!Header Logo

Richmond Veterinary Clinic

!Call Today!

Setting Up a Guinea Pig Cage

March 15 2018

Are you planning to adopt a Guinea pig? These little guys—also known as cavies–make very fun and adorable pets. Since your furry pal will spend the majority of his time in his cage, you’ll want to make sure that he has a clean, comfy home. Read on as a McHenry, IL vet offers some helpful tips on setting up a Guinea pig cage.

Size

Bigger is definitely better, as far as pocket pet cages are concerned. If you are only getting one Guinea pig, you’ll want a cage that is at least 7.5 square feet. However, these adorable furballs do enjoy having buddies to play with. If you get more than one, you’ll need a bigger cage. One way to increase your pet’s living space without taking up more room in your home is to add a second story with ramp access.

Substrate

Choosing a suitable substrate is very important. Avoid substrates that are based on pine or cedar, as they aren’t safe for small animals. Aspen is a good choice. You can also use paper products, fleece, or soft blankets.

Furniture

Make sure your tiny little pal has some comfy hidey-holes to retreat to if he feels scared or just wants to take a quiet nap. These cute pets love cozies, which are basically tiny tents for small animals. Your furry buddy will also need dishes and a water bottle. A litter box and hayrack are optional, but may come in handy.

Toys

Guinea pigs have open-rooted teeth, so they need to chew quite a bit to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot on toys. Many wood, wicker, and cardboard items are fine, as long as they are clean, unfinished, and free of sharp edges or small parts. The cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper rolls can also make wonderful cavy toys. Look online for more great ideas.

Location

Choosing the right spot for your tiny buddy’s cage is very important. Don’t put your little pal too close to a heating duct or air vent, or in direct sunlight. A quiet spot, where your cavy feels safe, but can still see and hear you, is best.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your local McHenry, IL pet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!