The Blog Squad

Pigs do not always play well with others. Piggies actually get depressed if their housing is too small, and most store-bought cages are way too small. Piggies must NOT be kept in drafts, being prone to pneumonia.

An Appropriately Sized Cage – Planning may be in order here since the cage size will be dependent on the total number of guinea pigs you may end up with. To be safe, you should always plan on a minimum of two guinea pigs. That cage size is a 30″ x 50″ for a total of 10.5 square feet. For every guinea pig you add, increase cage size by approximately 3 square feet. Always remember that going larger is never a bad thing when it involves caged pets. Construct your own and save a lot.

High Quality Foods – Timothy hay, fresh vegetables, fruits and a good quality of Timothy pellet food. (Stay away from pellet foods that have wheat, soy, alfalfa or beets as the top ingredients.) Use only pellets that are formulated for guinea pigs. Pelleted food that is labeled for use with small animals will lack the proper nutrients that are essential for your guinea pigs. Do not forget the treats. Guinea pigs love treats, so don’t forget them. (Most treats given to these pets are different fruits and veggies. So always keep some on hand.)

When it comes to guinea pig supplies, one frequently overlooked item is the hay rack. Your pig loves hay and it should be readily available to her at all times. One easy way to do this is to use a hay rack which attaches to the wall of your cage. If using a C&C cage, you may be able to find a model with a built-in hay shelter.

You Will Need Cleaning Supplies – You will want to clean the cage at least weekly by getting rid of the soiled betting and spraying the cage bottom with a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar. The mixture will cut through the urine and helps prevent staining of the cage. Replace all bedding with new. Wash the food dish every other day with soap and water and spry both the food dish and water bottles with a mixture of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water then rinse. Allow dish and bottles to dry before using again. (Having two water bottles allows you to always have one clean while the other is being used.) Note: Avoid commercial cleaning supplies since most of them will be harmful if not toxic to your guinea pig.