How To Set Up A Guinea Pig Cage With Pictures

Do not purchase a wire cage that has a wire bottom. Guinea pigs have sensitive feet that are susceptible to bumble foot, which are often caused by wire flooring. Don’t buy a wire cage that is designed for mice, rats, or hamsters. Guinea pigs have completely different housing requirements to these smaller rodents and cannot withstand the same living conditions.

A run is best used for guinea pigs during warm weather to provide exercise and enrichment to your guinea pig under supervision. Runs can often be attached to hutches or coops to offer more space.

A wire or C & C cage will not suffice outdoors. They aren’t stable and don’t provide protection from predators.

Ideally, your guinea pigs should be kept in a room that is approximately 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. [3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Guinea pigs don’t do well in humid locations, such as sheds and garages. Humidity encourages bacteria to grow, especially fungal infection. [4] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Because guinea pigs have sensitive hearing, they shouldn’t be placed in an area that is prone to loud noise, such as beside a television or stereo system. [5] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source If you have young children, place your guinea pig’s cage in a room where you can monitor them and supervise any small children at the same time.

Never use cedar or pine shavings. These types of wood are toxic to guinea pigs and can cause serious respiratory issues. The oils in them can get stuck in your guinea pig’s lungs. However, pine can be used as long as it’s kiln-dried and dust-extracted. Never use sawdust. The dust inhaled from sawdust can cause similar respiratory issues to that of cedar and pine shavings. Never use corncob bedding. Due to it’s abrasive texture, corncob can harm your guinea pig’s sensitive feet and cause them to develop bumblefoot, a type of bacterial infection. This type of bedding also has the tendency to mold. [6] X Research source Never use newspaper. Newspaper is a great material to line at the bottom of the cage to catch urine leaks. However, it isn’t absorbent enough to use alone. Never use straw. Unlike hay, straw is of a tough consistency that can easily poke or harm your guinea pig’s eye. It isn’t absorbent enough to be used as their main bedding.

Choose their all-natural bedding in favour of their coloured or scented range.

Fleece blankets will require a more regular maintenance in order to keep clean. Spot-cleaning is especially important.

Alternatively, you can use a water bowl instead of a bottle. However, water bowls attract mess and dirt because they aren’t an enclosed container. Your guinea pig might also knock the bowl over, creating a large spill over the cage.

Your bowls will need to be big enough to hold 1/4 cup of pellets and one cup of vegetables. If you have two guinea pigs (or more), you will likely need to have two of each dish to prevent territorial disputes.

Don’t buy wood toys that splinter, wire balls, or any toys that are a choking hazard. Especially avoid exercise wheels or balls. These toys have been proven to be harmful to your guinea pig’s spine, and hardly promote exercise.

Alternatively, you can place your hay in a shallow litter tray to keep it all in one place.

An example of a suitable location for a guinea pig hutch would be under a sheltered area, like a veranda. This way, your guinea pigs will be protected from the atmosphere and harsh weather. Guinea pigs don’t do well under humid conditions, such as a shed or garage. Dampness promotes the growth of mould in their hay and bedding and can make guinea pigs more prone to sickness. [10] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

Keep the water bottle a short distance from the pellets to prevent mess. In case your water bottle leaks, place it outdoors to prevent it from soiling the bedding inside.