Small Animal Feed FAQ
Information about care & nutrition for your small animal
SMALL ANIMAL FEED
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Frequently Asked Questions About Small Animal Feed
Looking for answers about caring for your small pets? Our Small Animal Feed FAQ covers essential topics on nutrition, health, and general care for guinea pigs, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, rats & mice plus other small animals. Whether you’re choosing the right food or need tips on housing and wellness, we’ve got you covered!
Guinea Pigs
Diet & Nutrition
Q: What should I feed my guinea pig?
A guinea pig’s diet should consist mainly of high-quality hay (like timothy or orchard grass), fresh vegetables, and fortified guinea pig pellets. Hay is essential for digestion and dental health, while pellets provide necessary nutrients.
Q: Can guinea pigs eat fruit?
Yes, but only in moderation. Fruits like apples, strawberries, and blueberries can be given as occasional treats due to their high sugar content. Avoid citrus fruits, as they can be too acidic for their digestive system.
Q: Do guinea pigs need vitamin C?
Yes! Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, so they must get it from their diet. Feed them fresh veggies like bell peppers and leafy greens daily, and consider a vitamin C supplement if needed. Avoid multi-vitamin drops in water, as they degrade quickly.
Q: What foods are toxic to guinea pigs?
Never feed your guinea pig chocolate, dairy products, onions, garlic, potatoes, iceberg lettuce, avocado, or rhubarb. Some houseplants and processed human foods can also be dangerous.
Feeding Schedule & Amounts
Q: How often should I feed my guinea pig?
Guinea pigs should be fed twice daily, in the morning and evening. They are continuous grazers and need access to food throughout the day.
- Hay: Unlimited access to Timothy or orchard grass hay.
- Pellets: 1/8 cup per guinea pig per day of guinea pig-specific pellets.
- Fresh vegetables: 1 cup per guinea pig per day of a variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, carrots, and broccoli.
- Fruits: A small amount of fruit as a treat, such as apples or berries.
Health & Care
Q: How long do guinea pigs live?
Guinea pigs may live as long as five to seven years.
Q: Are guinea pigs good pets?
Guinea pigs are social creatures that need daily quality time and interaction with their human family. They love being pet and will fall asleep in your lap if they trust you. Like other household pets, guinea pigs can develop social relationships with people and other species of animals.
Q: Do guinea pigs need a companion?
Yes! Guinea pigs are social animals and thrive in pairs or small groups. Keeping a single guinea pig can lead to loneliness and stress, so it’s best to have at least two.
Q: How often should I clean my guinea pig’s cage?
Spot-clean the cage daily by removing soiled bedding and leftover food. A full cage cleaning (changing all bedding and washing the cage) should be done at least once a week to prevent odors and bacteria buildup.
Q: How much exercise do guinea pigs need?
Guinea pigs should have at least an hour of supervised floor time outside their cage daily. A large, spacious enclosure with tunnels and hideouts also helps keep them active.
Q: How can I tell if my guinea pig is sick?
Signs of illness include loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, labored breathing, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or unusual sounds like wheezing. Guinea pigs hide sickness well, so any changes in behavior should be taken seriously.
Q: Do guinea pigs need regular checkups?
Yes, yearly checkups with an exotic vet are recommended. Regular exams help catch health issues early, and guinea pigs may also need occasional dental checkups or nail trims.
Pot Bellied Pigs
Diet & Nutrition
Q: What should I feed my pot bellied pig?
A balanced diet includes pot bellied pig pellets, fresh vegetables, limited fruits, and occasional healthy treats. Avoid dog/cat food and high-fat human foods. Star Milling Co. has two very balanced options:
These formulas have a 14% protein base and a fully balanced diet for your pot bellied pig.
Q: How much should I feed my pot bellied pig?
Generally, adult pot bellied pigs need 1-2% of their body weight in pellets daily, plus vegetables. Overfeeding leads to obesity, which is a big issue in pet pigs. Some of the main issues of an overweight pet pig is Hepatic Lipidosis (fatty liver disease) which can also lead to kidney disease.
