Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Selecting and Installing a Cage
• Method 2 of 3: Essentials
• Method 3 of 3: Comfort and Fun
• Tips
• Warnings

Guinea pigs are small animals that make great pets. Because guinea pigs spend a lot of time in a cage, it is important to find the right size cage and place everything the animal needs for health and wellness, including water, food, litter and toys.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Selecting and Installing a Cage

1. 1 Find the correct size cage. Unfortunately, most of the cages sold at pet stores are too small for guinea pigs. As a rule, only hamsters or gerbils can live in them.
   • Unlike other animals, guinea pigs need a lot of horizontal rather than vertical space. They need a lot of space so they can move and not get sick.
   • If the cage is too small, the pig will get bored and become homesick. Imagine what it would be like if you were forced to live in a cramped closet all your life.
   • The small size of the cage also affects the health of the animal. Guinea pigs living in such houses are more likely to develop pododermatitis (something like bedsores on the heels), since they are forced to sit motionless on the ground all the time.
   • Buy a large cage if you have multiple pigs so that each of them has enough room.
   • Large cages are more convenient for humans. They are easier to clean up because the pigs have space for the toilet.
2. 2 Follow the instructions for choosing a cage. It is usually recommended to allocate at least 60 square centimeters per animal, but this is not enough, since the cage should also have bowls for food and water, filler, and toilet. Follow these guidelines and consider the number of guinea pigs:
   • One guinea pig - a cage measuring 225 square centimeters (minimum). Larger cages are recommended. Look for a 75-by-90-centimeter cage.
   • Two guinea pigs - a cage measuring 225 square centimeters (minimum). Cages of 320 square centimeters are recommended. Look for a 75 by 125 centimeters box.
   • Three guinea pigs - a cage measuring 320 square centimeters (minimum). Cages of 400 square centimeters are recommended. Look for a 75 by 155 centimeters cage.
   • Four guinea pigs - a cage measuring 400 square centimeters (minimum). Larger cages are recommended. Look for a 75 by 190 centimeters cage.
3. 3 Think about where you will place the cage. The position of the cage is of great importance. For hygiene reasons, do not place the cage in or near the kitchen.There are several factors to consider when deciding where to place a cage:
   • Temperature... The cage should be kept away from sources of high and low temperatures, since these animals do not tolerate cold, heat and high humidity and can get sick. The ideal temperature for guinea pigs is 18-23 ° C. Do not put the cage next to windows, doors. Choose a high place.
   • Activity... Guinea pigs love to be around people, and you can pay more attention to them if they are in sight. A living room is fine, but it's important to make sure that the guinea pigs have a hiding place in the house to hide in if they get tired.
   • Noise... Guinea pigs have acute hearing, so the cage should not be placed next to TVs, stereo systems or other sources of loud sounds.
4. 4 Protect the cage from children and other animals. Place the cage in a place where you can watch the children interact with the guinea pig so that it does not get scared or injured. Do the same with other animals (especially cats and dogs).
5. 5 Choose a safe place. Some people keep guinea pigs in the house, where they are protected from the weather and predators, while others arrange houses for them on the street under a canopy. If you decide to keep your gilts in the house, try to regularly expose them to the sun so that vitamin D strengthens their bones and teeth. If the pigs live outside, monitor them daily. When the weather is bad, bring the cage inside the house.
   • Guinea pigs are sociable animals and they love to interact with people. If left to live on the street, their opportunities for communication will be limited.

