy, which may be factors with some species. In most cases, clients should not own just one of any species; but they should consult their veterinarian and breeder for advice on which sexes coexist best. Clients should also be warned of careful introduction of any new pets to existing cages to ensure safety as not all new pets are automatically accepted. Unfortunately on many occasions that someone is acquiring a new pet, the sex may be incorrectly identified by pet store employees, which can be a factor in successful cohabitation but can lead to unwanted pregnancies. Exercise Wheels
Exercise wheels are the most common and familiar form of exercise for small mammals, and almost all rodents will use a wheel. Clients may need to be reminded that the wheel should be the right type and size for their pets to ensure that workouts are valuable. Some wheels are specifically designed for a particular species (eg, chinchillas), so be sure the one used is suitable and safe and can be cleaned. Cardboard Boxes
Boxes are one of the cheapest and easiest ways for clients to provide their pets with an excellent source of enrichment. Almost any type of box will work, although many people think that boxes that contained food (eg, cereal) are less likely to have harmful chemicals or toxins. Some animals will make a nest in the box, and others chew or tear boxes apart. Owners can be creative and design a luxury home for pets or even build a castle from boxes.
Wellness Management and Environmental Enrichment
Hiding and Nesting Places
All small mammals should have some type of hiding spot in their cage. Commercially available wooden or plastic houses work well, and other ideas include shoeboxes and baskets (Fig. 1). Nesting material should be provided for nesting; most pets will appreciate cut pieces of T-shirts and towels. Commercially available cotton squares also make good nest material. Most clothing is acceptable provided it has been washed, rinsed, and dried. Articles should be free of hanging strips, fringes, embroidery, sequins, and the like; material that frays easily should be avoided. Tubes
Another easy way to enrich pets’ lives is by providing tubular-shaped objects (Fig. 2). Most pets enjoy running through and hiding in them, and certain types of long plastic tubing are sold for ferrets particularly. Cardboard tubes from toilet paper, paper towels, or rolled carpeting are excellent options. Tubes are a must-have for most rodents, and gerbils are especially fond of chewing and shredding them. Some species accept terracotta drainage pipes, and prairie dogs love to sleep in terra cotta flowerpots. Polyvinyl chloride pipes can be connected (pipes will fit together without glue or metal connectors) and made into a maze or hung in cages to provide beds or for exercise. They should be cleaned regularly and not hung too high. Many other safe objects, such as plastic tubing, can be found in hardware stores. Toys
Most pet bird–style toys constructed of wood, rope, and leather are suitable for small mammals. A variety of toys can be hung in cages for pets to chew and shred. No metal objects, glass, or mirrors should be used. In all cases, common sense should be used in making proper choices. Wooden blocks, chew sticks, and other wood toys are available for small mammals. Clients can also try to satisfy their pets’ chewing needs with branches of safe trees. Branches are available at pet stores, or clients can make their own as long as the wood is clean and pesticide and pest free. Most common trees (eg, elm, apple) are safe.
Fig. 1. Commercially available houses like these igloos (Kaytee Products Inc, Chilton, WI) and wooden houses are ideal for most small mammals and come in a variety of sizes and colors.
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Fig. 2. These plastic tubes are ideal for play, hiding, and exercise.
Dust Baths
Dust bathing is not only for chinchillas, although they require frequent dust baths to maintain their fur coats. Many rodents will enjoy having access to a dust bath, and gerbils and degus are particular fans. Clean dust is commercially available and sold in pet stores. It can be placed in a plastic-enclosed house inside a deep box (to control the mess) and offered to the pet a few times a week. Hiding Food
An excellent technique for enrichment is to creatively make food less readily available to pets, so they get exercise while working to find food and treats. Items can be hidden in toys, hung from the cage, or hidden in bedding (Fig. 3). Hiding food in hayracks or toys with special openings also provides work and exercise. Hammocks
Although many people typically associate sleep hammocks with ferrets, other small mammals such as rats and chinchillas will also use them. Hammocks are
Fig. 3. Tubes are great for chewing and can be refilled with hay or other treats. Toilet paper and paper towel cardboard tubes are excellent for enrichment.
Wellness Management and Environmental Enrichment
commercially available at pet stores or sold online, but pet owners can make their own from old shirts or denim pants. Cloth used for hammocks should be large and without a frayed edge, zippers, buttons, and the like. Making corner holes and using shower curtain rings is cost-effective. The leg from a pair of jeans is a great option. SPECIES-SPECIFIC IDEAS
The following tips offer species-specific options for enrichment of pet small mammals. Ferrets
The curious nature of ferrets and their ability to be loose in the home without fear of escape allows them to get exercise. As they age, however, ferrets sleep more and spend less time exploring and playing. Owners are advised to have more than one ferret to provide not only company for each other but also playmates. Ferrets are generally known to accept new ferrets without aggression or fighting. One issue may be introducing a young and very active ferret to an older, less-active ferret, as the younger ferret may not have the right playmate. Ferrets can learn to tolerate wearing a harness and may be walked on leashes near the home or in parks or other public places (except in a few cities or states where ferrets are illegal). This practice provides exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization opportunities for the ferrets and their owners. Most ferrets love to run through lengths of tubing. Commercially available tubing for pets or even dryer exhaust tubing or any flexible, tubelike material that is wide enough will work. Ferrets typically play when they meet in a tube. Owners can be creative with designs. Creating a multilevel cage in which different levels are connected by ladders and ramps provides an environment that forces ferrets to exercise. Filling a cardboard box with shredded paper or Styrofoam (Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI) peanuts makes a great playpen. Rabbits
As they age, many older rabbits tend to be less active and can become overweight. Rabbits that are not litter-box trained are often kept in cages when unsupervised, whereas some rabbits live only in small rabbit hutches without the ability to stretch and have room to exercise. Routine exercise is also thought to be an important way to help prevent gastric stasis syndrome. With the right yard space and setup, clients can place their rabbits in outdoor exercise pens. Most pet supply companies sell pens that confine the rabbit while still allowing it to graze and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Owners should ensure their rabbits have access to a sheltered area and plenty of clean water. Having a reserve water bottle and bowl is advised. It is not recommended to leave them out or have them live in outside hutches. It is the author’s recommendation that rabbits be caged at home and let out for exercise time. This practice will encourage exploring and chinning behavior; these rabbits typically do not become sedentary like free-range bunnies often do. Many rabbits play with toys; small stuffed animals or many types of plastic baby and toddler toys are ideal. Offer pet rabbits toys to see if they throw them around, carry them, and entertain themselves. Toys can be dangled in the cage as well.
