Cages 101: Your Guinea Pig's Habitat

One of the biggest topics is the kind of cage guinea pigs should live in. Guinea pigs need lots of space, so those cages you see at pet stores aren't going to cut it. Most piggy parents go with a C&C or cubes and coroplast cage. Personally, I go with the Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat. Here is a lowdown of your cage options and what to avoid.

Store Cages

So let's talk about store cages. Yeah, some look cool and they're expensive, so they must be good, right? WRONG! These cages are too small for your piggy. The minimum space for a pig is eight square feet. Ideally, if you have more than one pig, it should be ten square feet. Most cages at the stores are only 1x2 maybe 1x3 feet. And these cages cost A LOT! Some run for as much as $80 for that cramped little space. Your piggy will be very unhappy with you if you stick them in something that small. Save your money and your piggy's happiness by going with one of these other options below,

C&C Cage

C&C cages, or cubes and coroplast, are one of the most popular options for guinea pig cages. The main reason is because they are easy to expand and customize. The way you make these cages is by making a frame with storage grids which you can find at local department stores or online. The base is made by cutting and folding coroplast into an open box shape. Coroplast can often be purchased from sign stores. These do require some work to put together, but there are lots of instructions on how to do so online. 

While this is a favorite among many piggy slaves parents, I didn't care for this type of cage. For me it a pain to put together and a pain to clean. But many others did not have the same results, Most who choose this type of cage are very happy with it. While I do not have an image of this cage, you can easily google C&C cages and see what others have done to create their guinea pig habitat.

As for bedding, I feel that wood chips and paper bedding, which is what I used, are not good choices. I found the coroplast a pain to clean when I used this bedding. I did use fleece bedding which made a difference for sure, but still found it a pain to clean. I definitely suggest fleece bedding if you go with this cage.

Here are some great websites to check out for this cage:

The Guinea Pig Cage Store: Here you can buy supplies to build this cage and read more about how to make this cage.

Build a C&C Cage: Here is a direct link to how to build the cage.

Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat

Now this cage has been by far my favorite option. While it is not as customizable as a C&C cage, it can be combined with other Midwest Guinea Pig Habitats to expand it. I have also been able to move the grids around by using pliers to detach and reattach them. This is great if you want to move a doorway grid to a different spot based on how you want to expand your cages. As you can see, my two are currently not attached because Snickers and Zoey are not joining Patch in one cage yet. Once that time comes, I will be combining the cages to create one. 

One of the best things I like about this cage is the fact that the bottom is a washable canvas bottom. If this gets too dirty under the bedding (I strongly suggest using fleece bedding with this cage), you can let your piggies have some floor time while you throw the bottom of their cage into the wash! But usually it wipes clean easily. Bonus: it's cheaper than most petstore cages!

There are two options for this cage. There is the normal Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat which comes with the metal frame and the canvas bottom. This is great to use for expanding the cage. The other option is the Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat Plus. This comes with the metal frame, canvas bottom, metal top, and a divider with ramp. The ramp comes with a canvas cover that you can also throw into the wash to clean when needed. If you buy the normal habitat to use as an expansion, make sure to get another ramp cover so your piggy's feet won't get stuck in the ramp. 

Amazon: I suggest buying the cage from Amazon as it has been the cheapest and fastest way fro me to get it myself. 

Ramp Cover: This is the cheapest place  I have been able to find the ramp cover. Most places charge $20 for it which is half the price of the cage itself! This site has definitely been a favorite of mine for getting good prices for items for my guinea pigs.

Other Options

Some people have gotten very creative with their guinea pig cages. Some have constructed them from wood and others have used furniture such as shelves, TV tables, and dressers! Google homemade guinea pig cages or go to Pinterest and search DIY guinea pig cages and you'll see what I mean. There are some pretty cool ideas on the internet.

Do you have some interesting cage ideas? Any advice for those looking into what kind of cage they want to do? Post in the comments, tweet pics to me at @cavyantics, or post them on my Facebook page (link on sidebar)!

