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Considering getting a Guinea Pig, but aren’t sure how big should a guinea pig cage be? Here’s what you need to know. The majority of guinea pig cages available at pet stores are not the best option in the long run. When it comes to finding the perfect size cage for your guinea pigs, I completely understand how difficult it can be. Do not worry, I will assist you in making the best decision possible at the conclusion of this article.
A guinea pig cage must be at least 7.5 square feet in size to meet the minimum standard (68cmX105cm). Although it is recommended to have at least 10.5 square feet (68*143) if at all possible, it is not mandatory. A cage of this size can comfortably accommodate a single or a pair of guinea pigs; however, you should plan on adding approximately three square feet of space for each additional guinea pig you acquire.Choosing the proper size cage for your guinea pigs is critical to ensuring their long and healthy lives. Seeing those tiny little guinea pigs for the first time can make it difficult to imagine the size of the adults, but believe me when I say that they grow at a phenomenal rate, especially in the early days.Your ability to control their growth may be completely compromised if you do not provide them with a large enough cage from the start.

 

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What should be kept in the cages of guinea pigs?

In order to comprehend why guinea pigs require a large cage, we must first understand what the essential items are that must be included in their enclosure. Being aware of what your guinea pigs require in their environment will make the process of selecting the appropriate cage size relatively simple and straightforward.

Providing Constant Access to Potable Water

All of these are examples of essential items that should be included in your guinea pig’s cage. To keep a pair of guinea pigs happy and healthy, I would recommend at the very least two water bottles and two food bowls.

Guinea pigs are generally friendly animals, but they can become territorial at times if they feel threatened. It is extremely beneficial in such circumstances to have a set for each of them on hand.

As a bonus, make sure you have at least 4-5 toys for your guinea pigs; however, do not provide them with all of their toys at the same time. To keep them entertained, place 2-3 toys on the floor and rotate the rest every few weeks.

It’s also a good idea to include 2-3 hiding places in your cage. Faux fur hideouts, Cuddle beds, and tunnels are some of the best options to consider.

Aside from hay piles, another important aspect of our piggies’ cage is their environment. Guinea pigs are foragers, which means that they prefer to forage for food from the ground rather than from a dish. As a result, having a pile of hay on hand can greatly assist in replicating their natural behavior even while in captivity.

The fact of the matter is that your guinea pigs will burrow, pee, and eat the same hay every time you provide it to them. It may sound disgusting, but it is true.

It is extremely beneficial to know what will be placed in the cage in advance so that you can choose the most appropriate size for them.

Do guinea pigs require a large amount of space?

Yes, guinea pigs require a significant amount of space in their cage. They are caged animals that are most active during the early morning and late evening hours, making it difficult for most people to provide them with floor time during those times.

A large enough cage where they can play and exercise is therefore essential for keeping your guinea pigs happy for the duration of their lives.

Guinea pigs are one of the large rodents that can be kept as pets, as you may already be aware. The majority of first-time pet owners make the mistake of treating them like other small rodents, such as mice and hamsters.

Guinea pigs, on the other hand, are quite different from humans, and their requirements are also quite different. Mice and hamsters can live in a vertical space cage where they can climb, jump, and exercise on a variety of different platforms.

Guinea pigs, on the other hand, are not particularly fond of vertical space. In contrast to other rodent species, they require a larger amount of floor space to exercise and play. It is also necessary for them to have a variety of items to keep their minds active and busy.

What is the significance of having a large cage?

Cages that are large enough for the animals reduce their risk of heart disease, obesity, bumblefoot, and various other diseases in the long term.

An additional significant advantage of keeping your guinea pigs in a large cage is that they will be less likely to fight with one another. Guinea pigs in small cages frequently fight over territory and resources (such as food and water), which usually results in one or both of them being injured or killed.

When it comes to cage space, how much do Guinea Pigs really require?

Some people may be concerned that a larger cage means they will have to put in more effort to keep their cage clean. The inverse, on the other hand, is true.

Having a smaller cage increases the likelihood of the cage becoming soiled and stinking in a shorter period of time. A large cage, on the other hand, requires less frequent deep cleaning and is less likely to smell.

