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Guinea pig cage selection guide – size, layout, indoor/outdoor & safety
A good guinea pig cage provides space to run, roam, and relax together. This information page explains what makes a good enclosure, how to furnish it effectively (without it becoming overcrowded and cluttered), and how to make the right choices for bedding, hiding places, and food and water. This way, you'll build an enclosure your guinea pigs will visibly feel comfortable in – and you can easily clean it.
At DRD Rodent Shop® (specialist since 2011) you will find everything to complete this: from guinea pig cages and runs & habitats to ground covering , houses and hay racks .
1) Size & floor area: what do you take into account?
Guinea pigs prefer to live with other guinea pigs, so always plan for an enclosure for at least two animals. A useful guideline for floor space (internal dimensions) : at least 0.9 m² for two guinea pigs and +0.3 m² for each additional guinea pig. Think about floor space, not "height": guinea pigs are runners, not climbers.
- 0.9 m² ≈ 120 × 75 cm
- 1.2 m² (3 guinea pigs) ≈ 150 × 80 cm
- 1.5 m² (4 guinea pigs) ≈ 150 × 100 cm
2) Layout & hiding places: how to make it “guinea pig logical”
Guinea pigs are prey animals: they like to run along edges and need quick shelter. Therefore, create multiple hiding places and "tunnels" between zones. A good rule of thumb: one more hiding place than the number of guinea pigs , so there's always a choice.
- Rest zone: at least two houses/shelters (preferably spread out).
- Feeding area: hay and pellets together, but with space so that no one gets stuck.
- Walking route: place tunnels/bridges so that guinea pigs can walk through without any dead ends.
Useful additions: houses , tunnels , cushions & baskets and hammocks .
3) Ground cover & comfort: dry, soft and dust-free
Preferably choose a dust-reducing bedding without strong fragrances or dyes. Comfort is important for the soles of the feet; surfaces that are too hard or sharp can irritate. Popular options include hemp fiber or paper bedding.
Shop now: ground coverings , ground mats & pee mats .
4) Food & Drink: Multiple places prevent hassle
Emphasize hay: it should always be available. In a group, it's helpful to have multiple feeding and watering stations . This prevents one animal from claiming everything.
- Hay: offer in abundance, preferably in (several) mangers.
- Water: drinking bottle and/or water bowl, tailored to your guinea pigs' preferences.
- Chunks/vegetables: divide over several bowls for groups.
Useful: guinea pig hay , hay racks , food bowls and drinking solutions .
5) Inside or outside: temperature and location in the house
Place an indoor enclosure draft-free and out of direct sunlight. Guinea pigs don't tolerate heat well; keep the enclosure cooler and provide shade in warm weather. Choose a quiet spot, not right next to loud noise sources.
Keeping them outdoors requires extra attention (insulation, dry substrates, and predator-proofing). Also consider summer products during warm weather and winter products during colder months.
6) Maintenance & cleaning: how to keep it fresh
- Daily: remove wet spots, remove old green food, change the water.
- Weekly: Replace most of the bedding and clean the food and water bowls thoroughly.
- Extra tip: create a permanent “hay/pee zone” with a mat or litter box, that saves a lot of work.
- Sufficient floor space (calculate with internal dimensions).
- At least one hiding place per guinea pig + one extra.
- Always hay available + (for groups) multiple mangers.
- Multiple feeding and drinking areas.
- Dust-free ground covering and a clear “wet spot” zone.
- Draught-free, no direct sunlight, no restless spot in the house.
- Prevent falls: Guinea pigs prefer floor space to height.
- Watch out for clamping and pinching points on tunnels, mangers and accessories.
- When running outdoors: always predator-proof and covered at the top.
What's more important: length or height?
Length and floor space. Guinea pigs are runners; a long enclosure with clearly defined zones works best.
How many houses do I need?
Preferably one per guinea pig + one extra, so they can choose and not "hunt" each other.
Drinking bottle or water bowl?
This varies per guinea pig. Many owners offer both and see what works best.
Want to read more? Also check out the main page: guinea pig information . For background information, you can also visit LICG .
Do you have a question about your situation? Please visit our service page .
