How to Prepare Your Small Pet’s Enclosure for Winter

As temperatures drop, small pets can feel the seasonal change just as much as we do. Even indoor enclosures may become cooler during winter, and for animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils, warmth and comfort play an important role in their wellbeing. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can create a cosy, secure and enriching habitat that supports your pet throughout the colder months.

Start With Fresh, Dry Bedding

Clean, dry bedding is one of the simplest ways to support warmth and hygiene during winter. Damp or heavily compacted bedding can draw heat away from the body, making pets feel colder and less inclined to explore, rest comfortably or burrow.

Using a high-quality bedding product helps maintain a warm and healthy base for your pet’s enclosure. Our Platts Premium Woodshavings are made from softwood and are 100% dust extracted and kiln dried, offering absorbency, comfort and a cleaner environment. This is especially beneficial during winter when airflow in homes may be reduced.

Increase Bedding Depth for Comfort and Insulation

Many small pets instinctively nest, dig and rearrange their bedding to create warmth. Increasing bedding depth during winter gives them the option to burrow and create snug resting areas.

A deeper bedding layer can support natural behaviours, reduce heat loss and help pets feel more secure. You may notice your pet building a particular “sleeping zone” or nest - adding a little more bedding to this area can make a meaningful difference.

Create Cosy, Enclosed Spaces

As well as bedding depth, enclosed spaces contribute to warmth and emotional security. Hides, tunnels and small shelters encourage resting and reduce drafts within the enclosure. These do not need to be complicated or expensive. A cardboard tunnel, a little hay-filled nook or a bedding-lined hideout can give pets somewhere warm and familiar to settle.

Support Activity With Enrichment

Winter often means reduced daylight and slightly lower activity levels for many small pets. Providing enrichment helps keep them engaged and active, which supports both physical health and emotional wellbeing.

Scatter feeding or using a Platts Snuffle Mat encourages natural foraging behaviour and can make mealtimes more rewarding. It also stimulates movement and curiosity, which is especially helpful when pets are spending more time indoors.