You can also set up a dining area in a large cage because guinea pigs enjoy peeing and pooping in the areas where they eat. Having a separate dining area can make daily cleaning easier because the majority of the pee and poop will be concentrated in a specific area of the dining area.

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Can you tell me the ideal size cage for two guinea pigs?

If you are planning to house a pair of guinea pigs, I would recommend a cage that is at least 10.5 square feet in size, which is 27 inches by 56 inches in dimensions. However, the majority of guinea pig cages available on the market today fail to deliver on this promise.

If you have a limited amount of space or a limited budget, you can get away with a cage that is only 7.5 square feet in size (27′′x41′′), but going for the larger cages gives you more options for adding toys, food bowls, and other useful utility to the cage.

If you don’t want to build your own C&C cage but still want to provide your guinea pigs with an open and comfortable environment, a midwest cage will be the best option for you.

If you’re looking for a cage that’s more durable but also a little smaller in size, the Living World cage is an excellent choice.

These cages, on the other hand, have a number of limitations in terms of expansion and the amount of recommended living space. I would choose a DIY C&C cage over anything else because it can provide significantly more space, design, and customization options to meet your specific needs, all while staying within your budget.

It’s true that the budget would be a little higher than the other two options, but the final product would be just as excellent. The following materials are required to construct a C&C cage for a pair of guinea pigs: a minimum of two 4×4 grids (eight in total), a chloroplast sheet for the base, and zip ties to secure the structure safely.

It’s important to note that, while this is the standard cage size for most guinea pigs, some guinea pigs, particularly those that are overweight or pregnant, may require more space. Make certain that you take this into consideration when housing your guinea pigs.

Top-Rated Guinea Pig Supplies: Our Top Picks! Recommended Guinea Pig Supplies: Our Top Picks!

Before you read on, here are some supplies for your guinea pigs that have been hand-picked by our experts and that you should add to your wishlist right away:

What is the ideal height for a guinea pig cage?

A guinea pig cage must be at least 16-18 inches high in order to be safe. Although the top cover of the pen is not required, having enough height would ensure that your guinea pigs are unable to easily escape from the cage if they do escape.

Despite the fact that guinea pigs are not excellent climbers, they are capable of jumping out of their cage if the height is low enough.

Recommended reading:

Can guinea pigs climb out of cages?

Conclusion

Guinea pigs may appear to be small caged animals, but in reality, they require a much larger living space than what the majority of people believe they require.

The cage you purchase must have a minimum floor space of 7.5 square feet in order to accommodate a pair of guinea pigs. Don’t get sucked into the small cages that most pet stores will try to sell you.

They are completely ineffective, and it will be a complete waste of money because you will need to replace it after a period of time. Make certain that you have included all of the necessary supplies in your guinea pigs’ cage so that they can live a happy and healthy life in their new home.

Related Questions

Is a 2×3 C & C cage large enough for two guinea pigs to live in comfortably?

The answer is yes, a 2×3 C&C cage is the bare minimum size of enclosure you should purchase for housing a pair of guinea pigs in a comfortable environment. Two by three-foot pen measures approximately 7.5 square feet, which is a standard size for a guinea pig’s cage.

Although a 2×4 is approximately 10.5 sq feet, I would recommend going with a 2×4 so that they have enough space to exercise and the enclosure doesn’t feel too crowded.

Is it necessary to have a top on guinea pig cages?

The absence of a top in guinea pig cages when the height of the pen is greater than 16 inches is not required.

For those who do not have enough height or who have other pets such as dogs, birds, or other small animals who live in the same house, having a top over the cage is extremely important to keep them safe.

If you intend to keep your guinea pigs outside of your home, a sturdy, well-constructed hutch or a fully enclosed cage is essential for the safety of your animals.

Can guinea pigs live in cages with multiple levels?

Yes, guinea pigs can live in a multi-level cage, though they are not particularly fond of the arrangement themselves.

To make use of the vertical space, you can build a multi-level cage; however, make sure that the ledge or incline that connects the levels does not have a steep enough angle to be dangerous.

Also, make certain that the high level is completely secured to prevent your guinea pigs from falling off and injuring themselves.

Sources: Sciencedirect, The prenatal growth of the guinea‐pig, Use of cage space by guineapigs, Guidelines for the Housing of Guinea Pigs, Housing Guinea pig colony, Guinea pigs housing