When it comes to housing your guinea pigs, bigger is better.
If you have only one guinea pig (this isn’t recommended, as guinea pigs are social animals), you should be sure to provide at least seven and a half square feet of living space. That’s about three feet by two and a half feet. If you have two guinea pigs, provide at least ten and a half square feet of living space (approximately thirty inches by fifty inches). Three guinea pigs will be happy with around thirteen square feet of living space (approximately thirty inches by sixty inches).
Why so much space for such a little animal?
- Your guinea pigs can get more exercise, helping prevent heart problems and bladder problems, among other health issues. Male guinea pigs who don’t get enough exercise can develop anal impaction — the butt muscles get weak, causing a poop backup.
- Your guinea pigs can exercise on their terms — not on yours. Even if you let them out of the cage to play for plenty of time during the day, that may not be when your pigs want to romp! Often, guinea pigs are active in the morning and evening. A large enough cage will allow your pigs to exercise when they want to.
- Avoid boredom. Guinea pigs can get bored just like people do! A larger cage allows room for more stimulation.
- Keep the peace. Your guinea pigs — no matter how well they get along — will appreciate some “alone time” too. A large cage gives them both the space they need to keep things peaceful.
- Many guinea pig owners say that a larger cage is easier to keep clean! It makes sense — with everything on top of everything in a tiny cage, owners have to take everything out and move everything around every time they want to clean up. With a bigger cage, you’ve got more room to maneuver.
Make sure the cage has space for exercise and exploration — that way, your guinea pigs will be healthy and happy for a long time!