Q: Can my pot bellied pig eat fruit?
Yes, but in moderation. Fruits are high in sugar, so they should be occasional treats.
Q: What foods are toxic to my pot bellied pig?
Avoid feeding these to pot bellied pigs:
- Chocolate
- Avocados
- Raw potatoes
- Onions & garlic
- Moldy or spoiled foods
Q: Can my pot bellied pig have table scraps?
Some healthy scraps are fine (veggies, whole grains), but avoid processed, salty, or sugary foods.
Q: Can my pot bellied pig eat grass or hay?
Yes! Timothy hay is great for digestion and enrichment. Hay also provides essential fiber, which helps keep their digestive system moving and prevents constipation.
Q: What are good treats for training my pot bellied pig?
Low-calorie treats like carrot slices, green beans, or small pieces of apple work well.
Feeding Schedule & Amounts
Q: How often should I feed my pot bellied pig?
Typically, twice a day is ideal for adult pigs. Piglets may need more frequent feedings.
Q: Should my pot bellied pig always have access to food?
No! Free-feeding leads to obesity. Stick to portioned meals and remember more is not always better. Keep their feed balanced and you will have your pot bellied pig for a longtime.
Health & Care
Q: How do I prevent obesity in my pot bellied pig?
Measure food portions, limit treats, and encourage exercise like rooting and walking. Always remember that balancing their feed is better – more is not always better.
Q: What are common health concerns for pot bellied pigs?
- Hooves issues: Overgrown or cracked hooves can cause discomfort and lameness
- Skin problems: Parasites like mange mites can cause skin irritation
- Respiratory issues: Susceptible to colds and pneumonia due to their short airways
- Dental problems: Tooth decay and tartar buildup can occur
- Digestive issues: Constipation can be a problem due to a poor diet
Rabbits
Diet & Nutrition
Q: What should I feed my pet rabbit?
Rabbits are actually fairly low-maintenance pets. As for what to feed rabbits, make sure you use a rabbit alfalfa pellet. Star Milling produces an alfalfa timothy pellet. Timothy is a grass that is added to the alfalfa to dilute its higher protein and calcium content. It also has higher fiber content. Leave the food bowl full; they’ll eat when they’re hungry.
Q: What treats can I feed my pet rabbit?
Be careful to give treats in moderation, especially if your rabbit is not used to it. A little bit of lettuce or a small carrot is fine, just not too much of either—especially the lettuce because it has so much water it in and causes them to fill up on lettuce and water as opposed to the alfalfa they need. They do require fresh, clean water to be available at all times.
Q: What foods are toxic to rabbits?
Rabbits should never eat chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, rhubarb, nuts, seeds, or processed human foods. Some houseplants, like lilies and ivy, are also toxic to rabbits.
Q: Can rabbits eat fruits and vegetables?
Yes, but in moderation. Leafy greens like romaine, parsley, and cilantro are great daily options, while sugary fruits like apples and bananas should be given as occasional treats. Avoid iceberg lettuce and toxic foods like onions, garlic, and avocado.
Feeding Schedule & Amounts
Q: How often should I feed my pet rabbit?
A pet rabbit should be fed twice a day with a consistent supply of hay available at all times; this means offering fresh hay throughout the day as they graze on it constantly, while pellets and fresh vegetables can be divided into two meals, typically morning and evening.
Q: Do rabbits need fresh water?
Absolutely! Rabbits should always have access to fresh, clean water. It can be provided in a bowl or a water bottle, but bowls are often preferred because they allow for more natural drinking behavior.
Health & Care
Q: What is the life expectancy of a rabbit?
A healthy house rabbit that has been spayed or neutered early in life has a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years of age.
Q: How much daily exercise does my rabbit need?
Rabbits should have at least 3–4 hours of supervised, out-of-cage exercise daily in a safe, rabbit-proofed area. They are active animals that need space to hop, run, and explore.
Q: Can rabbits be litter box trained?
