Pet Habitat South Africa

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28 Jun 2014

Choosing A Guinea Pig Cage

Posted By : Guest

Filed Under : Pet Cages | Guinea Pigs | Pet Inn

What makes a good guinea pig cage? Many guinea pig owners don't realize how important housing can be. Because a guinea pig will spend a good deal of their life in his cage, it is imperative that the cage is big enough and outfitted with the proper accessories and supplies. The majority of cages marketed for guinea pigs are not large enough and many are terribly small.

What should I look for in a cage?

Many of the cages marketed for guinea pigs today are entirely too small. It's important when choosing the right cage for your cavy that you make sure the cage provides plenty of space to run and play. The minimum cage size recommended by RSPCA for two guinea pigs should be 120cm x 60cm x 45cm, however for the sake of your guinea pig's health and happiness, consider providing as large a cage for them as possible.

The minimum cage sizes are:

One guinea pig: 100cm x 50cm

Two guinea pigs: 120cm x 60cm

Three guinea pigs: 140cm x 70cm

Four guinea pigs: 150cm x 80cm

Other cage features you should look for include:

Safe, escape proof, materials The safest cages are made from plastic, wire, stainless steel, or a combination of these materials. Wood cages are easily chewed through and glass cages don't provide enough ventilation.

No wire mesh flooring Housing your guinea pig on a wire floor will hurt his sensitive feet and can cause a condition called bumblefoot, so if your cage has a wire floor, which many do, be sure to cover it with cage mats.

Latching door or lid This will keep your guinea pig in and other animals out.

Spacious enough to provide ramps and activity areas Though guinea pigs aren't agile and don't climb very well, they do need places to play and explore.

What should I put in the cage?

What you put in the cage is just as important as what size the cage is. A large cage without the necessary accessories is going to be boring for your guinea pig, and it will eventually have a negative effect on his physical and mental state.

The following items should be in your guinea pig's cage:

Place to hide, such as a nest box, large diameter PVC pipe, and cardboard boxes

Heavy ceramic food dish (small enough that she can't climb in it and use it as a toilet)

Plastic or glass water bottle with a metal spout

Hay rack or manger to keep hay clean, fresh, and off the floor

wood shavings or Burgess Excel pelleted straw bedding

Ramps and other furniture for her to explore

Low plastic shelves

Toys such as tunnels, tubes, wooden chew toys, wood blocks, paper bags, and hanging bird toys

Be sure that whatever you put in the cage doesn't interfere with the space he needs to run around and exercise.

Where should I put the cage?

The cage should be in a relatively quiet area without a lot of commotion. It should be out of direct sunlight, and the temperature of the room should stay between 18° and 23°C. Temperatures below 15°C and over 27°C can be dangerous, so you must absolutely place your guinea pig's cage indoors where temperatures are regulated. Be sure to put it in a well ventilated area. Once you have the perfect cage and setup, be sure to clean the cage daily to keep your guinea pig happy, healthy, and safe.

The following recommended guinea pig cages is available in South Africa at selected pet stores:

Pet Inn Banny 3 Plus Guinea Pig Cage. Pet Inn is a highly reputable company in Poland that makes many quality cages. If you are looking for a durable and well-crafted guinea pig cage, you really can’t go wrong with this one. It is made of the highest quality materials and is minimum size recommended for one guinea pig. The strong plastic of the bottom tray ensures trouble-free operation for many years to come. Includes a sleeping house, ladder, bowl, hayrack, drinking bottle. The cage has a door and the roof is easily removed for cleaning. Dimensions: Length 101 cm, Width 53 cm, Height 42 cm,

Pet Inn Banny 4 Plus Guinea Pig Cage Pet Inn guinea pig cages are attractive and new to South Africa and are designed especially for modern home interiors. The Pet Inn Banny 4 Plus is minimum size recommended to house two guinea pigs. Thanks to it's excellent Italian design and excellent workmanship, the cage is both practical and pleasing to the eye Its large surface will enhance the wellbeing of your pets ensuring that they stay in good health and in an excellent physical condition. The cage includes: house, ladder, hayrack. Its also easy to clean. Dimensions: Length 120 cm x Width 60 cm x Height 42 cm

Pet Inn Planet 120 Deluxe Guinea Pig Cage This cage is slightly larger than Banny 4 Plus and perfect for at least two guinea pigs. It is made of the highest quality materials. A special feature of this cage is that the top dome can be opened, which makes it easier to take large animals out of the cage. In addition, there is a side door. You can also split the cage in two by installing a divider which is sold separately. The set includes a hayrack, drinking bottle, wooden shelf, ladder and hideaway house. Dimensions: 120 cm (Length) x 68 cm (Width) x 67 cm (Height)

Pet Inn Banny 5 Plus Guinea Pig Cage. The cage is minimum size recommended to house at least three guinea pigs. The strong highy quality plastic of the bottom tray ensures trouble-free operation for many years to come. A special feature of this cage is that that one side can be fully opened to conveniently remove and insert your guinea pigs or rabbits. The set includes a sleeping house, ladder, hayrack and drinking bottle. The cage has a door and the roof is easily removed for cleaning. Dimensions: Length 140 cm, Width 71 cm, Height 47 cm