Creating a home for your guinea pig

Your guinea pig needs a place to call home--and your job as a guinea pig housekeeper is to provide housing that is spacious and sturdy, and as comfortable and clean as possible. A well-made cage and accessories can add up, but they are the most important investments you'll make for your pet.

Guinea pigs cages - size does matter

When selecting a cage, always heed the golden rule of happy guinea pig housing--the bigger, the better. Your pig's pad should be at least two square feet. If you've got a pair, you'll need a cage that's at least four square feet, but more space is always appreciated.

Many guinea pig caretakers sing the praises of metal cages, which are extremely durable and easy to clean. Just make sure the model you select doesn't have a wire floor, or your pet could get her feet and ankles caught. Avoid aquariums, please, as they don't provide adequate ventilation and are difficult to clean.

Where to set up your pet's home? Location is everything! A place that is not too cold, not too noisy and not too bright is just right. Guinea pigs do best in temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so take care not to place the cage in full sunlight or near a radiator.

Guinea pig houses turned to homes

Your next step involves a bit of interior decorating. Line the cage with aspen shavings, timothy hay or pelleted bedding make from recycled paper. These materials are clean, non-toxic and easy to clear away and replace. Pass on cedar and pine shavings, which are thought to cause liver and respiratory damage, and cotton wool bedding. Your guinea pig may want to make a cozy nest for napping, so give her some shredded paper towels or straw expressly for this purpose. It's also important that you designate an area of the cage where your companion can get some privacy. Use a flowerpot, PVC pipe or cardboard box for your piggy hideout.

Guinea pigs just want to have fun, and your little friend's no exception. She'll appreciate dish towels and pieces of soft cloth for wrapping up in, PVC pipes for tunneling, and bricks and rocks for climbing. Every now and then, indulge her natural urge to chew with a branch or twig from a non-toxic tree that hasn't been treated with any chemicals.

To be a good guinea pig housekeeper, you’ll need to remove soiled bedding, uneaten food and droppings every day. Once a week, dump out all the bedding and scrub the cage with hot, soapy water. Be sure to let everything dry before returning your companion to her castle.