Gathering the best guinea pig cages for happy and healthy pets can be a challenging task, especially for new pet owners. Guinea pigs make wonderful pets, but they require a secure and comfortable space to live in. It is important to choose the right cage for your furry friends, as it directly influences their wellbeing. In this article, we will look at some of the most recommended guinea pig cages for 2021 for you to consider.
Guinea Pigs as Pets
Guinea pigs are cuddly, friendly and social pets that make great companions. Considered a pocket pet, these South American rodents typically grow 8-10 inches long, have slender legs, and are most often kept as house pets. Guinea pigs also come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and have a life span of about 5-7 years.
They are mostly active during the day and are content as long as they are well-provided with room to exercise and a large variety of foods to eat, such as vegetables, fibrous grasses, and specialized guinea pig food.
Description of Guinea Pig Cages
Guinea pig cages are intended for keeping pets safe and secure in a stimulating environment. This means that it’s a good idea to aim for a cage that is roomy yet with walls high enough to prevent escapes. As pet owners, it is also your responsibility to ensure that the floor of the cage is as safe and comfortable as possible.
There are four types of guinea pig enclosures that you can choose from on the market: wire cages, plastic cages, terrariums, and homemade cages. Wire cages tend to be the most cost-effective, though plastic and terrarium cages offer pet owners peace-of-mind due to their all-in-one design. Homemade cages, such as those made of mesh, wood and wire, are also an option for DIY pet owners.
Features to Look for in Guinea Pig Cages
When selecting the best guinea pig cage for your pets, there are some features that you must pay close attention to ensure that the cage is as comfortable and safe as possible. These include:
Space: Guinea pigs require a minimum of 7.5 square feet of living space, with an additional half foot of space for each pig that is to be kept in the cage.
Leak-Proof Flooring: Accidents can happen and you will want to make sure that the cage has a leak-proof floor to prevent any accidents from happening.
Ventilation: Make sure that the cage has good levels of ventilation to prevent ammonia build-up. This can cause respiratory issues in your pets if the cage is not properly aired out.
Chew-Proof Materials: Guinea pigs are known for their love of chewing, and most cages are made from materials that are easy for them to cut through. You will want to keep an eye out for cages that are made from materials that are tough enough to withstand a guinea pig’s powerful jaws, such as metal.
Easy to Clean: Finally, you will want to make sure that the cage you are considering is easy to clean. This means that it should have removable parts so that you can give it a good wash when necessary.
Best Guinea Pig Cages for Happy and Healthy Pets
When it comes to the best guinea pig cages for happy and healthy pets, there are a few top-rated options that you can consider. These cages come highly recommended by pet owners and veterinarians, and include:
MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Cage
This cage ranks as a top-pick for many pet owners, thanks to its roomy design and ventilation system. The Critter Nation cage features multiple levels, sturdy construction, and easily folds into a compact size for easy storage.
Petpen Playpen for Small Animals
Perfect for guinea pigs and other small animals, the Petpen playpen is spacious and comes with easy-to-use locking system that will keep your pets safe. It also comes with a leak-proof liner for easy cleaning, and comes in a variety of sizes to fit your space.
AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Pet Exercise and Playpen
The AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Pet Exercise and Playpen is perfect for guinea pigs and other small animals. Made from durable and chew-proof metal, this playpen features a secure latching door for easy access, and can be easily folded for compact storage.
Kaytee My First Home Habitat for Small Animals
Considered one of the best options for guinea pigs, the Kaytee My First Home habitat features a leak-proof floor, easy-to-clean wireframe, and a large built-in hay feeder. Additionally, this cage can be easily expanded to accommodate additional pets.
Ferplast Krolik Hermit Crab Living Cage
The Ferplast Krolik Hermit Crab Living Cage is an excellent cage for guinea pigs, featuring a leak-proof floor, ample ventilation, and an easily removable wireframe top. This cage is also expandable for additional pets.
Guinea Habitat Plus Pig House
This cage is perfect for guinea pig owners who are on a budget. The Guinea Habitat Plus Pig House features a roomy design, durable wireframe construction, and a secure latching door. Plus, it can be easily folded for compact storage.
Conclusion
Guinea pig cages come in all shapes and sizes, and it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your pets. We hope this article has helped you to find the right guinea pig cage for your furry friends. Regardless of the cage you choose, make sure to provide plenty of interactive toys, fresh hay, a balanced diet, and regular cleaning. With the right cage and necessary supplies, your guinea pigs will soon be happy and healthy members of your family.