Method 2 of 3: Essentials

1. 1 Pour filler into the cage. You should not buy cedar and pine sawdust, although they are sold in many pet stores. Sawdust contains phenol, which can be harmful to gilts. It is better to buy filler made of paper or straw, as it keeps the heat in and keeps the animal warm. Guinea pigs love to bury themselves in litter and dig tunnels. Pour in at least 5-7 centimeters of litter so that it does not soak in moisture to the bottom of the cage.
   • Replace the filler regularly and rinse individual wet spots. Guinea pigs love clean, dry cage filler.
2. 2 Leave the water. To keep your guinea pig healthy, it needs clean, fresh water. It is better to install a drinking bowl, since water will not spill and no filler will get into it.
   • Look for a small glass or plastic bottle - these are available at a pet supply store. Hang the bottle in the corner of the cage so that the animal can reach it.
   • Change the water every day, even if the pig hasn't drunk all of it. Flush the bottle once a week when you clean up the cage. You may need to scrub the inside of the bottle with a brush. You can clean the spout with a cotton swab - this way the water will flow better.
3. 3 Place in a small bowl of food. Like all animals, guinea pigs need food. Better to use a ceramic bowl rather than a plastic one. A ceramic bowl is harder to turn over and should not be chewed. In addition, it will last longer than plastic.
   • The bowl should be wide and shallow so the guinea pig can place its paws on the edge. This is how guinea pigs like to eat.
   • For hygiene reasons, place the food bowl away from the cage toilet area.
   • Wash the bowl as needed because filler and excrement can get into it.
4. 4 Place food in the cage. Guinea pigs rarely overeat, but you still need to make sure they eat the right amount of dry food, hay and fresh vegetables.
   • Hay is an important element in a guinea pig's diet. It contains fiber and serves as both food and bedding. In addition, it contributes to the proper functioning of the digestive system of these animals. Use timothy or garden grass hay in the cage.
   • Dry food... To help your pig get all the nutrients it needs, give it special guinea pig food. A teaspoon of homogeneous feed per day is enough. Dry food is the second most important food for dental health.If the pig only eats dry food, it will gain excess weight or its teeth will grow too large. Better to buy timothy food rather than alfalfa. This food will contain vitamin C, but since vitamin C starts to lose its properties after opening the package, it is important to feed your pig more vegetables with this vitamin.
   • Vegetables - a source of vitamin C and additional nutrients. Vegetables also make the animal's diet more varied. Give your pigs cabbage, greens, spinach, lettuce - they are high in vitamin C. You can also give bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, peas, tomatoes and other vegetables. Offer your pig different vegetables and you will find out which she likes best. Remember that some vegetables can cause gas in the intestines, so they should be given sparingly and in small amounts. These include Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
   • Fruits... Guinea pigs are very fond of fruits! Choose fruits with a high vitamin C content: melon, strawberries, kiwi, papaya. However, due to the high sugar content of fruits, they should be given in limited amounts several times a week. Fruit should account for 10% of the animal's weekly diet. Give apples to your guinea pig with caution, as they contain acid that can cause allergies (check your guinea pig's mouth for sores).
5. 5 Keep your food fresh. Since pigs should only be given fresh food, check the crate regularly and remove uneaten food to prevent spoilage. It is best to do this one hour after placing food in the cage.
   • Supplement dry food with foods containing vitamin C. After opening the package, vitamin C will begin to lose its properties, so do not rely on this source of vitamins alone. Pay attention to the expiration date. Discard feed that has been at least three months longer than it should be.
6. 6 Don't give your pig other food. Certain foods can cause indigestion. If you notice soft stools or diarrhea, it will mean that something from the food is not suitable for the animal. Avoid giving your guinea pigs dairy products, beans, garlic, dried and fresh lentils, onions, potatoes, and rhubarb.
   • Avoid sticky and gooey foods (such as peanut butter) as they can cause choking. Nuts and grains are just as dangerous.
   • Do not feed your guinea pigs with sharp edged foods (crackers and chips) as they can pierce the mucous membrane in the mouth.
   • Avoid giving your pigs junk food, including chocolates and candy.
   • You don't need ready-made guinea pig treats if you feed your pet dry food, hay, fruits and vegetables. If you want to pamper your pet, mix some oats with dry food.
7. 7 Remove the cage regularly. Remove excrement and debris every day and wash the cage thoroughly once a week.
   • Remove uneaten food and add fresh water every day. Remove filler and excrement from areas where they should not be.
   • Replace the litter completely and clean the cage once a week. Remove everything from the cage and wash the bottom with warm water. Dry the cage thoroughly and add fresh filler.

Method 3 of 3: Comfort and Fun

1. 1 Place toys in the cage. Wooden cubes and cardboard boxes will do because guinea pigs love to chew on everything. Guinea pigs' teeth grow constantly, so they grind them on toys. Wooden blocks can be purchased at pet stores, but do not buy toys covered in paint.
   • You can make toys from whatever is in the house - from paper bags, boxes, rolls of toilet paper.
   • Give your pigs only large toys because small ones can cause choking if the pig swallows them.
   • Hang the hammock.A hammock is a great thing for a guinea pig cage and can be purchased at the pet store. Most often hammocks are bought for ferrets, but they are also suitable for guinea pigs. Observe how the pig uses the hammock so that she does not injure herself.
2. 2 Set up a secluded corner. Create a tunnel or canopy in the cage. All pigs need to hide sometimes. Sometimes these pets are embarrassed and seek solitude. You can do these things yourself or buy them at a pet supply store.
   • You can buy a pipe or tunnel from a store, but for less money you can make them at home from a can of crisps or round loaves. Remove plastic and metal parts and all stickers from the can. You can make a house out of a regular cardboard shoe box (no paint or stickers). Your pig will love to hide in it and chew on it.
3. 3 Pay attention to your pet. Even if the pig is in the cage, pay attention to it. Guinea pigs love to interact with people, and if you do this regularly, the guinea pig will be more comfortable in the cage.
   • Try to interact with the animal several times a day every day. It is important to take her in your arms every day, stroke and hug her. You can let your pig out of the cage and let her run around a small room or in a confined space. This should also be done regularly. Keep your pig out of rooms where it might escape or get lost. Keep an eye on your pig when it runs because it can chew on wires.
   • Because of their outgoing nature, guinea pigs love the company of one or two pigs. If you want the animal not to get bored, get another pig!

Tips

• Providing space for your guinea pig is most important for comfort. Otherwise, the pet will begin to yearn. Guinea pigs love to roam here and there.
• To get the guinea pig accustomed to the cage, leave it alone for about an hour when first placing it there.

Warnings

• Make sure the cage is large enough to accommodate something the pig could hide in or under. In addition, a food bowl should fit in the cage, there should be enough room for a toilet and for the pet to run.
• Make sure that there are nothing in the cages that could lead to suffocation (for example, small toys).