A Day in the Life of a Small Pet
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas are crepuscular which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. In the wild, the safest time of day for them to emerge from their homes to forage and graze is when the sun is low and predators are easy to spot. At dawn and dusk these wild small animals can be found grazing, socializing and playing when they feel safe. Between dawn and dusk, crepuscular animals can be found safely in the burrows sleeping or relaxing. Domesticated small animals follow this pattern of living to a certain extent, making them more active in the morning and evenings. This living pattern makes them the perfect pet to enjoy before and after work, because they will sleep while you’re gone and be ready to play when you get home.
Domesticated rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas keep a schedule similar to their wild counterparts, yet the routine of their owners does impact when they start and end their day. Small animals start their day around dawn or when their owners get up and feed them. Mornings are usually spent eating, grooming, digging, foraging and playing and continues until roughly mid morning.
Once morning active time is over, your small pet will find a cozy place to retire, such as their sleeping area and settle down for a few hours. Your little critter might wake up from napping to eat some hay or go to the bathroom, but otherwise they often sleep for several hours.
When early evening arrives, they wake up and start their twilight adventures. This includes going to the bathroom, grooming themselves thoroughly, and starting to forage for food. Small animals tend to be more sociable and relaxed in the evenings. They are more welcoming to pets and cuddles from their owners and may even settle down to “watch” TV! Small animals evening activities can continue well into the night, even after us humans head to bed. Eventually they will settle down and get a few hours of rest before the morning starts again with breakfast.
Rabbits and other small pets follow strict mealtime routines, so it’s best to get into the habit of feeding them around the same time each day. Hay should always be available for your furry friend to enjoy, but feeding pellets and other greens should be fed during the morning and evening active times. Once comfortable with their routine, small animals will often remind you its breakfast or dinner time by circling your feet, gently nipping at your feet, or by standing up on their hind legs to beg.
All in all, your small pet’s day is pretty simple with active times in the morning and evening, and resting in between. It’s best to respect their natural routine and avoid disturbing your critter during their sleeping times. I’m sure you probably don’t like to be woken up from your nap early, and neither does your small pet. Enjoy their routine and play with them in the morning and evening during their active times, because they are going to be more receptive to socializing and a lot happier.