Guinea pigs are considered by many to be the ideal small pet. They are relatively easy to house, although the majority of cages marketed for guinea pigs are too small. This is especially true since it is recommended to keep at least a pair of guinea pigs together. Fortunately, you can often create fairly luxurious guinea pig housing from unexpected materials. Add the necessary accessories, and you'll be ready to add guinea pigs to your family!
Cages
Guinea pigs do best in pairs or groups, but most commercial cages are not large enough to house even one guinea pig. The old guideline of 2 square feet per pig is now considered woefully inadequate by many owners. Cavycages.com recommends 7.5 square feet for one pig and 10.5 square feet for a pair (bigger is even better). Cages with wire floors and wire ramps must be avoided. Fortunately, it easy to make large and functional homemade cages for guinea pigs with some fairly common items.
Bedding
For bedding avoid cedar shavings, and pine as well (although some say kiln dried pine is safe). Aspen shavings are an acceptable choice. The newer recycled paper beddings are a good choice too, and the pellet type products could be used as an absorbent layer under hay or aspen. Some alternatives can be hard to find, but can be ordered online, or your pet store or veterinarian may be able to special order them.
Accessories
A hiding place is a necessity - an overturned plastic tub or pail, or a cardboard box are fine (the cardboard box can just be discarded if soiled and replaced). Large diameter PVC pipes make good tunnels and hides too. Heavy ceramic dishes work well for food. A water bottle with a steel sipper is the best option for water (get a larger size since they tend to drink quite a bit). A small hay hopper will help keep the hay clean. You may also want to provide a litter box.
Toys
Large diameter PVC pipes (with thick walls) make good tunnels to play in, and paper bags on their sides make good hides and toys. Crumpled paper, cardboard boxes, balls, wood blocks, hard plastic cat and rabbit toys, fleece tunnels, tents and small blankets, hanging bird toys and wicker balls can all be offered as toys. Wheels and run-about balls are not recommended for guinea pigs as the risk of injuries is high with these.
Exercise
Unless your enclosure includes lots of space for exercise, your guinea pigs should be given room to exercise too. A moveable wire pen that can contain the pigs can be used to keep them from getting into trouble (under furniture, chewing on wires etc.). Your guinea pigs might also enjoy a trip outside in warmer weather. Use an enclosure with a roof when outdoors to protect from predators, and make sure shade and water are available at all times when outside.
