Choosing the right cage and accessories for your guinea pig is essential for their health and well-being. Therefore, here are a few things to consider when selecting a cage and accessories for your guinea pig:
Size of the guinea pig cage: Guinea pigs need plenty of room to move around, so choose a cage that is at least 7.5 square feet (0.7 m2) per guinea pig. The cage should be tall enough for your guinea pig to stand up on their hind legs and jump upwards without hitting their head.
Construction: Choose a cage that is made of durable materials and has a solid bottom to prevent your guinea pig from escaping and to prevent leakage to outside area. The cage should also have a secure locking mechanism to keep your guinea pig safe.
Bedding: Choose a bedding material that is soft and comfortable for your guinea pig to lay on, such as aspen shavings, paper-based beddings, or recycled paper beddings. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings as the fumes may cause respiratory problems, or dry them out completely before using.
Accessories: Your guinea pig will need a place to hide and sleep, so include a hideaway such as a cardboard box or a small animal house. A water bottle and a food bowl are also essential. Guinea pigs also need to have access to hay and fresh vegetables and fruits, so make sure to have a hay feeder and a food bowl.
Exercise: Your guinea pig will appreciate the opportunity to exercise and play, so choose a cage that includes a play area or an exercise area. You can also provide them with tunnels, ramps, and platforms to climb on. Avoid hamster wheels, they are strongly forbidden as guinea pigs can seriously hurt their backs on it.
Lighting: Your guinea pig will need a source of natural light, so choose a cage that is placed near a window or has a skylight. This will provide your guinea pig with a source of natural light and also prevent them from becoming depressed.
Cleaning: Choose a cage that is easy to clean, with removable trays or grids that can be easily cleaned. Make sure to clean the cage regularly to keep your guinea pig healthy and happy.
Location: Choose a location for the cage that is out of direct sunlight and drafts, and away from loud noises. This will provide your guinea pig with a peaceful and comfortable environment. But also, you don’t want to isolate them completely, so keep the cage within the human living area as they need to be in the social environment.
Socialization: Guinea pigs are social animals and need companionship. If you are planning to have more than one guinea pig, make sure to choose a cage that is big enough for them to live comfortably and have a play area.
Safety: Choose a cage that has no sharp edges or small openings that your guinea pig could get stuck in. Also, make sure that the cage is escape-proof and has a secure locking mechanism.
By considering these factors, you can choose a cage and accessories that will provide your guinea pig with a comfortable and safe living space. Remember that guinea pigs need plenty of space to move around, so choose a cage that is big enough for them to live comfortably and have both hiding and play areas.