Before adoption/purchase—Cages

It is very important to have all the necessities (cage, hay, shavings, food, water bottle) before you bring home your new pet. This will eliminate a large part of the stress your new pet is going to experience.

The cage is one of the most important necessities your guinea pig is going to require. Unfortunately, it is also one of the over-looked features of your pet’s habitat. The size, location, and layout of the cage can have an affect on your guinea pig’s behavior and happiness.

Size

• Estimates of the room needed per guinea pig range from 2 square feet each to 5 square feet each or more.
• To stay on the safe side, purchase the largest cage you are able to fit in your space. It is also a good idea to have a play pen for your piggies so they can enjoy some out-of-cage time.
• Guinea pigs are not great climbers and do not require a cage with multiple levels.
• The sides of the cage do not need to be any higher than 18 inches and a covered top is not necessary unless there are other pets in the household.

Location

• The best place for your guinea pig’s cage is in a frequently visited room out of direct sunlight and away from drafts.
• It is not healthy for your pig’s personality and development to be placed in a room that is infrequently visited because guinea pigs thrive on social interaction.
• Heat stroke is a serious medical problem that guinea pigs are extremely susceptible to, so it is a bad idea to place them in direct sunlight for even short periods of time.
• Although guinea pigs are better able to withstand cold temperatures, they can catch pneumonia if exposed to constant drafts.
• Guinea pigs have exceptional hearing and should not be exposed to constant loud noise.

Layout

• Within the cage there should be a spot for food pellets, hay, a water bottle, a toilet area, a sleeping area, and a playing area.
• Allow your pet to show you where they would like each of these areas to be because they will move there things around and they will choose where they would like to go to the bathroom.
• A gravity water bottle will keep water clean longer.
• A non-tipping food bowl will keep pellets from spilling throughout the cage.

Although the initial cost of a large, fully stocked cage may seem like quite an investment, you will be able to use it for years and it will greatly improve your pet’s happiness.