The guinea pig is often known as the cavy or domestic cavy. It is a rodent species that belongs to the Cavia genus in the Caviidae family. Breeders generally refer to the animal as a cavy, but in scientific and laboratory settings.
It is more commonly referred to as a guinea pig. Despite their common name, Guinea pigs are neither native to Guinea nor physiologically related to pigs, and the origin of the name is uncertain.
They originated in South America’s Andes Mountains. Biochemistry and hybridization studies indicate that they are domesticated animals that do not occur in the wild. They are descendants of closely related cavy species like C. Tschudi.
They were first domesticated as livestock for the purpose of providing meat, and they are still eaten in various parts of the world.
Guinea pigs are tiny rodents known for their social behavior and chattering. They make excellent pets for youngsters if an adult is willing to be in charge of the majority of their care.
They do, however, have some specialized requirements that are critical to their well-being. The correct cage size of Guinea pigs is one of the most crucial of these.
How big should a guinea pig’s cage size be? This will be determined by the number of guinea pigs you want to keep in one cage. A single guinea pig will require a minimum of 7.5 square feet, with a size of 30 by 36 inches being ideal. A pair will require 10.5 square feet, with a size of 30 by 50 inches being ideal.
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What Size Guinea Pig Cage Do They Require?
The guinea pig, with a length of up to 25 centimeters and a weight of roughly 1.2 kilograms. It is one of the largest rodent species and requires a cage size that reflects this. They require space for roaming, nesting, eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom in order to live a happy existence.
Unfortunately, many commercially available cages are insufficiently large to accommodate guinea pigs. It is critical that you are aware of the size requirements of Guinea pigs. This will prevent you from purchasing one based on a recommendation just to discover that it is not suitable.
Cage Size Recommendations for Guinea Pigs
- One guinea pig requires a minimum of 7.5 square feet, with 30 by 36 inches being an acceptable size.
- Two guinea pigs – 10.5 square feet, with a nice dimension of 30 by 50 inches.
- Three guinea pigs – 13 square feet, with a nice dimension of 30 by 62 inches.
- Four guinea pigs require a minimum of 13 square feet, with 30 by 76 inches being a decent size.
When it comes to Guinea Pig Cages, why does size matter?
Guinea pigs, as previously said, are one of the largest rodents maintained as pets, need larger cages than most. Large cages with plenty of floor space are also beneficial to this energetic pet due to the activities they indulge in.
Digging, burrowing, and climbing are all normal guinea pig hobbies. But they don’t work well in cages with numerous levels. To give variation, tiny ramps and platforms are totally fine. Keep the majority of their space on one level.
It should be emphasized that even if you provide the most spacious cage available, guinea pigs still require outside playing. This is not only to ensure that they get enough exercise but also to provide them with additional opportunities to engage with you.
What Are The Main Advantages Of A Big Cage?
Consider how different your life would be if you only had access to a walk-in closet! You would undoubtedly be bored, life would be dull, and you might even experience depression. This is what it’s like for guinea pigs who are kept in cramped cages and receive little stimulation.
Larger cages can assist to prevent your guinea pig from developing a variety of serious health problems, in addition to providing more stimulation. They allow them to exercise, which reduces the risk of ailments including heart disease, diabetes, bumblefoot, and anal impaction.
An active guinea pig is a happy guinea pig in general. They must be able to be active on their own time, not on yours. Guinea pigs, it turns out, are most active in the morning. Allowing them to go about and play may be inconvenient for you.
They can get lots of exercise inside a spacious cage, whenever and for as long as they like.
Larger housing also increases the possibility of numerous guinea pigs living peacefully. Guinea pigs should be kept in pairs, but preferably in groups because they are social creatures. To stay like way, they’ll require a lot of room.
A larger cage also makes cleaning easier. If you plan on keeping more than one guinea pig, you’ll appreciate this.
Keep an eye out for unusual Guinea pigs noises and behaviors, which could indicate that your Guinea Pig is unhappy. Learn all about the unusual noises Guinea Pigs make and what they mean in this post.
Is There Anything Else To Consider When Selecting Guinea Pig Cage Sizes?
Yes, you should keep in mind that every guinea pig cage requires equipment that fits within the cage with plenty of area for movement. The following are the fundamental requirements for your Guinea pig:
- Bedding – preferably paper or straw. To keep your guinea pig warm and allow burrowing, the bedding should be at least 2 to 3 inches deep. Because cedar and pine shavings contain chemicals, they should not be used.
- Water– A sipper bottle is far better than a plate when it comes to water. For starters, they take up less space, and they are also more hygienic. A 32-ounce glass bottle that may be hung from the cage’s side is advised.
- Food – Guinea pigs prefer to feed with their front feet on the bowl’s rim. As a result, look for one that is shallow and wide, and ideally made of ceramic. Plastic bowls are a chewing attraction that your guinea pig will find difficult to resist.
- Toys – Toys for guinea pigs that are simply wooden blocks and cardboard boxes are always an excellent choice. They enjoy chewing, and gnawing wears down their ever-growing teeth, resulting in a win-win situation.
- Privacy – Guinea pigs are shy creatures who like to hide away for a while. Tunnels and dwellings provide ideal environments for them to do so. Even better, if you construct your own out of cardboard, they will serve as an additional toy for your guinea pig to chew on.
There’s no denying that we all want to give our pets the best life possible. Because we keep children healthy, happy, and within our families for a long time when we do this. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about cats and dogs or our wonderful, furry, and friendly rodents.
It may seem surprising that simply giving a suitable sized cage can make such a significant difference in a guinea pig’s life, but it can. But keep in mind that the best things in life for guinea pigs are also free. Give these sociable, affectionate rodents the love and attention they require, and they will be as happy as can be!
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