Keeping guinea pigs requires someplace for them to live. Since they are not inclined to litter or pad training, that makes cages a good option for guinea pigs. Additionally, if there are any predators in the house like dogs, it keeps your guinea pig safe.
Space Requirements for Cages
Most of the commercial cages for guinea pigs, especially those marketed as starter packs, are too small for one guinea pig. The space requirements for these little piggles depend on how many you want to keep. Additionally, guinea pigs are not climbers, so any vertical space your guinea pig has access to via ramps should not count.
A single guinea pig over 7 square feet of space to live comfortably. This area allows your guinea pig space for a nest or home, food, water, and a bathroom area. It also allows your guinea pig to roam within the cage.
Since guinea pigs need some form of social interaction with others of their kind for a healthy life, keeping pairs or trios is common. A pair can live in the same space as a single guinea pig, but going up to 10 square feet is healthier. For every guinea pig after that, you should add 2.5 square feet to the cage.
Remember, cages for guinea pigs need to be big enough. Otherwise, your guinea pigs may fight over the space. That can leave you with expensive veterinary bills to treat the damage.
Siding for Guinea Pig Cages
Any cage for guinea pigs would be incomplete without sides. There are many different options regarding available materials. The important thing is that your guinea pig receives enough air circulation and can interact with the surrounding environment. That rules out solid sides, including glass.
At Guinea Pig Center, chicken wire is a typical cage siding. It’s easy for you to create your own cage shapes while still being strong enough to stack cages if you need to. A good size to look for is 1 inch by 2 inches. Plus, steel is chew resistant, so your guinea pig cage will last.
You can use different types of wiring for guinea pig cages. The big thing is ensuring the construction is sturdy enough to withstand any inquisitive nudging from the dogs or cats in the house. Additionally, you will need to consider strength if you need to stack cages.
Guinea Pig Cage Pans
Cages for guinea pigs typically have two different options for pans. The goal is to supply a solid bottom floor for your guinea pig. Their feet are not meant for the wire mesh bottom some stores market as a cleaner option.
Plastic is the most commonly available choice for a guinea pig cage pan. These pans are flexible and generally easy to clean. However, there are small issues with these pans. Without proper care, guinea pig urine can cause unpleasant smells when in contact with the container. This problem may require washing the pan out with each cleaning.
Metal is the other possibility for your guinea pig cage. This choice is durable and helps your guinea pig’s overall health. Since your guinea pig may be a chewer, the metal stops them from ingesting. You just need to watch for shards.
Custom Arrangements
The most challenging part of creating a custom guinea pig cage is the pan. If you have welding skills, it’s a pretty easy job. You also have the option of employing a local machine shop. They will build in the cost of materials and labor.
You can also create your own cage walls. All you need is the wire and some connecting clips. The size of wire means wire cutters are effective, and all the clips need is a pair of pliers. After measuring, it’s a matter of assembly.
