June 22, 2021
The greatest joy of being a pet parent is spending time interacting and sharing affection with our beloved furry companions. Whether playing with your rabbit on the floor with their favorite toy, offering your cheeky chin their treat of choice, or simply snuggling up with your piggie on the couch enjoying some quality time over Netflix, there’s nothing better than time spent in one another’s company.
Given the abundant joy that the simple presence of our pets brings us each day, it can come as a surprise to new pet parents the first time their furry friend retreats to their habitat to hide away. No one loves rejection, and it can be especially disappointing when the perceived rejection comes at the paws of our favorite furry friends. The good news is that your pet’s decision to retreat for the comforts of a dark, quiet place in many cases has less to do with you than their engrained instincts as a prey species.
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. “It’s not you, it’s me.” When it comes to your small pet’s decision to hide, this cringe-y old cliché is actually quite accurate much of the time.
As prey species, animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas are instinctually wired to hide to escape threats in their native environment. And, while there are not likely any coyotes lurking in our home (we hope!), your small pet remains highly attuned to perceived threats or general stressors in their environment at all times. The sound of a chair being pulled out on a tile floor may not make you duck for cover (you brave human, you), but it could very well be enough to throw off your rabbit’s entire afternoon.
So, what does this mean when it comes to your relationship with your pet in your home environment? We all want to provide a safe and enriching environment for our loved ones, and the good news is that there are some important (and easy) ways to support your pet’s hiding instincts.
When it comes to hiding, your small pet is likely looking for a safe, dark place when they can feel protected from the stress of a perceived threat or even just the busyness of the day. To facilitate this desire, it’s essential to have multiple hiding options in easy-to-access locations.
Many quality habitats (like our Large and Extra-Large Habitats) come with a built-in hide space. Be sure to keep these areas filled with ample fresh, clean bedding for an added level of comfort and coziness. While this type of built-in provides a great hiding space, we always advise providing several options to suit your pet’s mood or location.
If your small pet is an herbivore, you’re likely aware that hay should make up at least 70% of their daily diet and should be available 24/7 in unlimited amounts. We love providing tips on creative and fun ways to encourage your herbivore to eat hay, but perhaps our favorite option is equally convenient and custom-made for hiding. Our Timothy Club Bungalows make an ideal hide space for a variety of small pets and can be placed anywhere your pet enjoys escaping the stressors in their environment. Sounds pretty great, right? We’ve actually saved the best part for last! All Timothy Club accessories are made of 100% hand-woven Timothy hay, making them completely edible and thoroughly enriching.
Small pet parents have long sung the praises of fleece. Not only is fleece super soft for supreme comfort, but it comes in fun patterns and colors and is easy to clean for that fresh out of the washing machine feeling. Our Fleece Hammocks are ideal for smaller species or check out our Corner Fleece Hideout for a fun hide option that fits conveniently in the corner of your pet’s habitat.
While we generally recommend providing your pet with their space when hiding, we understand there are certain times when you may want to briefly check on your pet to ensure all is well. In these moments, a hideout with an open bottom allows you to take a quick peek at your pet without creating added stress by jostling them around in their safe space. Our woven hideouts come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of multiple species.
Even with the understanding that hiding is an instinctual behavior of small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, what if you feel that your furry friend hides out more than normal? No one knows your pet better than you, and you should always trust your instincts when it comes to your pets' health and well-being.
It’s important to note that underlying illness or injury can potentially cause pets to be less active and spend more time hiding. If you think there’s any chance your pet could be dealing with an injury or suffering from illness, see your trusted veterinarian right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pets' health and well-being.
In addition to spending more time hiding or inactive, be sure to rule out these other signs of underlying illness or injury.
Small animals are highly perceptive to changes in their environment, and these changes are not always obvious or even perceptible to you as a pet parent. If you feel that your pet is suddenly more inclined to hide than normal, taking a quick survey to identify and rule out any stressful triggers or environmental triggers.
Some changes to your pet’s environment that could create stress and lead them to hide away more frequently could include:
We all benefit from healthy amounts of rest and relaxation in our lives, and this is especially true for our furry friends. Hiding is an instinctual behavior for all prey species makes and it’s our responsibility as pet parents to support your little loved ones by providing multiple options for hiding out and assessing the home environment to ensure external stressors are kept to a minimum.