Yes! Rabbits can be litter-trained just like cats. Use a litter box with rabbit-safe litter (like paper-based or wood pellet litter) and place it in their enclosure where they naturally go to the bathroom. Note it is much easier to train them after they have been neutered or spayed.
Q: How often should I clean my rabbit’s cage or enclosure?
Spot-clean daily by removing soiled bedding and food scraps. A full deep clean, including washing the litter box and changing bedding, should be done at least once a week.
Q: How can I tell if my rabbit is sick?
Signs of illness in rabbits include lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, labored breathing, excessive drooling, or changes in litter box habits. Because rabbits hide illness well, any sudden changes in behavior should be taken seriously, and a vet visit should be scheduled immediately.
Q: Do rabbits need regular vet checkups?
Yes, rabbits should see a rabbit-savvy vet at least once a year for a wellness check. Regular exams help catch health issues early, and some rabbits may need dental checkups or spay/neuter surgery for long-term health benefits.
Rats & Mice
Diet & Nutrition
Q: What do rats and mice eat?
Both rats and mice are omnivores and will eat a wide variety of food, including grains, fruits, seeds, and even meat. Star Milling has an extruded line of Rat and Mouse food. It is a complete diet for the domesticated rat or mouse. They are opportunistic feeders and will nibble on whatever is available.
Q: What foods should rats and mice avoid?
Pet mice should avoid foods like grapes, raisins, rhubarb, avocado, garlic, onion, chocolate, citrus fruits, lettuce, unripe tomatoes, raw beans, potatoes, sugary foods, high-fat foods, and any food with pits or seeds as these can be toxic or cause digestive issues.
Health & Care
Q: What is the difference between rats and mice?
Rats are larger, typically around 9-11 inches long (excluding the tail), while mice are smaller, around 3-4 inches long. Rats have thicker, scaly tails, while mice have thinner, hairless tails.
Q: How long do rats and mice live?
In the wild, rats and mice typically live 1-2 years. In captivity or with adequate food and shelter, their lifespan can be slightly longer.
Q: Are rats and mice nocturnal?
Yes, both rats and mice are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night and tend to avoid human activity.
Q: Do rats and mice chew on things?
Yes, This behavior is driven by the need to keep their teeth from growing too long. Having balsa wood or other toys for chewing is a good idea.
Q: Can rats and mice climb?
Yes, both rats and mice are excellent climbers and can scale walls, trees, and pipes, making it easy for them to enter homes through small openings.
Q: Do rats and mice make noise?
Yes, both rats and mice make high-pitched squeaks, gnawing sounds, and rustling noises, especially during their nocturnal activities.
Q: Can rats and mice be kept as pets?
Yes, rats and mice can make affectionate and intelligent pets. However, they require proper care, space, and attention. They are very social animals and should be housed with companions of the same species.
Q: How much space do rats need?
Rats need a spacious cage with multiple levels, toys, and hiding spots to explore. A minimum of 2 cubic feet per rat is recommended.
Q: What kind of bedding is best for rats?
Use dust-free, absorbent bedding like paper-based products or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar and pine shavings, as they can be harmful to rats.
Q: How often should I clean my rat's cage?
Clean the cage at least once a week and spot-clean daily to remove soiled bedding and uneaten food.
Q: Can rats live alone?
Rats are social animals and thrive with companionship. It’s generally recommended to keep at least two rats together, but make sure they are compatible.
Q: What are common health issues in rats?
Common health issues include respiratory infections, tumors, and parasites.
Q: How can I tell if my rat is sick?
Watch for changes in eating or drinking habits, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, or unusual behavior.
Q: Do rats need vaccinations?
Rats generally do not require vaccinations.
Q: Are rats clean animals? Are they good pets?
Rats are a very clean animal. They spend several hours a day grooming themselves. Domestic rats are very good pets and are quite smart. They are easy to care for, although it is important to clean the cage regularly and keep fresh food and water available.
Q: How often can mice have babies? How many do they have?
Female mice can give birth when they are two months old and are able to have babies 6 to 10 times per year.