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enrichment is the word

Enrichment, in the form of novel play, habitat and food is one of the essential ingredients for a happy companion pet. Providing your rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters or gerbils variety in their environment makes them fun to watch and strengthens the bond between animal and human. For those pets who love to forage for food, such as rabbits, a "treasure hunt" for treats is an exciting way to spend the day. Gerbils and hamsters love to dig and burrow, and providing them with opportunities to do rocks their world! Please help us provide these items for our small animals by shopping for terrific enrichment ideas. Click on the list below and let the fun begin!

www.ferretstore.com

www.bunnybytes.com to order any of the items listed below and have them shipped to the shelter; or
2) donate on our website through the PayPal option and designate the funds for small critters

The staff and small animals in residence are deeply appreciative of your generosity. Stop by the shelter to see your donation in action!

Looking for a fun and interesting way to help animals? We are currently looking for foster homes for some of our wonderful small animals! If you are interested, please contact Alex Sanborn at 854-9771!

Thinking of adopting a bunny? In an effort to help our many wonderful rabbits find new homes we are reducing our rabbit adoption fee to $20 for a limited time! Come to the ARL today to find out if a rabbit is the right pet for you!

Here are some terrific tips for making your companion rabbits as happy and healthy as can be! For more detailed information please visit www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care

Some tips for happy rabbits:

Give em' shelter - The safest place for a rabbit to live is indoors, and if in a cage, the rule of thumb is for the cage to be a minimum of five (5) times the size of the rabbit so they have ample room to run, hop and play. Cages with wire flooring are very hard on the feet of rabbits as they do not have protective pads like dogs or cats.
Shhh, quiet please - Rabbits like to have a cozy spot to sleep, hide and rest, and most rabbits tend to sleep during the day and night, being most active at dawn and dusk.
Keep it comfy - Rabbits do not tolerate extremes in temperature, so keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer helps keep them comfortable and minimizes stress.
Healthy eating for rabbits - Timothy hay is one of the staples of a healthy rabbit's diet. Access to a steady supply of quality hay is essential, as this aids their digestive system and provides fiber to prevent such health issues as obesity, hairballs and diarrhea. Alfalfa hay, on the the other hand, should be given as a special treat as it is too high in calories, protein and calcium for daily consumption.
The need to chew - Chewing is part of the natural behavior of rabbits, and they must exercise this need everyday. Their chewing does not have to be destructive however. Place untreated wood or cardboard on the daily menu. Paper towel rolls, and other chewable cardboard are the best bets. Avoid plastic toys and objects with sharp edges or pieces that can break off and become choking hazards.
Handle with care - Rabbits are fragile creatures who must be handled carefully. Their bones are so delicate that the muscles in their powerful hind legs can easily overcome the strength of their skeletons. If not properly restrained, a struggling rabbit can break their own spine. Rabbits are prey animals, and often feel threatened when picked up or carried.