A Guide to Preparing Your Guinea Pigs' Home

Introduction

Before you bring your adorable guinea pig companions home, it's essential to create a comfortable and safe environment for them. Proper preparation ensures that your new little pals have everything they need for a happy and healthy life. In this post, we'll dive into the details of setting up the perfect guinea pig habitat, including choosing the right cage, bedding, food and water bowls, and other accessories.

1. Selecting the Ideal Cage

Choosing the right cage is crucial for your guinea pigs' well-being. If you have done your research, you'll know that guinea pigs are social creatures, so it's possible you'll have more than one guinea pig. Opt for a spacious environment that allows them to move around freely. Consider these factors:

• Material: Safety is the number 1 priority when it comes to pet care so choose a material that is safe and non-toxic to your pet. As you may already know or will soon discover, guinea pigs love to chew, so you'll want to make sure your cage is strong and sturdy. Many guinea pig parents choose to use C&C cages for their piggies. C&C (which stands for "Cubes and Coroplast") cages have been safely used as guinea pig enclosures for many years. The base of the cage is made of a corrugated plastic, while grid panels click together with connectors to surround the base and form the frame (or the "walls") of the cage.
• Size: Guinea pigs are active animals, so a cage that's at least 7.5 square feet in size is recommended for one guinea pig. For a pair, aim for a larger cage or provide additional space so they have room to explore and exercise. The C&C cages mentioned above are versatile and can be arranged to suit your guinea pigs' needs as well as your own personal taste and preferences. But other options are available as well, and you can also safely DIY your piggies' cage if you choose.

2. Comfortable Bedding

Bedding not only provides a soft and cozy resting place for your guinea pigs but also helps absorb moisture and control odors. Ensure that the bedding is safe, non-toxic, and free from dust. Choose from options like fleece liners, aspen shavings, or paper-based bedding.

Fleece liners like our Critter Box Cage Liner with Raised Sides or our other washable fleece liners are soft and comfy and can be reused again and again, leading to cost savings; however, they will need to be washed frequently to maintain a fresh, dry, and comfortable environment for your pet (good thing they're machine-washable!). You will likely want to put extra layers of padding in high-traffic areas that need extra absorption such as in corners where many piggies tend to pee and poo, and under food or water bowls.

Disposable liners and bedding can be more convenient but still require regular changing and disposal and can be much more costly. You'll have to weigh the options and decide which one is best for you and your guinea pigs. For more details on how to choose the right bedding, check out our other post here.

3. Food and Water Access

Of course, your little piggie will need access to food, water, and plenty of hay.

• Food: Set up a feeding station for your pet. A well-proportioned ceramic bowl works well for pellets as it's a sturdier material that won't be easily flipped over by a curious and active guinea pig. Leafy greens are a great fresh produce option to give your piggie. Treats like fruits can also be offered in moderation. Always check to make sure snacks you want to offer are safe for your guinea pig to ingest, and pay attention to portion sizes.
• Water: Water bottles are commonly used for guinea pigs and are designed to fit with your cage. Some piggie parents may choose to use water bowls instead or in addition to water bottles; a water bowl makes it easier for your pet to hydrate, which can be important to a guinea pig's health, especially if they're prone to issues like bladder stones.
• Hay: On top of food and water, unlimited hay is essential for your guinea pig's wellbeing. Hay can be directly placed in your guinea pig's cage, or you may choose to add a hay rack, tray, or box designed specially for holding hay.

4. Hideouts and Toys

Guinea pigs love to explore and play, so provide them with an enriching environment:

• Hideouts: Offer hiding spots like wooden shelters, tunnels, or cozy huts where your guinea pigs can retreat when they need a sense of security. Our Furr-O Burrowing Pet Bed is a great choice for a hidey and can also be helpful for cuddle and bonding time.
• Toys: Introduce a variety of enrichment toys to keep your guinea pigs physically and mentally stimulated. Wooden chew toys, tunnels to crawl through, and puzzle feeders are excellent choices to give your piggies playtime that is both healthy and fun. DIY foraging toys can be made from simple materials like paper towel or toilet paper tubes. Just remember that guinea pigs love (and need) to chew so be sure to pick items that are safe for piggies to bite and gnaw on.

Accessories can be fun for both you and your piggies, but make sure the habitat doesn't get too cluttered so your pet still has plenty of room to roam about freely.

Conclusion

Of course this guide only scratches the surface of caring for your guinea pig, but by focusing on these key aspects of preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating a guinea pig habitat that's both safe and engaging. A well-chosen cage, comfortable bedding, access to food and water, and a variety of hideaways and toys will ensure that your piggies have a space they love.