Introducing Snickers and Zoey!

As you know, guinea pigs are social animals and like to live in groups of at least two piggies. When I started this blog, Oreo was a lone guinea pig waiting for her new cage mates. After a long wait, I have finally found her two cage mates: Snickers and Zoey!

Zoey and Snickers are both still babies. Zoey is 4 weeks old and Snickers is 6 weeks old. Both are being kept together in one cage separate from Oreo and will stay separate for two weeks. This is known as a quarantine time. The purpose of this is to ensure that neither is sick and to keep anything one of them may have from spreading to Oreo. After this two week quarantine, they will be introduced to Oreo and aloud to have contact with her. 

These two are still babies, and because of that they are still learning social behaviors. They do nip once in a while, but other than that I haven't had any issues with them. I am very impressed with how social and cuddly Zoey already is at her age. Snickers will need a little more work with taming and bonding with me, but they are both already trusting me which is great!

Zoey is the more social of the two. She is also more dependent on others than Snickers. She will either seek comfort from Snickers by snuggling up under her chin or by climbing onto me, usually hiding in my hair. Zoey is definitely bonded to Snickers, but Snickers isn't as bonded to her yet. By the end of the quarantine time, I have no doubts these two will be a bonded pair.

Snickers had a lot of possible names. A friend of mine voted S'mores, the boyfriend voted Snickers, and I also was thinking Moxie. In the end, I thought Snickers was the more fun and fitting name for her. Snickers is very adventurous when outside the cage, but likes to hide when in the cage. She is the more dominant of the two, but does not push Zoey around too much as Zoey is content being the non-dominant. 

I will be starting to introduce veggies and fruits to them in a day or two. The important thing to remember when introducing new foods is to be patient and do one at a time. We will be starting with bell pepper and then lettuce. Bell pepper and lettuce are usual favorites of guinea pigs (Oreo loves both). Eventually they will get a bowl of veggies to share just like Oreo gets daily.

To follow how Snickers and Zoey do on their way of adjusting to their new home and how Oreo does with them, don't forget to subscribe and follow on social media! Have any questions regarding new guinea pigs and/or the bonding process, comment below!

Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?

Are you thinking about getting a guinea pig, but not sure if it would be the right fit for you? Are you wondering what it takes to care for a guinea pig, and if it is something you can do? Have you see these little cuties in the pet store and thought they would be perfect for you, if you knew how to care for them? Then keep reading!

Guinea Pigs are Social

Guinea pigs are known to be herd animals in the wild. They live in groups. The same goes for domesticated ones that we have as pets. They are happier living in groups. Because of this, it is recommended that you get at least two guinea pigs. If you can, adopt a bonded pair from your local shelter. This way you will have a pair that already gets along and will live well together.

Guinea Pigs Require Time

I like to think of guinea pigs as tiny, vegetarian dogs. They require you love and attention. They require time with you. The even let you know when they are excited vocally (more about that later). It is important to know that guinea pigs require time out of their cage every day. Most people refer to this as "floor time." Some have a whole room set aside for their guinea pigs and let them roam around that room all the time. But others have to set aside time to take them out and supervise them during floor time. Whatever works for you, it is important that they get out of their cage for at least an hour a day, preferably more.

It is also important that you spend time interacting with your piggies. Cuddling and holding them socializes them. You should interact with them for at least an hour every day. Spend as much time as you can with them every day. The more the better. If you cannot spend at least an hour with them, they definitely need a cage mate. But if you do not have the time to provide these needs, a guinea pig is not for you.

Guinea Pigs Cost Money

Like all pets, guinea pigs cost money. Not only do you need to buy pellets for their food, but you also need to buy fresh veggies and fruits to give to them on a daily basis. You also have to buy fresh bedding for them. Depending on which type of bedding you choose will determine how often you have to buy it. I highly suggest fleece bedding, but more on that will come in a later post. You also need to buy the cage and supplies needed to care for your guinea pigs. If you cannot afford everything you need to care for guinea pigs, please do not get one. This is one of the main reasons people give up their piggies.

