Step by Step Guide to Preparing a Guinea Pig's Cage
If you are preparing for the arrival of a guinea pig into your home, you will have realized that setting up its cage is one of the most important parts. You don't want just any cage - you want the best one to help your pet have a long, healthy and happy life by your side. This is why we at AnimalWised have prepared this step by step guide.
Preparing a guinea pig's cage is not so easy. Size, arrangement of the items or the best type of substrate are some of the frequently asked questions which you need the answer to if you want your guinea pig to be well-cared for.
Steps to follow:
The size of the cage is very important if you want your guinea pig to feel comfortable in its new habitat. As always, we recommend that the cage is as large as possible, although if we had to choose a minimum size, it would be around 70 x 40 centimeters (28 x 16 inches). The height of the cage is also important because you can add a floor or tunnels for its entertainment.
If you don't intend to buy a cage but would rather create a whole environment, you can create a specific pen for your new guinea pig. It will be very grateful!
It is essential to add substrate at the base of the guinea pig's cage, either recycled paper or wood shavings. You will find different types in pet stores. It absorbs urine and feces. You should add at least 1.5 inches of thick substrate at the bottom of the cage.
The substrate must be changed every week, but if you do it every 5 days you will improve the overall hygiene of the guinea pig's environment. You can also remove feces or badly stained areas every day.
The guinea pig should always have unlimited fresh, clean water available. We recommend the classic rodent drinking bottle, because it is more hygienic and stops the guinea pig from spilling water all over the cage.
Note that if you adopt a guinea pig and it isn't used to a type of water feeder, it may die of thirst. If you notice that the water is not been drunk, give it a bowl to allow direct access.
Remember to get specific guinea pig feed. You will find it pre-prepared in local pet shops. It should always contain vitamin C. You should also add fruit and vegetables from time to time; every other day will suffice.
It is also essential that you add hay to the cage for your guinea pig to wear down its teeth.
Make a nest for your guinea pig and cover it in hay if the habitat is open plan; this way, your new pet will feel like it is in its natural habitat. You can also make a closed nest such as a hut, adding substrate so it feels at home. It is essential that any rodent has a hidden nest where it can shelter and doze when it needs to.
Add an extra floor, stairs or various toys so your guinea pig can be entertained when you're not there - anything you can think of! Remember that the guinea pig is a curious animal that loves running around and discovering new leisure areas.
If you want to read similar articles to Step by Step Guide to Preparing a Guinea Pig's Cage, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category.
Tips
- You must take your guinea pig out of the cage for at least four hours a day for exercise.
- Remember that your guinea pig should always be supervised when out of the cage as they can bite cables or dangerous objects.
- They usually live in groups of several guinea pigs, so they enjoy the company of others of the same sex.
- Hissing and purring are its forms of communication.
- They are intelligent animals and can learn to come at the call of their name.
- They can sometimes nibble you when they are hungry, but usually guinea pigs do not bite their owners unless handled wrong.
