A Beginners Guide To Buying A Guinea Pig Cage

If you're planning to keep a guinea pigs, then one of the most important things to consider is what type of cage you plan to keep them in. While guinea pigs are social creatures who love to spend time outside of their cage, it's still true that they're going to be spending a lot of time in their own habitats - so you need to make sure you get something they will enjoy living in.

Deciding On Cage Size

The crucial thing to think about when you choose a cage is the size. Ideally, you want to get the largest you can afford. Ultimately a cage can never be too big, but it can be too small. However, you'll also need to get a cage that fits comfortably in your chosen room (if you're planning to keep your piggies indoors, anyway).

Important Additional Features

Many cages come with useful features such as top and front doors, and they can also come with fun optional extras - such as ramps and second tiers. The most important feature to look for is somewhere for your guinea pigs to hide.

While your new piggies will be social and love to see you, they also enjoy having somewhere to run away and hide whenever they feel nervous. Therefore, having a home or a ramp to hide under can be very reassuring for your guinea pig, and help to keep them happy.

Location, Location, Location

Deciding where you're going to put the cage is also something you must not forget about! If you keep other animals in the house (such as cats or dogs) then you may want to have a cage that comes with a stand, or something that can be placed on a table. Your guinea pigs won't welcome intrusions from dogs or cats, and it can also be dangerous for their welfare if a predator-like animal was to gain access.

In addition to this, you'll need to keep your piggies out of direct, strong sunlight - but equally - you don't want to keep them in the dark all the time, either. Try to keep your guinea pig's cage in a well-trafficked room, so they don't get too isolated or lonely when nobody is around. Having his home in the kitchen or lounge can be ideal, for example.

Buying The Basics

Many cages and pre-packaged guinea pig habitats come with the basics, such as a water bottle, food bowl, and bedding. However, it's often the case that these pre-packaged items aren't the best quality, and they rarely last very long. Many guinea pig owners choose to buy these items separately, because this usually ensures a better quality item. If it's possible, you may want to buy these basics individually as well.

My Conclusion

Overall, buying a guinea pig cage doesn't have to be a complicated ordeal. If you try to buy the biggest one you can manage, make sure your piggies have somewhere to hide inside the cage, place the cage in a safe location, and buy the basics separately - you'll find it easy to find the ideal habitat for your guinea pig.