The next time your pet hops into their bungalow to get away from the hustle and bustle of their environment, take comfort in knowing that they’re not giving you the cold shoulder; they’re likely just practicing a perfectly healthy and natural behavior!
How to Support Your Pet's Instinctual Hiding Behaviors Video
...Read MoreJune 16, 2021
Have you ever wondered how to make dyes that are safe for your small pet? Look no further! This how-to will give you the directions you need to make safe-to-chew dyes to color the new Enriched Life Design Your Own Hideaway House.
Select what foods you're going to use. For this blog post we used cilantro (yellow-green dye), blueberries (purple dye), and raspberries (pink dye). Other options can include cabbage (indigo), turmeric (yellow), and strawberries (pink). We do not recommend using oranges or beetroot.
To get you started, 4 cups of water produced about 1 cup of dye each for the following produce items:
While 1 cup might not seem like a lot, it’s usually more than enough to work with for painting.
Other materials you will need for this project include a measuring cup, a medium-sized pot, a wooden spoon, a funnel with a strainer attachment (or a sieve), mason jars with lids (or other containers that can be easily closed), newspapers, or old towels, a never-before-used paintbrush, and Oxbow’s Design Your Own Hideaway House.
The amount of water you use will vary between types of produce, but typically 4 cups of water is a good starting point.
Be sure to wash any produce you use for your dyes.
As your solution boils, you’ll be able to see the produce’s pigment moving into the water.
Some pigments, such as blueberry, may change color.
Make sure to let the corrugate dry before letting your little one explore. Jasper here is taking in the hideaway house’s spacious design.
Be sure to show us your small pet with your creation when you’re done!
...Read MoreJune 14, 2021
An enriched guinea pig is a happy guinea pig! Keeping boredom at bay can be easy and affordable with a fun rotation of toys and accessories. Guinea pigs have instinctual behaviors that should be met daily, including:
Exploring – Guinea pigs adore exploring and discovering new things! Physical activity and mental stimulation are key in keeping your small pet healthy, happy, and active.
Playing – Anyone who has parented a guinea pig can attest to the fact that they love playing with their pet parents! Build a great bond by engaging with activities and accessories that you can both interact with.
Chewing – Like rabbits and chinchillas, piggies have open-rooted teeth, meaning that their teeth do not stop growing as they age. Maintaining your little one’s dental health is imperative to their well-being. Make sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities to gnaw and nibble to their heart’s content!
Hiding – Guinea pigs are prey animals and are prone to feel stressed if they don’t have access to hideaways. Strategically inserting hiding places in their habitat and throughout your home where they play is a great way to ensure that they feel safe and happy.
Check out our top 10 toys and accessories to help meet your guinea pig’s needs below!
If you’re a piggie parent, then you are probably well aware that your little one is nothing short of a champion chewer. So how can you keep your guinea pig from nomming on habitat bars, baseboards, and other non-pet-friendly furniture? Check out our Timothy CLUB Twists! Made of hand-woven hay, these twists are the perfect size for placing throughout their pet palace or putting in their play area during supervised time outside of their habitat.
It’s time to think vertical! Attaching the Play Wall to your pet’s habitat not only provides your furry potato with a little physical enrichment by having to reach, but it also saves on floor space so they have more room to roam. The danglies are replaceable and can be exchanged with other varieties and colors so that you can mix them up at your leisure!
Remember how we mentioned that hiding is an important prey-based behavior that makes your guinea pig feel a little more comfortable in their environment? This tunnel is a great way to support that behavior! Since it’s made of hay and is 100% edible, they can also take a little snack break while they’re relaxing. Talk about a win-win!
Photo by @finnleythepig
Hay is an important staple in any guinea pig’s diet. Not only is it a terrific source of fiber, but it’s also great for their teeth! Ensure your little one is getting all the hay they need by giving them access to a Hay House.
Pet Parent Tip:Ever wondered how much hay your guinea pig should be eating every day? Watch the video below and learn more at our blog.
Who doesn’t like to celebrate with a little cake now and then? While your pet can’t chow down on the sweet variety complete with icing and candles, they can certainly enjoy our paper-based accessory that’s shaped like everybody’s favorite festive treat!
