Your Pig's Cage

Your guinea pigs' cage is one of the most important aspects of their care. Having ample space, appropriate bedding, and stimulating accessories is crucial to giving your pig a full, happy life.

• Pet store cages are too small. Period. According to Guinea Pig Cages, the minimum requirement for a pair of pigs is 7.5 square feet, with a preferred requirement of 10.5 square feet. The average pet store cage offers just 3.5 square feet of living space. Just like humans, pigs require enough space to go the bathroom somewhere other than where they eat, to have enough space to sleep, exercise, "popcorn" (a happy leaping), and interact with other guinea pigs. A cage that is too small can cause stress, depression, and even medical problems.

• You can build a great guinea pig cage that satisfies the size requirements for far less than you can buy in a pet store. Guinea Pig Cagesdetails how to make a C and C cage, or Cubes and Coroplast cage, using the 14" x 14" grids from storage shelving units, such as those available at Target , and sheets of Coroplast, an inexpensive plastic-coated cardboard. The cages are simple to assemble and easy to clean, and allow for multiple creative configurations as well as easy expansion should you find yourself with more pigs. The site even offers suggestions for covering your cage and securing it for protection against dogs, cats, and small children.

My cage. I built my double-level C and C cage for four pigs in an evening.

• Cage location. Make sure you place you cage in an area of your home that is free from drafts, maintains stable temperature and humidity, gets plenty of sunlight, and is in an area where you and are family are often present so the pigs can get to know you and interact with you more often. Avoid laundry rooms and garages!
  
• No cedar bedding. Cedar has been shown to cause respiratory issues and problems on pigs' feet. Aspen shavings are a good alternative, as are fleece blankets laid over several layers of absorbent towels.
• Hay. Make sure your pigs have unlimited access to hay. Guinea Pig Cages offers many ideas about hay lofts and racks that will help keep your hay from getting tracked all over the cage.
• Toys and Accessories. See our Toys and Accessories page.