The perfect present: small furry cage renovation advice from Edgewood Vets
November 21, 2023
Attention small furry pet owners! We have the perfect idea for a Christmas present for your pets – why not treat them to a fun new enclosure? Our team at Edgewood Vets have put together their top tips for either buying new or repurposing their old enclosure.
Download our cage cleaning tips to go alongside your pet’s new cage. Why not share them with other owners to make sure more small furry pets’ cages are clean and comfortable this Christmas?
Download our top Habitat Cleaning Tips
Should I buy new or recycle?
Making the decision to buy your pet a new cage vs. recycling their current cage needs to be based on a number of different factors:
Pet’s size and space needed
Has your pet outgrown their current enclosure? Do they need more room to exercise? Does your type of pet need hiding spots, tunnels, various levels? Can you include plenty of enrichment options in their current setup?
Hygiene
Does your pet’s old enclosure smell despite cleaning? Is it difficult to keep clean?
Your pet’s safety
Does your pet’s current enclosure have sharp edges or loose bars? Is their outdoor home still watertight? Is the wood starting to rot? All of these are hazards to your pet.
You also need to consider your budget. New enclosures can be costly, along with the accessories that you need to go with them. Research your pet’s needs and what options are available. Our nursing team will be able to advise – why not get in touch with any questions you have, or ask us on our Facebook page: Edgewoodvets
Reusing my pet’s old enclosure
If after considering the advice above, you determine that your pet’s current enclosure can be reused, then brilliant! Below are the top tips from Jürgen when it comes to preparing your pet’s “new” home.
- Cleaning: first things first, get some rubber gloves. Then, download our Habitat Cleaning Guide and use the monthly advice for a big one-off clean.
- Make repairs: once cleaned, it’s time to make any repairs you need to your pet’s enclosure. Double check latches, platforms and their supports and loose bars.
- Decorating: If you are planning on painting your pet’s enclosure, make sure you opt for a paint that is animal friendly and non-toxic. You will need to allow plenty of time for the paint to dry and air out.
- Bedding: Pad out the bottom of the enclosure with a suitable bedding material for your pet, before adding nesting boxes or nesting materials.
- Enrichment: Once you’ve sorted the layout of your pet’s sleeping area, it’s time to start setting up the enrichment toys for your pet. New toys, tunnels, platforms and hiding spots can help keep your pet entertained and fight off boredom.
- Food and water: Make sure your new chosen feed bowls and water bottles are working correctly and are placed at the right height for your pet.
- Hygiene: Regularly cleaning to remove odours and prevent bacterial growth is essential to keep your pet healthy – our Habitat Cleaning Guide offers advice for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks.
Ultimately, the decision between buying a new cage and sprucing up the old one depends on your pet’s needs, your budget, and the condition of the current cage. Prioritising your pet’s safety, comfort, and wellbeing when making your choice is essential.
Get in touch with the team at Edgewood Vets, or you can help other owners of small furry pets by asking us questions on our Facebook page.
Before you go,
