Small Pet Starter Kits
Small pets are too often sold short on space and stimulation. A proper starter setup — sized to welfare guidance — gives a hamster, rabbit or guinea pig a home they can actually thrive in.
Start with the right home
Housing is the make-or-break: a [hamster cage](/hamster-cages) with a deep base for burrowing, or a [rabbit hutch](/rabbit-hutches) connected to a [run](/rabbit-runs) for daily exercise. Most pet-shop cages are too small — size to welfare guidance, not the box.
Then layer in [safe bedding](/hamster-bedding), a correctly-sized solid wheel for hamsters, and [enrichment toys](/rabbit-toys) for chewing and foraging. Our [small pets hub](/hub/small-pets) covers each species in detail.
The essentials checklist
Beyond housing: a water bottle or bowl, a food dish, a hideaway for security, safe chew toys, and species-appropriate food (hay is the bulk of a rabbit or guinea pig’s diet). Avoid pine and cedar shavings — paper-based bedding is safer.
Remember the social side: rabbits and guinea pigs are companion animals and should not live alone, while Syrian hamsters must live solo.
Everything here is chosen to be genuinely useful in everyday life with your pet — quality-checked, fairly priced and shipped tracked across the UK. For any health concern, your vet is always the best first port of call.
Common questions
What do I need to set up for a hamster?
A large cage with a deep base for burrowing, paper-based bedding, a correctly-sized solid wheel, a water bottle, a food dish, a hideaway and safe chew toys.
What does a rabbit starter setup need?
A spacious hutch connected to a secure run, safe bedding and hay, a water source, a hide, a litter tray and chew toys — plus a companion, as rabbits should not live alone.
Why are pet-shop cages often too small?
Many are built to a price and a shelf size, not to welfare guidance. Always check the recommended minimum floor space for the species and buy bigger where you can.
Free pet welcome kit
Four printable tools, zero cost
The new-pet checklist, a vaccination & worming tracker, a feeding-portion guide and a house-training chart — straight to your inbox, no spam, unsubscribe whenever.