Required Supplies Checklist
1 | Habitat
minimum: 2ft x 4ft (8sq ft); preferred: 2ft x 5ft (10sq ft)
- Habitat Liner | set of 2
- Litter box or Kitchen Area (optional) | paper based litter
- Water Bottle | 1 per guinea pig
- Food Bowl | 1 per guinea pig
- Hidey House | 1 per guinea pig
2 | Diet
- Hay | Alfalfa for Juveniles or Timothy for Adults | min. 40oz
- Pellets | Oxbow Adult or Young Adult Food
- Greens | Spring Mix
- Vitamin C Supplement
- Treats
3 | Toys, Enrichment & Grooming
- Grooming Supplies | nail clippers and brush or comb
- Enrichment | Chew toys, snuffle mats, tunnels, puzzle toys, etc.
4 | Carrier
minimum: 12in x 18in
How Much Space Do Guinea Pigs Need?
For one or a pair of guinea pigs a minimum 2ft x 4ft enclosure like the “MidWest Guinea Pig Habitat” is recommended, if possible a larger 2ft x 5ft enclosure is preferred. For each additional guinea pig, add 2 to 4 square feet to their living space to maintain a healthy and harmonious environment.
MINIMUM:
2ft x 4ft, 8sq ft for 1 or 2 guinea pigs
2ft x 5ft, 10sq ft for 2 or 3 guinea pigs
2ft x 6ft, 12sq ft for 3 or 4 guinea pigs
Not providing enough space can lead to frustration and stress which presents as pacing, excessive squeaking, loud cage chewing and bar rattling, and aggression towards cage mates due to resource guarding. Guinea pigs that are confined to small cages often become withdrawn or even depressed, losing interest in food, play, and interaction. Because they do not have enough room to exercise they are prone to obesity, heart disease, and infections. Guinea pigs kept in hutches also frequently develop bumble-foot.
Cages and hutches DO NOT provide enough room for guinea pigs.
You can get C&C grid cage in various sizes at:
“www.kavee.com“, “www.guineadad.com“, “www.guineapigcagesstore.com“, and “Guinea Pig Cage Company“.
For soft bedding, we recommend:
Small Pet Select Unbleached White Paper Bedding
AVOID: All soft wood shavings including pine, aspen and walnut. These can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation.
LITTERBOX or “Kitchen Area” to put their hay. You can use a “Mini Dustpan and Brush” to sweep up dropping and hay or a handheld vacuum.
WATER BOTTLE get at least 1 water bottle per guinea pig to prevent resource guiding. Guinea pigs may hoard a single water source and keep other guinea pigs from drinking.
HIDEY get at least 1 hidey house per guinea pig. Provide 2 identical hidey houses to prevent one guinea pig from being left out or fighting over a more desirable house. Any tunnels, cuddle cups, cuddle sacks and hanging corners should also be provided in twos.
Popular choices are: “Fleece Forest“, “Fleece Corner“, “Cuddle Sacks“, “Cuddle Cups“, “Guinea Pig Castle“, “Cardboard Hideaway“.
CHEW TOYS and lots of them! Check out “Oxbow“, “Binky Bunny” and “Etsy“.
NO: salt/mineral licks; lava stones can damage their teeth and are dangerous if pieces are ingested; check toys weekly for exposed nails, plastic and hot glue.
ENRICHMENT: Get a “Snuffle Mat“, “Puzzle Toy” and “Treat Ball” to promote foraging, stimulate their mind and encourage exercise.
Short-haired guinea pigs need just occasional grooming with a soft brush once a week or so. Long-haired guinea pigs need daily brushing to prevent tangles, and keeps their coat healthy and free of debris. We recommend:
“Oxbow Enriched Life Brush & Comb“, “Small Pet Select Hair Buster Comb“, “Mr. Pen Nail Clippers“.
CARRIER should be big enough for both guinea pigs, like this “Small Pet Carrier“.
NO: sharing a carrier between pets as in the event of an emergency or evacuation all animals need their own carrier.
