Here you will find information on housing your Guinea Pig, if we have left anything out, or would like more information, please send us an e-mail.
The most common type of cage you can get for your cavy is a cage made for them, and rabbits. These cages have a plastic bottom, and wire top, with little "buckles" to keep the two attached more securely. The small version of this cage which is just under 24inches (2feet) usually has a lid which can be opened the full length and depth of the cage. The larger cage(s) usually has two smaller doors on the top.If you buy this cage from a pet store, it usually comes as a starter kit which includes food, a water bottle(usually 16oz), food dish, mineral block, hay/alfalfa, vitamin supplement, sometimes a hayrack, wood shavings, treats. They may have more supplies in them, depending on the cage that you get.
Some pet stores carry cages which are 100% metal, which have a wire bottom and a pull out tray underneath. These cages are not the best for cavies because they have very small feet which get stuck in the holes, and they can easily break a leg and get injured. Get a cage that has a solid bottom on it so it is safer.
The smallest size of a cage you should get, should not be too much smaller than 24inches long, this size holds one cavy nicely. Usually for two cavies a larger sized cage is needed, allowing the appropriate 24inches of space for each cavy. If you get a cage that is 4 to 5 feet in length it should be able to house 3 or 4 cavies nicely.
If you decide to make a cage of your own out of wood, or other sturdy, non chewable supplies, make sure that it has good height (no less than 1ft tall/12inches, same as store bought), and that there are no little holes of any sort that the cavies foot can get stuck in, they have very delicate legs. Do not use a strong aroma wood like Cedar, use something with a more mellow smell, research before purchasing any wood.
As mentioned above, allow at least 24inches (two feet), in length for one cavy. Make sure the cage is at least 12inches (1foot) in height (preferably closer to 15inches), and around 15inches in depth. The normal sized cages that you can get, are usually about 21inches long, 15inches tall, and 15-16inches deep, which makes a nice home for one cavy.
To see some interesting cages that can be made by hand with some store bought materials that are not extremely expenisve, visit the Guinea Pig Compendium cages section. He has some neat ideas.
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