Setup ideas for your small pet

Looking for some setup ideas for your small pet? With the beautiful weather and fresh air, your rabbits and guinea pigs are kicking their outdoor activities into high gear. Here’s how to maximize their space, offer plenty of enrichment, and keep them safe in their outdoor setup.

Small pet outdoor setups

Your rabbits’ or guinea pigs’ outdoor setup is more than just a space to play — it should offer them ample protection from the elements and predators. So before designing their inner sanctum, you’ll want to be sure that their enclosure is as safe as possible. To start your rabbit or guinea pig setup, make sure you have:

An insulated and secure rabbit or guinea pig hutch
A predator-resistant outdoor small pet run
Weather protection for your rabbits’ or guinea pigs’ run
Plenty of room for your small pets to play and explore

Once you’ve invested in these essentials, it’s time to create the perfect environment within.

Appeal to their nature

One of the best ways to ensure your rabbits’ and guinea pigs’ happiness is to appeal to their natural instincts and behaviors. For these small pets, activities like foraging and burrowing top the list. Thankfully, there are several ways to incorporate these activities in their outdoor space.

In the wild, rabbits excavate extensive tunnel systems. These tunnels provide shade and shelter while allowing them to exercise and explore. And while they may not dig their own, wild guinea pigs seek the shelter and safety of burrows created by other animals. This activity is a favorite of most rabbits and guinea pigs, and should be fostered whenever possible. Here are some ideas to create rabbit and guinea pig-friendly burrows in their setup:

Create an above-ground burrow with a Zippi Rabbit and Guinea Pig Tunnel System that can be connected to any hutch or run.
Cover a large-diameter PVC pipe with sod or top soil to create an earthy tunnel.
Offer plenty of rabbit shelters or guinea pig hides throughout their enclosure.
Partially bury large terracotta pots laid on their sides to create a cave-like shelter.
Create a “dig box” for rabbits using a plastic container large enough for them to hop into, filled with hay, shredded paper, untreated sand, or other rabbit-safe substrates.

Foraging is also important for both species. Use a hanging rabbit and guinea pig treat holder to simulate this activity in their enclosure. Offer leafy greens, herbs, and other bunny and cavy-safe treats at a level that encourages them to stretch and scrounge for diverse vegetation.

Create more space

Like most pets, rabbits and guinea pigs thrive when they’re provided as much space as possible. This can be accomplished several ways, and it’s as beneficial for you as it is for your small pets:

Invest in a walk in rabbit or guinea pig run to give them a large, fully protected space that you can enter comfortably.
Add a rabbit and guinea pig playpen to any hutch by using Zippi Rabbit and Guinea Pig Tunnels.
Add rabbit and guinea pig ramps and platforms to utilize vertical space and to give them a shady space beneath.
House them in their own dedicated wooden shed with attached runs and playpens – the Zippi Tunnel System is perfect for connecting up different enclosures.

By connecting multiple runs and playpens together, you can change your pets’ experience between each of their areas. For example, one area can be dedicated to feeding, while another could hold enrichment items like toys, dig boxes, and treat holders. This further simulates the feel of a burrowing system that your pets would be utilizing in their natural habitat.

DIY and complementing elements

DIY options for your rabbits’ and guinea pigs’ enclosure can be a fun project, and many are inexpensive. Some ideas include:

Cardboard box mazes
Paper towel or toilet paper tubes stuffed with Timothy hay
Edible garland made from fresh veggies

And, with rabbit and guinea pig droppings being prime fertilizer for gardens, planting a garden near your rabbits’ or guinea pigs’ setup gives your plants quick access to nutritional excellence. You can also plant rabbit and guinea pig-safe plants and herbs in planters along the edges of your small pets’ run for them to nibble through the openings in the wire.

What to avoid in your small pets’ setup

Along with items safe for your bunnies’ and cavies’ setup, there are also elements to avoid. These include:

Towels or other cloth materials that a toenail could easily snag on
Plush toys (unless during supervised play)
Electrical cords within reach of your pets
Treated lumber
Cedar wood or shavings
Objects small enough for your rabbits or guinea pigs to choke on

This isn’t an exhaustive list, so if you’re unsure about what may or may not be safe for your pet, conduct thorough research through reputable sources. Breeders, national associations, rescues, and veterinary offices are all excellent resources to help you make safe choices for your small pet’s setup.

Omlet and your small pets

At Omlet, we believe that pet ownership should be about mutual fun, love, and companionship. That’s why we created safe rabbit and guinea pig hutches that are easy to clean and will keep your pets comfortable all year round. Combined with our line of Zippi Rabbit and Guinea Pig playpens, Zippi Rabbit and Guinea Pig Tunnel System, and Zippi Rabbit and Guinea Pig Platforms, your bunnies and cavies will have a small pet setup that will entertain and support them in every season.