10 Enrichment Tips for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs from Animal Medical Centre

Whether you've recently got a new rabbit or guinea pig, or are looking for ways to enhance your existing pets' lives, Animal Medical Centre know that providing enrichment plays a big part in keeping pets happy and healthy.

These social and curious animals thrive when they have opportunities to play, explore, and express natural behaviours. Our team in Childs Hill have put together these top tips to help you enhance their environment and ensure they lead fulfilling lives.

If you have any questions about enrichment or would like a health check for your pet, don't hesitate to contact our vet practice in Childs Hill on 020 8450 2228.

10 Enrichment Tips for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

As suggested by our experienced team at Animal Medical Centre:

1. Digging Boxes: Fill a box with soil or shredded paper and hay for rabbits to dig through, allowing them to exercise natural behaviours.
2. Chew Toys: Offer untreated wooden toys, willow balls, or safe chew sticks to prevent boredom and keep teeth healthy.
3. Hideouts: Make hiding spots out of cardboard boxes or plastic tunnels with multiple entrances.
4. Hay All Day: Rabbits and guinea pigs need 80-85% of their diet to be hay, the rest should be approximately 10% green leafy veg and 5% pellets (not muesli).  Fill paper bags with hay for all-day grazing and good dental care.
5. DIY Treat Tubes: Stuff toilet roll tubes with hay and veggie treats.
6. Foraging Boxes: Hide their favourite veggies or pellets in hay for them to find.
7. Food Puzzles: These encourage problem-solving and provide mental stimulation.
8. Mini Obstacle Course: Create a low impact course with objects to climb on, walk under, go around and through; take it gentle and steady, and guide your pets through with a treat. 
9. Pet Pals: Rabbits and guinea pigs are social animals who should live with their own species, ensure to them properly as not all will get on - and don't forget to neuter them before introducing them!
10. Human Bonding: Daily interaction with your pet will help them feel secure and strengthen your bond together.

If you're unsure how to get started with enrichment or have any concerns about your pet's behaviour, our small animal team Animal Medical Centre are here to help.

Our team at Animal Medical Centre also share that rabbits and guinea pigs will need a spacious and safe home to house all of their enrichment activities and give them a sense of calm and security.

A hutch alone is not enough space to meet their needs. For both rabbits and guinea pigs, their enclosures should be spacious enough to allow natural movements, like hopping for rabbits or scurrying for guinea pigs. Housing must be weatherproof, predator-proof and well-ventilated with free access to a run for exercise. 

If you have any questions about housing or caring for small pets or would like to book a health check at our vet practice in Childs Hill, we'll be happy to help.

Call Animal Medical Centre on 020 8450 2228.