Most of the small pets like hamsters, rabbits, and birds require a cage to live.
The same goes for a guinea pig.
Every animal, however, is unique, and so they have different needs.
It means that you can’t just use a hamster’s cage for your guinea pig.
Certain factors must be taken into account while buying a cage.
Keep on reading to learn all about them!
What Is The Right Cage For My Guinea Pig?
While buying a cage for your pet guinea pig, you should not be hasty.
Please don’t take it as an insignificant responsibility, as your pet will spend most of its time in it.
You must keep in mind several features while looking for the cage.
The colour of the crate won’t matter much to your guinea pig, so no need to worry about it.
The size, type, hiding place, and bedding should be a part of your checklist before making the purchase.
What Is The Right Size?
People previously believed that a little cage that could just fit one guinea pig with room left to move was enough.
So, it was a common practice to pick a crate of about two square feet.
The thing they failed to realize was that a guinea pig tends to be socially active.
It means that they live a better life when they are a part of a pair or group.
It directly relates to the cage’s size.
The recommended cage size, nowadays, for one guinea pig is at least 7-8 square feet.
It is suggested to get a cage of more than ten square feet to keep a pair.
Just remember, larger cages will make your pet happy. So, if you can afford a large one, do it.
You may find a cage that, despite being small, has a description mentioning that it is suitable for guinea pigs.
Don’t be deceived by such kind of advertisement and only buy a spacious cage.
It would help if you also avoided cages with wire ramps and floors as they can hurt your pet‘s feet.
Which Are The Goods and Bads of Bedding?
Bedding selection is very vital as poor bedding can not only cause discomfort but can also be lethal.
Avoid cedar and pine as they release phenol (a hydrocarbon) that is harmful to guinea pigs.
Similarly, using corncob and cat litter is also not advised as they can cause a blockage if ingested.
Straw is also a poor choice as it does not absorb urine.
Good bedding includes aspen shavings, recycled paper, fleece, or hay.
They are soft and absorbent materials and will be comfortable for your pet.
Tons of good bedding options are also available, so check them out too.
Why Is Hiding Space Important?
Guinea pigs like to hide in their nests.
So, it is better to have a cage with hiding spots.
It is not mandatory to buy hiding stuff like boxes and tunnels.
You can utilize the unused pipes and cardboard boxes present in your house and make hiding spot from them.
Cages with off the shelf hiding spots are costly.
So by making stuff yourself, you can also save money.
Conclusion
With all that said and done, get creative with the design of the cage.
Use of plastic ramps, shelves, and toys can add fun to your pet’s home.
Just don’t go overboard with it and leave them space to move freely.
