Guinea Pig Cages

Are you considering adopting a Guinea pig? These little  guys are quite charming, and they really do make fun pets. They’re quite small and gentle—not to mention adorable—but are also personable enough to be affectionate and interactive. One of the most important aspects of Guinea pig care is making sure that your little buddy has a comfortable cage. A local Louisville, KY veterinarian offers a few helpful tips on this below.

Materials

Unfortunately, not all of the habitats you may find advertised as Guinea pig habitats are actually safe for them. Pay attention to the type of material used. Avoid plastic tubs and glass aquariums or terrariums. You may want to look for a C&C cage. These use cubes and corrugated plastic, or coroplast. You can even make your own!

Size

Getting a cage that is the right size is half the battle. Guinea pigs are quite active, and they need a habitat that lets them play, relax, and explore. It’s worth mentioning that many of the cages you would find in a store are really much too small. If you only have one little buddy, you’d need to get a cage that is at least 7.5 square feet. However, we really don’t advise just having one. These are very social animals, and need buddies to truly thrive! Two or three cavies would need about 11 square feet. If you get four, you’d need to offer about 13. As far as the height, it should be at least a foot high. You don’t have to have a cover, though if you have other pets you may need one to keep them out.

Flooring

Pay attention to the type of flooring in your Guinea pig’s cage. Don’t get anything that has a wire or mesh floor. These can cause very serious foot injuries!

Stories

If you want to give your furry friend a bit more room without giving up much of your own, you may want to consider a multi-level cage. Make sure the ramp is large enough so your pet can’t get stuck, and that the walls are high enough so he can’t fall off. It should also be angled gently enough to prevent slips and falls. Also, keep in mind that some cavies are scared of heights.

Please reach out to us anytime. As your Louisville, KY animal clinic, we are here for you!