How to Set Up the Perfect Guinea Pig Cage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up the perfect guinea pig cage is one of the most important steps in providing a happy, healthy life for your pet. Guinea pigs are highly social and active creatures, and they need a space where they can explore, play, and relax. Whether you’re a first-time guinea pig owner or looking to upgrade your pet’s current living space, this guide will cover everything you need to know about setting up the perfect cage—from choosing the right size to selecting the best bedding and DIY ideas.

Guinea pigs need plenty of space to move around, stretch, and engage in their natural behaviours. For a single guinea pig, the minimum cage size should be 7.5 sq ft (about 30″ x 50″ in dimensions), while a pair of guinea pigs will require at least 10.5 sq ft (about 30″ x 60″). This space allows them to move freely and prevents stress and health problems caused by overcrowding.

If you have more than two guinea pigs, you’ll need a larger cage. A 12 sq ft cage (about 30″ x 72″) is ideal for three guinea pigs, and you can add another 2–3 sq ft for each additional guinea pig. The more space, the better! Guinea pigs enjoy having room to roam, hide, and explore.

There are several types of guinea pig cages, each with its own benefits:

• C&C Cages (Cubes and Coroplast): These are a popular choice for guinea pig owners because they’re highly customisable, affordable, and spacious. They are made from cubes (grids) and Coroplast (plastic), allowing you to create a cage size and shape that suits your home and your guinea pigs.
• Wire Cages: Traditional wire cages are a common option. However, make sure the bars are narrow enough to prevent your guinea pig from escaping. These are easy to find but might lack the customisation of a C&C cage.
• Modular Cages: Modular cages are designed to be assembled and expanded as needed, offering flexibility in size and layout.

Bedding is a key part of your guinea pig’s habitat, providing comfort, hygiene, and odour control. The right bedding will absorb urine, reduce smells, and give your pet a cozy spot to sleep.

• Fleece Liners: Fleece liners are a popular and eco-friendly bedding option. They are soft, easy to clean (just toss them in the wash), and long-lasting. However, they require regular cleaning to keep them fresh.
• Paper Bedding: Paper bedding is absorbent, soft, and gentle on guinea pig paws. It’s a safe option that’s also great for controlling odours.
• Wood Shavings: While some owners use wood shavings, avoid pine and cedar because the oils in these woods can be harmful to guinea pigs’ respiratory systems. Instead, opt for aspen wood shavings or other safe alternatives.
• Hay Bedding: Using hay as bedding provides an extra source of nutrition for your guinea pig, but it’s important to supplement it with other bedding options for absorbency and comfort.

Spot clean your guinea pig’s cage daily to remove soiled bedding and leftover food. A deep clean should be done weekly, replacing all bedding and disinfecting the cage to keep things fresh and hygienic.

Guinea pigs are prey animals and need a safe, quiet place to retreat when they feel threatened or want to rest. Hideouts and shelters are essential. You can buy pre-made hideouts or create your own using cardboard boxes, wooden houses, or tunnels. These will give your guinea pig a sense of security and help reduce stress.

• Water Bottles vs. Water Bowls: Guinea pigs are known to tip over bowls of water, so water bottles are typically the best option. Choose a bottle with a stainless steel spout to prevent leaks and ensure a constant supply of fresh water.
• Food Dishes: A sturdy, heavy food dish will prevent spills. Place the food dish in a corner of the cage to keep it clean. Guinea pigs are messy eaters, so choosing a dish that’s easy to clean is important.

Guinea pigs need room to exercise and play, which helps prevent obesity and boredom. Adding tunnels, enrichment toys, and chew toys encourages physical activity and mental stimulation. These can be purchased or made from materials around the house, such as PVC pipes or cardboard tubes.

A C&C cage is easy to build and provides a lot of space for your guinea pigs. To create your own, you’ll need Cubes (grids) and Coroplast (plastic sheeting). These materials are inexpensive and allow you to customise the size and layout of the cage. There are plenty of online resources that offer step-by-step instructions for assembling a C&C cage.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can create a hideout using a cardboard box. Cut out an entrance hole and place some soft bedding inside. Your guinea pigs will love having a cosy space to retreat to.

Guinea pigs enjoy exploring tunnels. You can easily create DIY tunnels using PVC pipes or cardboard tubes. If you want to add a little more fun, build a simple ramp that leads up to a second level of the cage, giving your guinea pigs extra space to explore. Just be sure if using ramps that it isn’t too steep.

Improve your guinea pig’s environment with safe decor like hanging chew toys, cardboard boxes, and fleece hammocks. These will keep them entertained and provide mental stimulation.

Place your guinea pig’s cage in a location that’s away from direct sunlight, drafts, and noisy areas like the TV or high-traffic zones. Avoid putting the cage in a place where it might get too hot or cold—guinea pigs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. A quiet, temperature-controlled room is the best choice.

Make sure the area around the cage is safe from any hazards, such as electrical cords or toxic plants. Guinea pigs are curious, so it’s essential to create a safe, guinea pig-friendly environment.

Make a habit of spot cleaning the cage every day. Remove any soiled bedding, uneaten food, and droppings. This will help keep the cage clean and prevent odours from building up.

Once a week, replace all bedding, clean the water bottle, food dish, and other accessories. Wipe down the cage with a safe disinfectant or a vinegar-water solution to keep it fresh and free of bacteria.

A clean, dry cage is essential to prevent respiratory issues or skin infections. Always ensure your guinea pig’s cage is kept dry and comfortable.

Setting up the perfect guinea pig cage doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right cage size, bedding, and accessories, you can create a safe, comfortable environment where your guinea pigs can thrive. Remember to maintain their cage regularly and provide plenty of enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.

If you need more guinea pig care tips, be sure to check out other blog posts on nutrition or behaviour. Your guinea pigs will thank you for it!

Got questions about setting up your guinea pig’s cage? Leave a comment below, and we’ll help you out!

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