Quick answer
Attach a small hay manger to the side of your tiny paws habitat at a height your pet can easily reach, then fill it with fresh hay to encourage natural foraging and reduce waste.
Why use a hay manger instead of floor feeding
A hay manger keeps hay off the bedding, which helps it stay dry and fresh longer. It also encourages your rabbit or guinea pig to forage in a more natural upright position, reducing the chance of hay being soiled or trampled.
Floor feeding can lead to more waste and faster spoilage, especially in humid environments. A side-mounted hay feeder solves both problems without taking up floor space in the habitat.
Step-by-step hay manger installation
- Choose the right location: Select a side wall of the habitat that is easy for your pet to access but away from high-traffic areas like doors or ramps. The manger should sit low enough that your pet can comfortably reach the hay without stretching. A common mistake is mounting the manger too high, which discourages shy or small pets from using it.
- Attach the manger securely: Align the mounting brackets or hooks with the habitat grid or frame. Press firmly until the manger clicks or locks into place. If the habitat has horizontal bars, make sure the manger sits level and does not wobble. Check that the attachment is tight enough so the manger doesn't tip when your pet pulls hay out.
- Fill with fresh hay: Loosely fill the manger with a handful of hay, leaving some space at the top so your pet can easily grab strands. Avoid packing it too tightly, which makes foraging frustrating. Overfilling can cause hay to spill out and get soiled on the habitat floor.
- Observe and adjust: Watch your pet during the first few hours. If they ignore the manger, try moving it to a different spot or placing a few favorite treats inside to spark curiosity. If hay falls out easily, check the attachment angle. Some pets need a day or two to get used to the new feeder; be patient and offer familiar hay to encourage use.
- Clean and refill regularly: Empty any leftover hay every 24 hours and wipe the manger with a damp cloth. Refill with fresh hay daily to maintain cleanliness and encourage consistent foraging. Leaving old hay in the manger can lead to mold or unpleasant odors in the habitat.
Recommended product for this setup
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Tiny Paws Small Hay Manger For Habitats: Designed to hold your furry friend’s favorite hay, our Small Hay Manger for Habitats encourages playful foraging while keeping hay fresh and off the ground. It attaches directly to the side of a Habitat Castle setup, so you don't need extra tools or modifications to add it to your existing habitat.
Tiny Paws Small Hay Manger For Habitats



