Best large guinea pig cages – Chicago Tribune

2022-05-29 00:13:16 By : Mr. kata zhilemei

The minimal recommended amount of space for two guinea pigs is 10.5 square feet, which equates to a 30-inch by 50-inch cage. Owners should get a larger cage for two guinea pigs, though, if possible. (BestReviews)

It's not difficult to understand the appeal of guinea pigs (also known as cavies) as household pets. They are affectionate, largely self-sufficient, easy to maintain and brimming with personality. Guinea pigs are popular choices for smaller spaces where dogs or cats may be problematic, and they live longer than smaller rodents like gerbils and hamsters. They are docile by nature, and follow a strict vegetarian diet, including compressed food pellets.

When owners first purchase guinea pigs from a pet store, they most likely invest in a starter kit, which consists of a small cage, basic food dish, water bottle and sometimes a shelter for sleeping or hiding. A small bag of bedding and a hay holder usually complete the package. A starter cage generally provides the minimum amount of floor space recommended for a single cavy or two.

A larger cage allows cavies to get more exercise, and multiple guinea pigs have an easier time if they no longer feel as confined. Many large cages suitable for guinea pigs are also marketed for other small animals, such as chinchillas, rabbits, hedgehogs and ferrets. It is important to keep in mind that not all large cages or hutches are ideal fits for guinea pigs, though, so it pays to discuss any new cages with a veterinarian.

Guinea pigs are prey animals by nature, which means they have an instinctual need to feel secure in their habitats. A large guinea pig cage should be constructed from a thick wire material, preferably with a protective and non-toxic coating because guinea pigs do like to chew. The cage design should have a loose mesh, because guinea pigs can get their paws trapped in walls with a tight mesh. The flooring and ramps should be solid, with a slip-resistant design. A wire mesh floor may be acceptable for certain small animals, but it can cause damage to a guinea pig’s feet.

Access to your guinea pig and its access to the accessories is also important. A larger cage should have several different points of entry, including the top and at least one side. The opening should be large enough to remove a cavy from the cage easily. Some cages are designed to be modular, meaning they can be attached to each other to form a larger habitat for multiple cavies.

Larger cages or hutches for small animals often feature multiple levels connected by ramps. While ferrets and chinchillas may find this appealing, guinea pigs may not feel secure on higher platforms. Unless the platform and ramp extend all the way across the cage, owners will want to consider removing or blocking unguarded ramps and platforms. A second level with a hideaway hutch is okay, but a four story house would be problematic.

Most larger cages for small animals like guinea pigs are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, but there are exceptions. Exercise pens and DIY panel kits may not have protective roofs, so the residents could be vulnerable to predators in an outdoor setting. Guinea pigs cannot sweat, so they tend to overheat quickly in direct sunlight or high heat situations. Owners should consider their guinea pigs to be indoor pets with occasional outdoor privileges.

Guinea pig cages are designed to hold several inches of bedding, which needs to be changed out periodically to reduce odor and to keep the guinea pig's skin from being damaged by urine. For this reason, many cages have removable bottoms for easier cleaning and sanitizing. Owners will want to have a second cage or an exercise pen available to hold the cavies while the bedding is replenished. A good cage will also have a method for attaching a hay bin and a water bottle. Exercise pens for indoor or outdoor use should be easy to store, clean and set up. Many multi-level small animal cages include universal wheels for easier transportation from indoor to outdoor locations.

Ferplast Krolik XXL Rabbit Cage w/Wire Extension: available at Amazon and Chewy

This starter cage from Ferplast has more generous dimensions than others in its category, which makes it ideal for a single guinea pig. The base’s six-inch depth helps maintain a comfortable level of bedding while discouraging the kicking of litter. The set arrives with a food dish, water bottle, hideaway section and other essential items.

MidWest Homes for Pets Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home Kit: available at Amazon 

No tools are required to assemble this large cage for guinea pigs, rabbits or chinchillas, and multiple cages can be attached to create a much larger habitat for multiple cavies or a growing family. Its five-and-a-half-inch deep base is easy to keep clean.

ZENY 37" Ferret Cage Rabbit Guinea Pig Chinchilla Small Animal House: available at Amazon

Multiple ramps and rest areas provide multiple cavies with personal space, although higher levels can be problematic for some guinea pigs. The entire house can be transported from indoors to outdoors on four universal wheels, and it can be folded for storage. Oversized doors allow easy access to cavies and accessories.

PawHut 50" H 4 Tier Steel Plastic Small Animal Pet Cage: available at Amazon

Ideal for many types of small animals, this multi-level cage features a generous number of doors for complete access to multiple pets. The deep base holds more than the minimal amount of bedding, and can be removed completely for sanitation and refilling. Bars are one inch apart, reducing the chances of a trapped paw or poor ventilation.

Aivituvin Rabbit Hutch Indoor Outdoor Bunny Cage with Run,Guinea Pig House: available at Amazon

Sized for rabbits, this indoor/outdoor hutch should provide plenty of space for two adult guinea pigs, plus a hideaway on the top level. The construction is top notch, with real hardwood framing and galvanized metal cage material. Large doors provide easy access to pets. Some assembly is required, but the end result is a much larger enclosure than other models provide.

Living World Deluxe Habitat: available at Amazon and Chewy

This oversized small animal cage snaps together quickly with eight clips, without the need for tools. The design includes a ramp-accessible shelf and a small hideaway beneath it. The flooring is solid, safe for guinea pigs and their paws. We recommend it for a single guinea pig due to its dimensions.

Midlee Guinea Pig Cage Panels: available at Amazon

This DIY guinea pig cage/playpen contains 24 13.5-inch by 13.5-inch wire mesh panels, which can be combined to create a customized living space. If desired, a smaller or taller cage with a roof could be fashioned. As a playpen, the panels form a sturdy barrier that should discourage any escape attempts while providing ample space for grazing or exercising.

HEYHOME Small Animal Playpen Guinea Pig Cage: available at Amazon

This soft mesh playpen is ideal for indoor cavies that may enjoy the occasional outdoor excursion. A mesh cover provides protection from predators, and the generous floor space encourages exercise and exploration. This lightweight cage can also be used indoors for supervised playtime or as a temporary shelter during bedding changes.

Casifor Guinea Pig Cage: available at Amazon

This super-affordable mesh playpen for small animals opens automatically with spring-loaded panels, so no assembly is required. While not as durable as standard guinea pig habitats, the Casifor playpen will provide a comfortable shelter for outdoor or indoor playtime, or serve as a temporary cage during bedding changes or other maintenance.

Michael Pollick is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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