Critters Library: Housing



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Aquariums and Terrariums

Probably one of the oldest and most common habitats used for small animals is the glass aquarium. In the days before commercially manufactured small animal cages, owners often converted their leaky fish tanks into homes for their hamsters--and for good reason. Mice, rats, hamsters and gerbils are right at home in this type of housing. The size is about right (10 gallons and up), as is the height, and the material is washable and nonchewable. As a bonus, you can easily view your pet.

If you have an old fish tank--in fairly good condition with no cracks--stored away in your garage, you're more than halfway there. You'll need a tight-fitting screen lid, which you can purchase at most pet supply stores. Fill the tank with bedding and add an exercise wheel, a hideaway, water bottle and food bowls, and you've got a great home for a small creature.

Glass aquariums are probably best suited to the smallest of small pets: mice, rats, gerbils and hamsters. If the aquarium is fairly large, it may be appropriate for a cavy. However, most cavy enthusiasts recommend housing with raised flooring so the animal's droppings can fall through.

Similar to glass aquariums are all-plastic terrariumlike cages, which you can purchase at pet supply stores. These plastic cages usually come with lids (with breathing holes and a handle) and are lightweight, washable and see-through. Most are fairly small, so they are best suited for mice, rats, gerbils or hamsters. This type of cage also makes a great holding pen to contain a pet while its larger home is being cleaned.

Author(s): Virginia Parker Guidry

Critters Home Page: Critter Library: Housing

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