Prepare before bringing your guinea pig home. Have the cage set up, and have food, bedding, chew toys, food dishes, a water bottle, and a brush ready.
How Do I Set Up a Cage for a Guinea Pig?
Many commercial guinea pig cages are too small, especially for more than one animal. Recommended minimum cage space:
For one guinea pig: at least 7 square feet (about 42 x 24 inches, or 106 x 61 cm)
For each additional guinea pig: add 2–4 square feet
Cage height: about 18 inches (46 cm)
Cages may be hard plastic, metal, or wire. Ensure good airflow—if the sides are solid, use a wire mesh top. Guinea pigs usually don’t jump, so a lid is not always necessary unless other pets or small children are a concern.
Because guinea pigs have delicate feet and tiny toes, avoid wire-mesh floors—provide a smooth bottom. Put a small wood or cardboard box inside the cage as a hiding place for security and sleeping.
Place the cage where the temperature is 65–75°F, out of direct sunlight and drafts. Do not keep guinea pigs and rabbits in the same cage, because some diseases can spread between species.
Bedding should stay dry and not collect moisture. Preferred bedding includes paper-based products or kiln-dried pine. Avoid cedar and raw pine (they contain oils that can irritate lungs). Paper bedding is safer than wood shavings because it's digestible—wood can cause blockages if eaten. Avoid sawdust (it’s a respiratory hazard) and cat litter (it can't be digested).
Does My Guinea Pig Need Exercise?
Yes. Daily exercise is essential. Arrange the cage so the guinea pig moves between sleeping, eating, and drinking locations. Add a second level with a solid ramp or a small barrier to encourage movement. PVC pipes (at least 5 inches/13 cm in diameter) make good tunnels. Do not use exercise wheels, which can injure guinea pigs. Provide daily supervised out-of-cage time in a guinea pig–proofed area without cords or other chew hazards.