Keep in mind that if a guinea pig gets sick, you have to take them to the vet. Guinea pigs have to be seen by an exotic pet vet and they are generally more expensive. Medication and surgeries for guinea pigs are also expensive. Make sure that you can pay for a guinea pig's needs if they get sick. Hopefully it never comes to that, but you never know. Thankfully I have yet to have a sick guinea pig, but not everyone can avoid that. Be prepared to spend some money if your little piggy gets sick.

Guinea Pigs Need Space

Guinea pigs need lots of space. The minimum cage size is eight square feet and this is for one, maybe two guinea pigs. The more piggies you have, the bigger the cage size needs to be. This is why people choose to build and C&C cage (cubes and coroplast). These cages allow you to add on as much as you want. Another cage I suggest is the Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat. With this cage you can buy multiple cages and connect them to expand the living space. This is what I use as I find it easier to clean and put together. Whatever your preference is, make sure you have enough space and a big enough cage.

Guinea Pigs Require Patience

Guinea pigs will not cuddle up to you right away. They need to learn to trust you. You need to take the time to bond with your piggies and show them that you care. They rely on their herd members and once you welcome a piggy into your home, you become their herd. They are family. You have to be patient with them. Each guinea pig is different and will require different tactics to earn their trust. You will also need patience with introducing them to new veggies and fruits. Make sure you take your time with your guinea pigs and show them that they are loved and cared for and they will be one of your most loving pets.

If you have the time, money, patience, and space to care for a guinea pig, then they may be a good fit for you. Make sure to take your time and prepare and research before you get any though. Make sure you really can provided the care they need. If you can and you are sure about getting a couple piggies, give it a try! Just be sure as your piggy will not be happy if you decide a week later that you don't want it and give it up for adoption.

Also check out: The Resources Page to download a supply checklist to make sure you have everything you need to take care of your guinea pigs!

What is a Guinea Pig?

Guinea pigs are a great pet for those who have the time commitment to give them. They want to be a part of your family and should be treated as such. Guinea pigs are not like hamsters or other rodents. They cannot be left in a cage and require interaction.

They are Social

Oreo (right) with her past play mates Patch (back) and Callie (left)

Guinea pigs are known to be very social. When you decide to get a guinea pig, you should always get two. The best option is to go to your local animal shelter that rescues guinea pigs and adopt a bonded pair. Bonded pairs are already socialized and get along. Most shelters will not adopt out just one guinea pig unless you already have one. Even then, most pigs are only available in a bonded pair and will not be separated.

Not only do they live best with a cage mate, but also want to socialize with YOU. Guinea pigs will bond with their pet parents and will cuddle. They also will get excited to see you if you bond with them, and not just because you give them food! ;) Remember, you take in any guinea pig, you take in a new family member.

They require commitment

Oreo hanging out in her favorite spot during cuddle time

Guinea pigs live between 5 and 8 years, so they are a long term commitment. Unless you (and your family) are willing to commit to their care and to them for that long, do not get a guinea pig. Think of them like a mini dog. You don't get a dog and then ignore it. You play with it, you talk to it, you care for it, you make it part of the family. The same goes for a guinea pig! They require fresh food, water, hay and veggies every day. They need a lot of space to run around, including time out of the cage, or as most piggy parents call it: floor time. They also require AT LEAST one hour of socializing with you. If you live somewhere where you can take them outside, do it! On nice days, Oreo (and all my past piggies) get to spend some time outside and they love it! 

Guinea pigs make great pets for the right people who are able to care for them. Getting a guinea pig is not something one should do on a whim. If you are serious about getting a guinea pig, do your research. Make sure you can provide what they need and that they are the right fit for you and your life style.