Guinea pigs are little, cute small, and social creatures that make one of the best friendly pets. If you are a guinea pig parent, it is crucial for you to provide your pet with a living place that is both pleasant and secure. Providing a comfortable environment for your guinea pig includes several aspects, one of the most crucial of which is selecting the appropriate cage size. Let’s discuss the proper guinea pig cage size and the benefits and importance of choosing the right one.
What is the proper guinea pig cage size?
As a general rule, the ideal cage size for a single guinea pig is 7.5 square feet (0.7 square meters), while the minimum recommended cage size for a pair of guinea pigs is 10.5 square feet (1 square meter). Yet, guinea pigs remain healthier in larger cages.
When it comes to the dimensions of the cage, it should be at least 30 inches wide and 36 inches long at the very least. The height of the cage should be at least 18 inches, although higher cages might be suitable since they provide more vertical room for your guinea pigs to climb and play in.
Why Cage Size Matters?
Guinea pigs’ cage size matters as they are energetic pets that need a large area where they can run free. They are also friendly creatures that must be housed with at least one other guinea pig in order to ensure a happy and healthy existence for both of them. Guinea pigs confined to inadequately sized cages are at a greater risk of developing health issues and engaging in undesirable behaviors.
When kept in insufficient accommodations (smaller cages), guinea pigs are at risk of developing several severe health issues, the most prevalent of which is obesity. It is much more difficult for guinea pigs to acquire the necessary amount of physical activity to keep their weight healthy if they do not have adequate space to roam around. Many different health issues may be caused by obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and difficulties with the joints.
Guinea pigs confined in small cages are more likely to suffer from respiratory issues than those housed in larger enclosures. It is more likely that guinea pigs will be exposed to high quantities of ammonia and other hazardous compounds that might cause respiratory difficulties if they are housed in too tiny cages. These abnormalities may result in more significant health concerns, such as pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
Besides developing health issues, guinea pigs housed in inadequate spaces are more prone to engage in undesirable behaviors. For example, they might develop aggressive tendencies toward the other pets in their cage, become sluggish or depressed, or engage in self-destructive actions such as ripping out their hair or gnawing on their skin. So, as a whole, a large/optimal-size guinea pig is the best possible option.
How to Choose the Right Size Guinea Pig Cage?
There are several factors to take into account while choosing a cage for your guinea pigs, the most important of which are their size, how active they are, and how many there are. The following is a list of some guidelines that can assist you in selecting the appropriate size cage for your guinea pigs:
- Minimum Cage Area: The minimum area required for housing one guinea pig is 7.5 square feet of floor space (30″ x 36″). Add two square feet for every additional guinea pig that you have.
- Material: The material that the cage is made of is also a significant factor to consider. Avoid providing your guinea pig with a wire bottom cage, as they require a firm floor to walk on. Wire floors aren’t just unpleasant to walk on and can lead to a foot injury. Instead, it would help if you looked for cages that have solid or mesh bottoms.
- Consider Height: Guinea pigs, like other small animals, require horizontal and vertical room to move around and have fun. Try to choose cages that are high enough to house a ramp or a second level for your guinea pigs so they can climb and investigate their environment. Your animals will have more room to walk around in and will have a living environment that is more intriguing and engaging if you have a tall cage with numerous levels for them to live in.
- Cleanability: Having a cage that is simple to clean is an additional factor contributing to your pet’s overall health. Because your guinea pig’s living place needs to be kept clean and hygienic to prevent health issues, it is vital to keep the cage it resides in unclean. When shopping for cages, look for ones that have trays that can be removed easily or surfaces that are simple to disinfect.
- Evaluate Your Money: As the final step in selecting a cage for your guinea pigs, it is essential to consider your budget. The purchase price of a larger cage may be more, but it will likely provide your pets with more excellent space and a higher level of comfort. Look for cages that are of excellent quality, are well-constructed, and are meant to last for a long time. In the long term, investing in a sturdy cage now can save you money by preventing you from having to make expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
FAQs
What size cage do I need for 2 guinea pigs?
The minimum recommended space for housing two guinea pigs is 10.5 square feet (1 square meter). On the other hand, as we mentioned earlier, the health and happiness of your guinea pigs will improve significantly if the cage is a greater size.
Hence, if it is at all feasible, it is advisable to give a cage that is larger than the minimum size that is required. A crate that is 12 to 14 square feet (1.1 to 1.3 square meters) in the area is an excellent choice for housing two guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs be kept outdoors?
It is possible to keep guinea pigs outside, but you will need to provide them with an enclosure that is large enough to keep them safe from other animals, as well as from high temperatures and intense sunshine. The guinea pigs should be able to walk about freely and engage in their natural habits; thus, the cage should be large enough to accommodate this.
How often should guinea pig cages be cleaned?
At the very least, guinea pig cages should be cleaned once a week, and daily spot cleaning should also be performed. The bedding must be replaced regularly, and the enclosure ought to be meticulously cleaned and disinfected once every few weeks.
Can a guinea pig live in a hamster cage?
No, guinea pigs cannot be housed in hamster cages since their housing needs differ from those of hamsters. Guinea pigs should not be kept in hamster cages since they are often too tiny and do not have sufficient height or area to move about and play.
Final Words
Being energetic and social creatures, Guinea pigs require much area to run, explore, and play. The minimum size for a guinea pig cage is 7.5 square feet (0.7 square meters) for one guinea pig and 10.5 square feet (1 square meter) for two guinea pigs. Also, they need a separate room for sleeping, so ensure that the cage has a dedicated resting area that is warm and comfy for your guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have a requirement for a distinct sleeping area.