Rabbit and Guinea Pig Basics: Hay, Housing and Bedding

Rabbits and guinea pigs are social, chatty and full of personality, and they have needs that are easy to get wrong. Get these three things right and you're most of the way there.

1. Hay, hay and more hay

Grass hay should make up the bulk of the diet, available at all times. It keeps the gut moving and wears down teeth that never stop growing.

On top of hay, offer a measured portion of pellets and fresh greens every day. Rabbits do best on plain, uniform pellets rather than colourful muesli mixes, which let them pick out the sugary bits.

Guinea pigs need vitamin C every day because, like us, they can't make their own. Choose a guinea pig pellet and offer vitamin C-rich veg such as bell pepper.

2. Room to move

Most commercial cages are far too small. Guinea pigs need plenty of floor space to run and "popcorn", and rabbits need even more, plus daily exercise time outside the enclosure.

3. Soft, low-dust bedding

Bedding should be absorbent, dust-free and unscented. Small pets have sensitive airways, so avoid cedar and heavily perfumed products.

Don't forget company

Both species are social. Rabbits are usually happiest in neutered pairs, and guinea pigs should live with at least one other guinea pig.

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