In short
- Small animals and birds differ enormously, so research the exact species and ask a vet who knows it before you buy anything.
- Set up the home before the animal arrives: enclosure, bedding, water, hiding places and a quiet spot.
- Check water bottles, bowls, toys and chew items every day, and remove anything damaged or swallowed in pieces.
- Enrichment and a steady routine matter as much as the cage itself.
A rabbit, a ferret, a hamster and a parrot share very little. Their diets, their need for company, their sleep and their teeth or beaks are all different. That is the most useful thing to know before you start: this piece covers the general ingredients of a good home, and the details belong to the species. Research yours, and ask a veterinarian who knows small animals or birds. If you are still deciding what to keep, fish are another option, described in the guide on setting up a first freshwater aquarium.
Start with the home, before the animal
Set up the enclosure before your new pet arrives, so that the first day is calm. Choose a size that suits the species, and remember that "as large as you can fit" is a better starting point than the smallest option the box allows. Look at the details: doors that close firmly, no gaps an animal could squeeze through, no sharp edges or loose wires, and good airflow. Put the home in a quiet, steady spot away from drafts, direct sun and radiators, and where the animal can see and hear the household without being in the middle of it.
Birds can be very sensitive to what is in the air, so keep them away from cooking fumes, smoke and strong sprays, and ask an avian vet about anything you are unsure of. Many small animals feel safer when they can hide, so provide a place to retreat. Never leave small animals or birds unattended with other pets, however calm those seem.
Bedding and flooring
Bedding absorbs mess, softens the floor and, for some species, gives something to dig or nest in. Types include paper-based material, wood-based material, hay for animals that eat it, and washable fabric liners. Not every material suits every species. Some are dusty, and dust can bother breathing, so check with a vet who knows your species before you choose. Replace damp bedding promptly, and clean the whole enclosure on a regular schedule. A routine you can keep up is worth more than a perfect plan you abandon.
For birds, ask an avian vet about floor liners and about perches, since perches of different widths and textures are often recommended. Look at the Small Animals section and the Birds section to see which basics are available.
Water: bottles, bowls and daily checks
Fresh water must always be available. Bottles often keep water cleaner but can clog, and bowls are easier to use but can be tipped or soiled. Which one suits an animal depends on the species and on the individual, and some animals do well with a choice of both. With a bottle, check every day that the spout works and water flows, and fix the height so the animal can reach it comfortably. Wash bottles and bowls often, because a slimy film can build up inside. Watch that your new animal is actually drinking, and if you notice a change in how much it drinks, call a vet.
Chew items and toys
In several kinds of small mammal, the teeth never stop growing, so they need things to gnaw. Many birds like to shred, climb and explore. Offer chew items and toys made for the species you keep, and ask a vet which materials suit it. Check every item daily: take away anything that is splintering, shedding threads, fraying or small enough to swallow, and stop using a toy if the animal swallows pieces. Frayed rope and loose threads can catch toes, so replace them early.
Enrichment and routine
A home is not only a box with food in it. Animals need things to do. Hiding places, tunnels, sturdy things to climb, places to forage and perches in different positions all add variety. Rotate toys instead of putting out everything at once, which helps keep them interesting. Some species are social and do better with company, while others do not, and this is something to research carefully before you buy. Be calm in handling: let a new animal settle, and let it come to you.
Routine helps too. Feed, clean and handle at similar times each day, and give animals a quiet period to rest. If you let a pet out of its home for exercise, supervise it closely, close doors and windows, and check the room for cords, small gaps and hazards first. Look at your animal every day. A change in eating, drinking, droppings or behavior is a good reason to call your vet.
When you need to move a small pet or a bird, for a vet visit or a trip, the container and plan differ from those for a dog or cat. Our guide on choosing a carrier and traveling with your pet covers the basics, and your vet can advise on the species.
The common thread is to start slowly: a prepared home, a few good items, a daily check and plenty of reading. Everything else can be added as you learn what your animal likes. If you want to browse, the small animals and birds filters narrow the whole shop.