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Some dog and cat toys work well for rabbits. Chew sticks and rings are ideal, and many rabbits play by tossing or carrying them (Fig. 4). Rabbits can be clicker trained or taught to run thru mazes or obstacle courses if one commits to the training. Filling a cardboard box with bedding, straw, or shredded paper will allow for normal digging behavior. Guinea Pigs
Although guinea pigs are quiet and fairly sedentary, they should still be provided with ample space. Other pigs, hide spots, and soft bedding are appreciated by these gentle pets. Well-socialized guinea pigs are outgoing and do not resent handling. They enjoy social time with their owners and permit brushing or petting. Many guinea pigs naturally exhibit rooting behaviors. Clients can encourage this behavior by hiding food and treats in clean bedding or inside certain toys. Chinchillas
It is important to take advantage of a chinchilla’s natural jumping and bouncing behaviors when designing a cage. Platforms, rope perches, and concrete bird perches work well. Some owners provide chinchillas with cholla (dried cactus; available from pet stores and pet supply companies) for chewing and climbing. Carpeted cat towers make great environments for chinchillas when they are out of the cage. Chinchillas should always be supervised when they are out of their cage. Regular dust baths are required for fur coat maintenance but also seem to be enjoyed. Compressed hay cubes will provide exercise, nutrition, and activity. Rodents (Rats, Mice, Gerbils, Hamsters)
By nature most species of hamsters live a solitary existence because of territorial fighting, although some raised together may coexist with enough space. The other common pet rodents can and should live in groups with appropriate spaying and neutering. To enrich rodents’ environments, owners can construct mazes or bury tubing under bedding. Many rodents can learn tricks when their owners apply positive reinforcement.
Fig. 4. Wicker and grass mats are safe for chewing, digging, and hiding food treats.
Wellness Management and Environmental Enrichment
Objects to chew and make into beds and social time are appreciated by these rodents. Sugar Gliders
As social animals that live in colonies in the wild, gliders should never be kept alone, especially to avoid stereotypic self-destructive behaviors. Owners must give attention to their unique dietary requirements that allow for further enrichment opportunities. Gliders appreciate a proper running wheel. Pouches or hide-hammocks are a must for this species. Natural climbing surfaces can help keep nails short while allowing foraging sites. Sisal or avian rope perches are great additions to the cage. Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs tunnel, dig, and live in large colonies in the wild. A well-socialized prairie dog makes an excellent pet for those seeking a larger pet rodent. Cages that rest on top of large tanks are highly recommended (Fig. 5). The tank can be filled with bedding and hay to dig and eat, thereby allowing a more natural environment. Harness training allows prairie dogs to be walked in safe locations. Hide boxes and high perching platforms in cages. Prairie dogs love being petted and scratched by owners.
Fig. 5. Providing a cage with multiple levels connected by ramps offers pets a more stimulating environment and promotes exercise. This style is best suited for pets that would prefer deeper bedding or hay placed in the tank bottom.
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SUMMARY
Veterinarians that treat small exotic mammals must consider the pets’ total health not just the immediate medical needs. These concepts are foundational ideas to provide environmental enrichment, but the options are limitless. Clients can use their creativity to make ownership of pocket pets more rewarding. More importantly, they can provide a better quality of life for their special pets. The better quality of life would allow more ethical captivity conditions and prevent many psychological disorders that may develop in substandard or poorly enriched environments. WEB SITES OF INTEREST
http://rabbit.org/shop-for-supplies/ http://www.rattoy.com/ http://www.ferret.com/toys-and-tunnels/199/ http://www.petchinchillatoys.com/ http://spoiledrottensuggies.com/ http://libbyandlouise.com/shop/product-category/small-exotic-animals/ http://www.martinscages.com/ http://www.exoticnutrition.com/ FURTHER READINGS
Bradley Bays T, Lightfoot T, Mayer J, editors. Exotic pet behavior birds, reptiles, and small mammals. St Louis (MO): Saunders Elsevier; 2006. Church B. Enrichment for small mammals and exotic pets. Proc North Am Vet Conf 2007. p. 1640–2. Young RJ. Environmental enrichment for captive animals. Wiley-Blackwell; 2003.
