Guinea pigs’ cage size will depend on how many of the animals live in it. More guinea pigs will require more space.
That said, it’s important for guinea pigs to have large enough cages to exercise and play in.
Thus, for one guinea pig, a cage of 7.5 square feet is the minimum.
With that said, this article discusses the different recommended cage sizes for guinea pigs.
In addition, it includes information on the types of cages and how to pick one for your pet rodent.
Recommended Minimum Sizes for Guinea Pig Cages
As mentioned above, you will need to invest in a large cage for multiple guinea pigs. There are a few recommended minimum sizes mentioned below.
Cage Size for One Guinea Pig
A cage of 7.5 square feet is the minimum recommended size for one guinea pig (about 36 inches in length and 30 inches in width).
Cage Size for Two Guinea Pigs
A cage of 10.5 square feet is the minimum recommended size for two guinea pigs (about 50 inches long and 30 inches wide).
You can also proportionately increase the cage width.
Cage Size for Three Guinea Pigs
A cage of 13 square feet is the minimum recommended size for three guinea pigs (about 62 inches long and 30 inches wide).
If you have more than three guinea pigs, then try to get the largest cage available.
Don’t Always Stick to These Cage Sizes
When choosing a cage for guinea pigs, it’s best to choose larger ones than the recommended minimum.
This way, you can ensure that they have enough room to play and keep themselves stimulated.
Unlike some other rodents, guinea pigs don’t make use of vertical space. Therefore, it won’t help to have a taller cage with climbing areas. So, enough floor space is essential.
In some cases, the recommended sizes may not be enough for your guinea pig. This is especially true if your guinea pigs are not neutered or spayed.
You can also consider speaking to a veterinarian for recommendations on cage sizes. In addition to that, you can ask your local pet shop.
However, in some cases, they may offer inaccurate information to try and sell more expensive products to you.
Why These Cage Sizes Matter
Anything smaller than these cage sizes will prevent your pet from being able to move around freely.
Limited movement could result in a lack of exercise. It could also lead to a lack of mental stimulation.
As a result, your pet may have physical and mental problems. Bored guinea pigs can become sad and depressed. Such mental issues can result in physical symptoms as well.
A lack of space makes it hard for guinea pigs to exercise whenever they feel like it. Therefore, if you only let them out for exercise, their bodies may not get the amount of work needed to stay healthy.
As a result, they may be at risk of heart disease, bumblefoot, diabetes, and other health conditions. A healthier piggy will last longer than a sick one.
Also, you can save medical costs of getting treatments for illnesses that can be prevented with a large enclosure.
Another advantage that larger cages provide you with is their relative ease of cleaning. Spot cleaning is arguably easier to do with larger cages than with smaller ones.
This is because everything is not cramped.
Therefore, it’s always best to get larger cages than smaller ones. In addition, you should allow them to play outside their cages for a limited time every day.
This way, your pet will get adequate exercise to stay healthy at all times. That said, be careful with where you allow it to roam freely.
It should be a space where there’s almost zero risk of attacks by predators. In addition to that, they should be left unsupervised when outside the cage.
Other animals or other environmental factors could potentially harm them.
Types of Guinea Pig Cages
There are a few types of guinea pig cages that you can consider for your pets. Here’s an overview.
A DIY Cage
If you are a crafty person, you can consider creating a guinea pig cage yourself. Of course, you will need to dedicate time and effort to this process.
However, you won’t have any real size limitations.
You can also choose to add rooms or secluded spaces for each guinea pig. Therefore, the additional privacy can help reduce conflict among the guinea pig residents.
In addition to that, you should use appropriate materials. Some materials may be toxic to guinea pigs.
Thus, it’s best to do adequate research before you settle on how to make your guinea pig cage.
There are numerous ways to create a cage yourself. For example, combining tables together can offer a good start.
That said, it can help to look up online tutorials to give you more ideas on this project.
A Dedicated Guinea Pig Cage
You can find a wide variety of guinea pig cages at pet stores.
While there are many online shops, it won’t hurt to explore your options at physical stores.
You can get a good idea of the quality of the materials that way.
In addition to that, it’s a good idea to read reviews about certain cages and brands. This way, you’ll know about a cage’s durability.
Cubes and Coroplast
You can find store cube cages for guinea pigs made from Coroplast. Coroplast is a specific plastic used in making signs.
The advantage of such cages is that the beds are comfortable and easy to clean.
While you can purchase readymade cubes and coroplast cages, you can also get separate pieces to make your own. You can find these storage grids at box stores.
So, you can get one that’s the right size for the number of guinea pigs you have.
Don’t Use An Aquarium As Guinea Pig Cage
It’s best to avoid using an aquarium for your guinea pig’s home. While aquariums may be easy to clean and affordable, they limit air circulation inside.
The glass walls prevent air from coming into the aquarium from anywhere other than above. Thus, it won’t get any adequate breeze, which could reduce the air quality.
The aquarium may also become warmer and uncomfortable for your pets.
What to Keep in Mind When Getting a Guinea Pig Cage
Buying a guinea pig cage is an important decision. So, here are some things to keep in mind.
Keep the Future of Your Guinea Pigs in Mind
When purchasing or creating a guinea pig cage, think about whether you plan to keep more guinea pigs later. In addition to that, don’t forget about the chance of your guinea pigs reproducing.
If you want to control your pets’ population, make sure to get them neutered and spayed. There are other advantages of spaying and neutering. So, speak to your vet at length about it.
Get a large cage if you think you are likely to get more guinea pigs in the future.
You can save money by buying a larger cage once than buying a smaller one that you’ll eventually have to get rid of.
It’s also important to note that you should try to avoid keeping one guinea pig at a time.
Guinea pigs are social animals that thrive when they have a companion. So, it’s best to keep guinea pigs in pairs.
Where You Will Place the Cage
Guinea pigs need to stay in certain environmental conditions to stay healthy and comfortable. Thus, where you place the cage in your home is crucial.
Ideally, you should choose a space with a consistent temperature.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the ideal temperature range for guinea pigs is 60° F to 85° F.
Anything below or above these temperatures will negatively affect your guinea pig’s health. Thus, it’s best to use a thermometer to check the temperature in the chosen location.
If it stays consistent, you can use it for placing your guinea pig cage. There are also various methods and tools for managing consistent temperatures.
You can look for products at your local pet store for that.
In addition, the cage should be in a room where there is no risk of predators. Other pets like cats and dogs shouldn’t be able to go near the cage.
As prey animals, guinea pigs may get frightened and stressed near larger animals.
Also, it’s best not to let your children access the guinea pigs without supervision. Handling guinea pigs may stress them.
Try to keep guinea pigs away from loud sounds. TVs or sound systems could cause their sensitive ears discomfort.
Measure the amount of space available when you find the correct location. This way, you’ll be sure that you can fit the cage in that area before you buy it.
Last Few Words
Guinea pig cages sizes are important because help your pets always have the opportunity to engage in various activities.
As a result, they stay healthier and happier, which is a must for any pet owner.
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