Guinea pigs are realtively large so need a fair amount of space, but otherwise have minimal special needs when it comes to housing.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 20 minutes
Here's How:
- Choose a cage that is large enough - 2 square feet per guinea pig is a good guide, although the more room the better. Make sure the cage will be easy to clean.
- Place the cage on a stable surface in your home, away from drafts and direct sunlight, but near a place where people spend a lot of time.
- Add bedding, such as a recycled paper based bedding or aspen shavings, but avoid cedar shavings.
- Add a nest box of some sort - these can be purchased or household items as simple as a cardboard boxes can be used (these can be discarded once soiled and replaced). Thick PVC pipe is also an option.
- Provide a heavy ceramic food bowl (the heavier and wider the better to prevent tipping). You may also want to get a small hay rack to hang from the side of the cage.
- Provide a water bottle (the kind with a metal tube with a ball in the end) that can be fixed to the side of the cage.
- Provide some toys - guinea pigs like balls, hanging toys, and anything they can climb on or into. Even a paper bag makes a good toy, although it should be removed if it is being eaten.
- Your cage is now ready for guinea pigs!
Tips:
- Avoid cages with wire floors - these are too hard on their feet.
- Guinea pigs are social and do best kept in groups of two (or more) - so plan on a large cage to accommodate them.
- Plan on cleaning the cage once a week, and clean the water and food bowls daily.
What You Need:
- Cage
- Bedding
- Food bowl
- Water bottle
- Nest box(es)
- Toys