Hiding food and treats is a great way to support your pet’s foraging instincts. Foraging provides oodles of enrichment during snack and mealtime. Trust us, your guinea pig is going to go ga-ga for the Garden Forage Puzzle.
This isn’t quite as magical as Harry Potter’s, but the Magic Timothy Wand will be a fun, new chew for your little one. Featuring delicious marigold petals, this yummy chew is a winner!
Photo by @finnleythepig
Looking for a roomier alternative to the Hay House? We’ve got you and your furry family covered! The Hay Barn is perfect for the piggie who needs a little more wiggle room or for families with multiple piggies who enjoy spending time together. The Hay Barn also features a fun silo where you can place your piggie’s favorite variety of hay!
Everybody can use a little zen space to relax and kick back! The Corner Fleece Hideout easily attaches to habitats to provide your little one an area of their very own to hide. Its machine-washable fleece provides maximum comfort.
Did you know that sunflower stalks are a tasty, healthy option for your pet? Couple that with a habitat hanger that gives additional physical enrichment and you have an awesome chew option for your furry friend!
June 03, 2021
Natural Science Skin & Coat was formulated to help reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin and to aid in maintaining healthy haircoats in small mammals.
While it may seem that healthy skin and coat are not atop the list of things to be concerned about, it is important to remember that the skin is one of the most important organs in the body and serves a variety of essential functions. Therefore, preventing and minimizing inflammation and irritation of the skin is important as it can mitigate larger health issues in addition to avoiding discomfort for your little one.
Bathing of small animals is not typically recommended unless targeting a specific disease, so maintenance of the skin and coat comes almost entirely from the diet and balancing proper nutrients.
Healthy skin and coat are not only important for appearance but serve an important function of protecting your pet.
Nutrition plays a huge role in the health of skin and coat, especially in small mammals. In lieu of water baths or topical applications, a complete and balanced diet including ample hydration is the best way to provide maintenance and support.
Adequate dietary protein and proper amino acid balance allow for growth of strong, healthy fur and ample amounts of fiber allow the digestive tract to function properly.
Fats and oils found in high-quality diets play a direct role in maintaining skin and coat health. In particular, omega fatty acids as well as other antioxidants support overall skin health and well-being by reducing swelling and inflammation of the skin to provide a healthy barrier and allow for growth of a shiny, strong coat.
Dietary imbalances and/or underlying medical issues often times first manifest as changes in the haircoat or skin appearing as a thin, dull coat or flaky skin. This serves as a good indicator for pet parents, so it is important to always monitor the health and appearance of their pet’s skin.
Offering an appropriate diet (this includes hay, pellets, greens/veggies, treats, water, and supplements) is the single most important health decision any pet owner can make. A well-balanced diet including ample amounts of fiber from hay, hydration from fresh free choice water, micronutrients from a uniform pellet, and powerful antioxidants from fresh produce is the basis for supporting your pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
Even with a proper diet, there are times when animals benefit from a specific supplement tailored towards skin and coat health. This may include:
Because skin and coat issues are commonly the result of underlying health concerns, it is imperative that you work with your veterinarian if you observe any of these symptoms. They should perform a full physical examination and possibly additional skin tests to try and determine root causes and best treatments, which may include Natural Science Skin & Coat to help alleviate these issues.
Skin and coat issues can occur in all small mammal species and our Skin & Coat supplement can support omnivores as well as herbivores. A balanced and high-quality diet including plenty of supplemental proteins and fats is vital for small omnivores such as rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils but Natural Science Skin & Coat will fit nicely into their diet when appropriate and under the guidance of your veterinarian.
Our Skin & Coat supplement was formulated specifically for small mammals, so it is hay-based, high in fiber, and avoids high starch, sugary ingredients that are inappropriate for the unique digestive systems of these species. It was also formulated to include a large diversity of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce swelling and promote overall health to maintain your pet’s skin and coat.
