How To Set Up a Guinea Pig Cage

Here's How:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Add bedding, such as a recycled paper based bedding or aspen shavings, but avoid cedar shavings.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Your cage is now ready for guinea pigs!

Tips:

1. Avoid cages with wire floors - these are too hard on their feet.
2. Guinea pigs are social and do best kept in groups of two (or more) - so plan on a large cage to accommodate them.
3. 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