Guinea Pig Cage Setup: Space, Liners and Hides
Guinea pigs need floor space, not levels. Here is how to lay out a cage that works.
Guinea pigs do not climb and they do not jump. Everything they need has to be on one level, which makes floor area the only measurement that really matters.
Space
A pair needs at least 0.7 m², and more is genuinely better — guinea pigs sprint in short bursts and need a straight run to do it. Most pet-shop cages are around half that. A C&C grid cage is the usual answer and costs less than a commercial cage of the same size.
Flooring and liners
- Fleece liners over an absorbent layer are washable and comfortable, but need shaking out daily and washing twice a week.
- Paper-based bedding works too. Avoid pine and cedar shavings.
- Never use wire flooring.
Hides matter
Guinea pigs are prey animals and will not settle in the open. Provide one hide per pig plus one spare, each with two exits so nobody gets cornered. Tunnels, fleece hideys and cardboard boxes all work.
Layout
Keep hay at one end and the toilet corner at the other. Guinea pigs eat where they toilet, so a hay rack over a litter tray keeps the mess in one place.
Company
Guinea pigs are herd animals. A single pig is a lonely pig — keep at least two.
