Cages

Guinea Pig Cages
Inexpensive, Easy to Clean, and Just the Right Size for Healthy Piggies!
Benefits to Building Your Own Cage:  *CHEAPER than store bought cages.      *EASY to clean.      *Provides a larger, HAPPIER environment for the guinea pigs.    *Can be CUSTOM made to fit any specific location in your home.       *Allows for more INTERACTION between piggy and owner.

Thank you to Lisa for sending these pix of her tabletop setup!  Love the piggy houses!
Thank you to Beckey H. for sending in these pix of her double decker cages! View 1.	View 2
A 2×3 grid cage for 1 or 2 piggies.	Four 2×4 cages, arranged double-decker style. Holds 2-3 piggies each at a guinea pig foster home.

When it comes to guinea pig cages, the larger the better!  
Piggies actually get depressed if their housing is too small, and most store-bought cages are way too small!  We recommend that you make your own inexpensive cage using cube grids (“dorm room cubes” readily available at stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, Garden Ridge or Wal-Mart Online where you can ship to your local store) and coroplast, a waterproof sign material available at any sign shop.  See how to make your own guinea pig cage at Cavy Cages, or see some sample cages at Guinea Pig Cages, or see our complete detailed printable instructions.   The minimum recommended size for one piggy is at least 7.5 sq ft (a 2×3 grid cage), and best for two piggies is ideally 10.5 sq ft (a 2×4-grid cage). Some ambitious owners have even made a two story cage, complete with low ramps that are easy and safe to climb! 

NEVER use a fish tank or plastic storage container (no air circulation) or wire-bottom bird cage, which can cause painful bumblefoot infections.

If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, visit the Rescue or one of our satellite locations for guinea pig supplies at significant discounts, including coroplast already cut to size, cube grids, nutritious food and proper bedding.  Contact us for more information, and to be sure we’ll have the supplies when you come.

Cage Bedding
AVOID TOXIC AND POTENTIALLY LETHAL BEDDING!!!  The only bedding that should be used is Aspen bedding or recycled paper bedding, such as Carefresh.  DO NOT use CEDAR or PINE BEDDING, as they are TOXIC and can cause respiratory problems and death. Heat-treated shavings (kiln dried) still cause a rise in liver enzymes in rats and mice.  Change the bedding weekly, and wipe down the cage bottom and sides with vinegar to eliminate any odor that may be present.  For more information on best cage cleaning practices, visit Cage Cleaning 101.

See Our Care Page for More Information, including a List of Nutrition Needs and Safe / Poisonous Veggies

Playtime
Guinea pigs should be given plenty of floor time to get exercise (lay down a waterproof baby crib pad in the area first, if desired), given toys to prevent boredom and wooden chews to maintain healthy teeth.  They may be shy at first, but with gentle handling will come to enjoy interacting with you and your family, and look forward to your visits to see and talk to them! 

Outdoor Playtime:  Shown above is a foldable playpen using a few cube grids attached together with zip-ties.  STAY with your guinea pigs the whole time they’re outside and watch for dogs, hawks and other predators. Be sure it’s not too hot or too cold.  Make sure that your grass has not been treated with any pesticides/weed ‘n’ feed/fertilizers!  Natural dandelion greens are a favorite guinea pig snack, and what a fun way to weed your lawn!

Temperature and Environment

Keep these guidelines in mind when locating your guinea pig cage:

• Optimum temperature for Guinea Pigs is 68° -  72° with humidity between 45-65%.  They don’t like it too hot or too cold.
• Piggies must NOT be kept in direct sunlight, as they are prone to heat stroke.  This includes not leaving them in a hot car.
• Piggies must NOT be kept in drafts, being prone to pneumonia.  This includes not being near open windows or directly under air conditioning vents.
• Do NOT use plug-in room air fresheners!  They may be TOXIC to guinea pigs!