Ingredient | Nutrient | Function |
---|---|---|
Timothy Grass |
Insoluble Fiber | Promotes a healthy gastrointestinal tract to maintain overall health |
Flaxseed Meal |
Omega Fatty Acids | Anti-inflammatory to maintain soft fur and healthy skin |
Chamomile |
Terpenoids & Flavonoids |
Anti-inflammatory with anti-allergic properties to help reduce itching and scratching |
Brewer’s Dried Yeast |
Manna Oligosaccharide (MOS) |
Acts as a prebiotic and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria for whole body health |
Palm Oil* |
Omega Fatty Acids & Beta Carotene |
Antioxidative properties to help fight against cell damage and support overall healthy skin and coat |
Canola Oil | Omega Fatty Acids | Anti-inflammatory to mitigate swelling and promote healthy skin and coat |
*We utilize a Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Fair-Trade Certified source of palm oil to ensure ingredient sustainability and environmental protection.
Herbivores (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, etc.)
Omnivores
There are many questions that come to mind when considering adding supplements to your little one’s diet. You should work with your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s overall health as well as any medications they may be taking as they can factor into this decision. When evaluating the use of Oxbow’s Natural Science supplements either for the short or long-term refer to our supplement FAQ blog to answer some common questions.
...Read MoreJune 01, 2021
Oxbow Animal Health is excited to announce the recipients of its 2021 Academic Scholarships. The Oxbow Academic Scholarships provide annual financial support to students across the country pursuing education in the exotic and companion animal veterinary fields.
Oxbow scholarship winners are chosen for interest and involvement in the field of exotic animal health, excellence in the areas of academic achievement, and communication of future career goals and interests.
Oxbow’s 2021 Academic Scholarship recipients are:
Sydney Wellsandt - Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)
Nebraska High School Scholarship
Olivia Tardie - University of Maine (Augusta, ME)
Veterinary Technology Academic Scholarship
Jennifer Brei - Fox Valley Technical College (Appleton, WI)
Veterinary Technology Academic Scholarship
Jessie Dillon - The University of Findlay (Findlay, OH)
Undergraduate Academic Scholarship
Leonne Yu-Ton Chung - Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine (East Lansing, MI)
Veterinary Medicine Academic Scholarship
“At Oxbow, we believe that knowledgeable, dedicated veterinary professionals make a world of difference for pets and their owners,” said Melissa Ross, Vice President of Marketing. “That’s why we’re so proud to support the 2021 Oxbow Academic Scholarship recipients as they pursue the education that will empower them to make a difference in the lives of companion animals and the people who love them.”
Sydney Wellsandt – Nebraska High School Scholarship
“I’m honored to receive this scholarship and have support from Oxbow Animal Health,” said Wellsandt. “There’s comfort knowing that I have others in the animal industry supporting me as I continue my education. Receiving this scholarship allows me to pursue my future career at the school of my dreams.”
Olivia Tardie – Veterinary Technology Academic Scholarship
“I am so honored and thankful for being selected for the Oxbow Scholarship Program,” said Tardie. “First, it targets students in the allied sciences of animal care. This scholarship program also is available for college undergraduates. To be a veterinary technician and work with animals has been my dream since childhood. I can literally say I’m living the dream pursuing my education in Veterinary Sciences and working for a local veterinarian during my vacations. I plan to give back to my community by earning my degree and returning to Aroostook County to pursue my career.”
Jennifer Brei – Veterinary Technology Academic Scholarship
“I am so honored that I was chosen as a recipient of this scholarship that I can use towards continuing my veterinary technician studies this fall," said Brei. "I am looking forward to graduating the following spring and contributing to the field of exotic pet and wildlife medicine. Thank you so much!”
Jessie Dillon – Undergraduate Academic Scholarship
“I am so excited, grateful, and honored to have received this scholarship,” said Dillon. “I know it’s going to help me power through the rest of the semester and give me confidence in my abilities to apply for careers in the future. This scholarship also allows me the ability to continue with my higher education and pursuit of a degree in Animal Science.
Leonne Yu-Ton Chung – Veterinary Medicine Academic Scholarship
“I am so honored to be the 2021 Oxbow Animal Health Vet Med Scholarship Recipient," said Yu-Ton Chung. "Many do not realize the amount of debt veterinary students face in pursuit of their passion in helping animals. Finding accessible and quality care is also a struggle for exotic pet owners. I am grateful for Oxbow always striving to not only help all the rabbits and pocket pets but finding ways to help those who champion for their health as well. I look towards a bright future where I can advocate for the wellbeing of small exotic mammals and provide accessible care for all.”
Learn more about Oxbow's Academic Scholarship Program.