Post by Andrea on Jan 24, 2007 20:29:55 GMT -4
This is just something I wrote for a newsletter, thought it may be of interest to some of you.
The dollar store is my best friend, there is always something fun I can pick up for my critters without having to spend a ton of money. Here are some helpful ideas to keep your critters amuses while still having some extra cash in your pockets!
Dishes –
Hamster dishes in a pet store can cost up to $10, and the cost goes up with the size of the dish.
You can pick up crock dishes one or a set of 3 at the dollar store for a buck! Also try tea light candleholders as dishes for your hamsters/mice/gerbils. Make sure all are ceramic and a good weight so they don’t tip over.
Hay Nets for the little guys -
You can try and fold some wire together to make a hay net, or buy a bird suit holder, they snap closed keeping the hay clean while in the holder. These cost about $6 and can be found in wild bird shops or even Canadian Tire.
Rabbit Play Time –
Baby toys! Rabbits love to toss around toys and if they make a bit of a rattle noise the more fun it is. Look through your kid’s old toys, ask friends whose kids are older now or check out a thrift shop. Those plastic sets of keys are a favorite.
Does your rabbit want to chew and tear? Recycle that old phone book and allow your bunny hours of ripping paper pleasure (If your bunny is ingesting a lot of this, this may not be the toy for him/her).
Does the man of your house do a little woodworking? Those cut offs of wood even can be fun for a bunny!
Toilet paper roll with some hay and a favorite treat hidden inside, this will keep your bun amused for a while.
Little Critters That Chew-
Save toilet paper and paper towel rolls, your gerbil (and some hamsters) love to chew up the cardboard. Fill it with hay, maybe a treat or toilet paper and watch them go.
Clean cardboard boxes make great chews and toys also.
Dried natural apple tree branches can also be fun for many critters and helps keep their teeth healthy and trim.
Any business that ships things usually uses large amount of plastic wrap, after the wrap is gone there is a big hard cardboard tube left, ask for them! They make great toys.
Hide Away Homes –
Nothings cheaper then a used glass jar. How about a clay or ceramic flowerpot?
Some oil scents warmers also can be flipped over and used as a home for your small pet, and yes you can find them at the dollar store too!
Litter Pans –
Aluminum disposable roast pans can also be picked up at some dollar stores. Rabbits won’t chew them and if they start to look a bit old you don’t feel so bad throwing them out.
Housing –
Some people want their hamster/mice/gerbils to have the largest house they can fit, but buying that pet’s home can cost a fortune. To save money you can try buying clear storage bins they are about $7 at Walmart. All you have to do is make sure they are well ventilated. So buying some strong mesh and cutting the top from the lid and attaching the mesh can work well. This housing would not be suitable for aggressive chewers.
Maybe you want an aquarium?
A lot of fish people have leaky aquariums and have no clue what to do with them, post ads on Craig’s list or other free local classified asking for a cheap/free Aquarium (whatever size you are looking for) stating it DOESN’T need to hold water!
Flea markets and Thrift stores sometimes also carry animal cages for reasonable prices.
Hammocks –
Does your Ferret/Rat/Degu need a hammock? Have an old pair of pants? Cut the leg of the pants off for the size you would like for your critter, cut a small hole in each corner and use Pipe Cleaners (Available at the dollar store) to attach the hammock to the cage. They can sit on top or inside. And if you’re good with a sewing machine you can come up with all sorts of fun designs and styles.
Inexpensive Ideas for Critter Accessories!
The dollar store is my best friend, there is always something fun I can pick up for my critters without having to spend a ton of money. Here are some helpful ideas to keep your critters amuses while still having some extra cash in your pockets!
Dishes –
Hamster dishes in a pet store can cost up to $10, and the cost goes up with the size of the dish.
You can pick up crock dishes one or a set of 3 at the dollar store for a buck! Also try tea light candleholders as dishes for your hamsters/mice/gerbils. Make sure all are ceramic and a good weight so they don’t tip over.
Hay Nets for the little guys -
You can try and fold some wire together to make a hay net, or buy a bird suit holder, they snap closed keeping the hay clean while in the holder. These cost about $6 and can be found in wild bird shops or even Canadian Tire.
Rabbit Play Time –
Baby toys! Rabbits love to toss around toys and if they make a bit of a rattle noise the more fun it is. Look through your kid’s old toys, ask friends whose kids are older now or check out a thrift shop. Those plastic sets of keys are a favorite.
Does your rabbit want to chew and tear? Recycle that old phone book and allow your bunny hours of ripping paper pleasure (If your bunny is ingesting a lot of this, this may not be the toy for him/her).
Does the man of your house do a little woodworking? Those cut offs of wood even can be fun for a bunny!
Toilet paper roll with some hay and a favorite treat hidden inside, this will keep your bun amused for a while.
Little Critters That Chew-
Save toilet paper and paper towel rolls, your gerbil (and some hamsters) love to chew up the cardboard. Fill it with hay, maybe a treat or toilet paper and watch them go.
Clean cardboard boxes make great chews and toys also.
Dried natural apple tree branches can also be fun for many critters and helps keep their teeth healthy and trim.
Any business that ships things usually uses large amount of plastic wrap, after the wrap is gone there is a big hard cardboard tube left, ask for them! They make great toys.
Hide Away Homes –
Nothings cheaper then a used glass jar. How about a clay or ceramic flowerpot?
Some oil scents warmers also can be flipped over and used as a home for your small pet, and yes you can find them at the dollar store too!
Litter Pans –
Aluminum disposable roast pans can also be picked up at some dollar stores. Rabbits won’t chew them and if they start to look a bit old you don’t feel so bad throwing them out.
Housing –
Some people want their hamster/mice/gerbils to have the largest house they can fit, but buying that pet’s home can cost a fortune. To save money you can try buying clear storage bins they are about $7 at Walmart. All you have to do is make sure they are well ventilated. So buying some strong mesh and cutting the top from the lid and attaching the mesh can work well. This housing would not be suitable for aggressive chewers.
Maybe you want an aquarium?
A lot of fish people have leaky aquariums and have no clue what to do with them, post ads on Craig’s list or other free local classified asking for a cheap/free Aquarium (whatever size you are looking for) stating it DOESN’T need to hold water!
Flea markets and Thrift stores sometimes also carry animal cages for reasonable prices.
Hammocks –
Does your Ferret/Rat/Degu need a hammock? Have an old pair of pants? Cut the leg of the pants off for the size you would like for your critter, cut a small hole in each corner and use Pipe Cleaners (Available at the dollar store) to attach the hammock to the cage. They can sit on top or inside. And if you’re good with a sewing machine you can come up with all sorts of fun designs and styles.
