Guinea pigs are lovely, calm pets that do well in a secure and caring environment. Though small, one ought to understand that the guinea pig goes beyond the cage when trying to feel secure and happy. It is a cute pet that likes to have space that mimics its environment filled with comfort and stimulation as well as care.
If you think that you want to adopt a guinea pig and in case you already have one and want to improve how it lives, what matters is that a neat place should be made that meets the guinea pig’s requirements. This guide will take you through all the steps of building a pleasant, stimulating and most importantly, healthy home environment for your guinea pigs.
Selecting the appropriate cage for your guinea pig
Getting a guinea pig begins with a correct cage. New Guinea pig owners tend to make the mistake of assuming the amount of space these small creatures need too many times. As proud as they are as pets, they are still extremely active animals which is why guinea pigs need large-sized cages so that they can roam around in them, explore and above all remain active. Some important points to take into account are.
Social and playful creatures, guinea pigs need enough room to feel comfortable. For each guinea pig, the minimum space would be seven and a half square feet, and it is better if there is more space available. Increasing to a square space of 10.5 and more depending the number of pets you have is recommendable for two guinea pigs.
A bigger cage helps in exercise thus reducing chances of obesity and boredom. A bigger space also reduces chances of aggressive behavior especially when there are several guinea pigs inhabiting the cage.
Cage shape and structure
Guinea pigs enjoy living in horizontal rather than vertical cages because the critters are not very good at climbing. As well, avoid wire flooring as it can be abrasive to their feet and a solid bottom cage should be picked as well. Plastic or metal materials should be selected since they are easier to clean and take longer to wear out.
Ventilation and safety
A well-ventilated guinea pig cage is essential as it acts as an air-conditioning system for the pets by preventing the guinea pigs from being too hot or too cold. It is also crucial that the cage is designed in such a manner that it cannot be broken into easily especially by children as they can suffer from accidental injuries.
Outdoor or indoor living
It is preferable to house guinea pigs indoors. Keeping them in outdoor cages leaves them vulnerable to predators, harsh temperatures, and other climatic factors that may affect their well-being. An indoor setup enables you to keep a close watch on them most of the time and interact with them often.
Enhancing your guinea pig’s environment: entertainment, adventure, and safety
Guinea pigs need mental activity because they are inquisitive and intelligent animals. They cannot be easily entertained simply by having water and food in the cage. Here’s how taboos may be alleviated in their surroundings:
Tunnels and hideouts
Burrowing is a natural behavior in free-range guinea pigs, noticeably when in hiding. Providing opportunities to perform this natural instinct is quite important to their health. You may include the following:
Tunnels: this enables guinea pigs to explore areas, run straight through, and find a place to hide if they feel exposed and vulnerable. They can be made in different mediums like plastics, or fabrics.
Hideouts: such are small houses or blocks which provide place for the guinea animals to hide or be sheltered when they want to rest and feel apprehensive.
Chew toys
Further, guinea pigs teeth never cease to grow which means there shall always be objects they would need to gnaw on, which will help in managing such teeth. Consider offering a range of chewing toys made of wood or some other material to encourage dental health while providing entertainment.
Exercise opportunities
Guinea pigs do not exercise on wheels as hamsters do because it is very unnecessary for them but it is still recommended that they are physically active. Construct movable objects in the cage and spaces to allow them to move around and explore.
Temperature and lighting: the temperature for a guinea pig’s enclosure and air condition.
Guinea pigs may be reasonably vulnerable to extremes in temperature. Hence in order to ensure your guinea pig stays happy and healthy all year round, you will need to keep an eye over their surroundings.
Ideal temperature range
Normal temperatures which are required for normal behavior of guinea pigs are between the ranges of 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit which is the same in Celsius. Extreme temperatures less than 60 degrees may give rise to cold in guinea pigs, similarly, temperatures above 80 degrees would be fatal to them as well.
If you are located in areas with severe cold or heat, you may place the cage in a temperature regulating room. Do not situate the cage under the sun, near air conditioner outlets or heaters as it is unhealthy for the pets.
Lighting
Guinea pigs do require natural day light, however, they should not be subjected to sunlight for too long. Ensure the location of the cage allows them to get natural light during the day but can also stay in the shade for a while. Never position them in an enclosed dark area, these small animals are diurnal.
Ensuring hygiene: maintaining the freshness of your guinea pig’s living environment
To maintain a good health status of your guinea pig, a clean surrounding is required for him/her. Because guinea pigs are susceptible to respiratory problems, the cage needs to be clean, with no waste, dust, or moisture.
Every day’s cleaning
Soiled bedding and uneaten food ought to be removed from the enclosure regularly, hence performing spike cleaning is a must every day. This helps in the prevention of bacterial and ammonia accumulation and smelly sinks as well.
Comprehensive cleaning
Cage should be subjected to thorough cleaning every week. All the bedding must be removed, the cage wiped using pet’s cleaning products, and then repopulated with new bedding. It is also necessary to clean the water bottles, food dishes, and any toys to avoid infection.
Provide water and food stations
In order for a pet guinea pig to remain healthy, he must drink sufficient water and consume the right nutrition. Creating separate places for feeding and watering your pet offers him everlasting access to food and water.
Water bottles or bowls
Water bottles made out of plastic are the appropriate choice for guinea pigs since they easily get used to them and prevent spillage and contamination. A strong, good bottle that is fixed to the cage with a stainless water nozzle is the best to use. It is important to ensure that the water bottle is cleaned and refilled on a daily basis to eliminate bacterial growth.
Food bowls
Coming to pellets, timothy hay, and a variety of vegetables, the guinea live off of these foods. Food bowls should be placed where the pig has easy access, but ensure that it is away from the bedding area. It is good to have heavy bowls that cannot be toppled.
Hay racks
To prevent indigestion, hay must always be accessible to guinea pigs as it is one of the most fundamental aspects of their diet. Instead of letting the hay get dirty on the floor, use a rack to hang it somewhere. This allows the guinea pigs to eat clean hay that doesn’t get dirty from bedding material or other waste.
Socializing and bonding with your guinea pig
Guinea pigs are very friendly creatures and are known to require companionship. These pets must not be alone and should preferably be kept in pairs or small groups. However, if you wish to integrate more than one guinea into your house, consider the following aspects:
Same-sex pairs: to prevent unplanned reproduction, it is always advisable to keep same-sex guinea pigs together.
Slow introductions: when new guinea pigs are being placed into the pen, they must be put in a single space over time so that they are not aggressive in defending their territory.
Building trust
Building the bond of trust can take time, especially with guinea pigs who are new to their human caretakers. Try offering some treats using your hands and speaking to them in a soft comforting voice. You can also start gently placing your hands on them as they settle in, but make sure to support their body so they don’t feel stressed or get hurt.
Make it a point to do some form of interaction with your guinea pigs everyday, be it stroking them, feeding them from your hand or just sitting by the cage and talking to them. This will also serve to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
Final thoughts: tips to building a good guinea pig home
It is also important to have certain things taken care of in order to create a lovely environment for your guinea pigs that goes beyond just the necessities. It’s about knowing how to read their behavior and instincts, knowing how to give them a comfortable and fun-packed home and definitely showering them with love and care. Be it a cage selection or a dirty boring environment, everything including the hygiene of the guinea pig is directly proportional to the level of attention and affection he receives.
