Guinea Pig Cages, Hutches and Runs

Guinea pigs are lively animals that require ample space to move, play and exercise. A spacious hutch is vital for their physical and mental health.

Here are some guidelines to help you:

• Minimum Size: “Aim for at least 0.7 square metres (7.5 square feet) for one guinea pig, adding 0.2 square metres (2 square feet) for each additional guinea pig.
• Multiple Levels: Consider a multi-level hutch to maximise space and add variety.
• Separate Areas: Ensure there are designated areas for sleeping, eating and playing.
• Exercise Area: If possible, attach a secure run to the hutch for extra exploration space.

The more space you can provide, the happier and healthier your guinea pig will be!

The materials used in your guinea pig’s hutch are critical for their health and safety.

When choosing a hutch, timber is the safest and most reliable material. Timber hutches are sturdy, provide excellent insulation in all temperatures and create a comfortable environment for your guinea pig.

Use untreated, non-toxic wood like Chinese fir. Avoid treated woods that may contain harmful chemicals.

Avoid metal or plastic cages as they can overheat and offer poor insulation.

Regularly inspect the hutch for any wear and tear that could harm your guinea pig.

Good airflow is crucial for preventing respiratory issues and maintaining a healthy environment. Consider these ventilation tips:

• Multiple Openings: Ensure the hutch has several openings for air circulation.
• Wire Mesh: Use fine wire mesh for windows and doors to allow airflow while keeping predators out.
• Avoid Drafts: Protect your guinea pig from direct drafts that could cause illness.
• Clean Regularly: Even with good ventilation, regular cleaning is necessary to maintain air quality.

Protecting your guinea pig from predators is vital, especially if the hutch is outdoors. Implement these security measures:

• Sturdy Construction: Choose a hutch with solid, durable construction to withstand potential predator attempts.
• Secure Locks: Use predator-proof locks or sliding latches on all doors and openings.
• Raised Design: A raised hutch makes it harder for ground predators to access.
• Regular Checks: Inspect the hutch regularly for weak spots or damage that could compromise security.

It’s important to keep a clean environment for your Guinea Pigs. Make sure any uneaten fruit or vegetables are cleaned out daily, remove any soiled hay and replace with fresh hay.

The rule of thumb is your cavies cage should never smell. It is recommended that Guinea Pigs and Rabbits have their home cleaned daily and bedding changed weekly.

The bedding can be spot cleaned daily and shavings should be replaced at least weekly.

It’s best to use non-harsh chemicals that may be harmful to your animals, so we suggest using a home-made guinea pig cage cleaner, it consists of white vinegar and water mix with some detergent in a spray bottle.

It can be hard to clean their enclosure whilst they are still playing in it, as they tend to make more mess, come up for cuddles and pats or may accidentally escape.

To make it easier to clean their enclosure, consider temporarily housing them in an appropriate sized pet crate for a short period of time while you clean their home.

Remove all the bedding and shavings, then using a spray bottle with 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar and a few drops of detergent, spray the cage surface and wipe down.

Once all the surfaces are clean and free from any other debris replace the clean bedding and place your guinea pigs back in their home.

It’s best to use a heavy based bowl, that way they won’t be knocking it over all the time.

They love to eat grass after all they are herbivores, so it’s very important that they have a constant source of grass or grass hay.

It’s great to offer them a variety of food types and plenty of fresh leafy green vegetables, be careful however to not feed them iceberg lettuce, leeks, onions, potatoes, rhubarb and the leaves, spring onions, tomato leaves or mouldy fruit and vegetables as these can be highly toxic to them.

Dried food can also be given to Guinea Pigs, ensure that it states Guinea Pig food on the packet and not Rabbit food as Guinea Pig food has vitamin C added.

Always use wall mounted water bottles as they not only save space in a hutch but also stops dirt, bugs and any other nasties getting into their water and will also stop them from knocking the water over.

It’s important to make sure you provide fresh water daily and check water on a regular basis. Ensure the bottle isn’t too high for your Guinea Pigs

The layout and design of your guinea pig’s hutch significantly affect their overall health and well-being.

Proper ergonomics can prevent various health issues and encourage natural behaviours.

Flooring:

• Ensure the majority of the hutch floor is solid to prevent foot injuries and discomfort. Wire floors can cause bumblefoot, a painful condition where feet become sore and inflamed.
• If the hutch has multiple levels, provide ramps with a gradual incline and good traction to prevent falls and joint stress.

Space for Exercise:

• The hutch should be large enough for your guinea pig to run, play, and explore freely.

Hiding Spots:

• Include several hiding places to reduce stress and mimic natural hiding instincts.
• Offer a mix of hard and soft hiding spots to cater to different preferences and provide foot relief.

The right bedding and accessories are crucial for maintaining your guinea pig’s health and enhancing their living environment.

Bedding:

• Choose bedding made from non-toxic, dust-free materials like paper-based products or fleece.
• Ensure the bedding is highly absorbent to keep the living area dry and prevent skin irritations. Change bedding regularly.

Water Bottles and Food Dishes:

• Ensure water bottles are at an appropriate height for easy access. Choose bottles large enough to provide a constant supply of fresh water.
• Hay is best hung in a hay rack or manger, to minimise mess and wastage.
• Place pellets in heavy ceramic dishes that are difficult to tip over and easy to clean.

Hideouts and Toys:

• Include different types of hideouts such as wooden houses, fabric tunnels and cosy corners. Ensure hideouts are large enough for your guinea pig to turn around comfortably inside.
• Timber chew toys will help promote dental health and prevent overgrown teeth.

When selecting a hutch for your guinea pig, it’s essential to decide whether it will be used indoors or outdoors. Each setting has unique challenges and requirements.

Benefits of Outdoor Housing:

• Natural Environment: Access to fresh air and natural light.
• Space: Often allows for larger enclosures.
• Reduced Indoor Allergens: Beneficial for owners with allergies.

Key Features of Outdoor Hutches:

• Weatherproofing: Waterproof roofing to protect from rain, with a slope for water runoff. They will also be made from rot-resistant timber.
• Insulation: Thicker walls and floors for temperature regulation.
• Predator Protection: Sturdy construction with heavy-duty wire mesh on windows and runs. Secure, predator-proof latches and locks.
• Elevated Design: Raised off the ground to prevent dampness and improve security.
• Sun Protection: Partially covered runs or attachable sun shades.
• Size and Permanence: Generally larger and more robust. Designed for long-term outdoor placement.

Benefits of Indoor Housing:

• Climate Control: Protection from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
• Increased Interaction: Easier access for daily care and socialisation.
• Safety: Reduced risk from predators and environmental hazards.

Key Features of Indoor Hutches:

• Size and Portability: Typically smaller and more manageable for indoor spaces. They will often feature wheels for easy relocation within the home.
• Flooring: Usually include solid, easy-to-clean bottoms. 

Considerations for Choosing Between Indoor and Outdoor Hutches:

• Climate: Assess your local weather patterns and temperature extremes.
• Space Availability: Determine the area you can dedicate indoors vs. outdoors.
• Predator Presence: Evaluate the risk of local wildlife.
• Time and Effort: Consider the maintenance required for each option.
• Local Regulations: Check for any restrictions on outdoor pet housing.

Purchasing a new hutch for your guinea pig is exciting, but assembling it can be intimidating.

This guide will help you navigate the assembly process, focusing on the ease of assembly and the clarity of instructions when choosing and setting up your guinea pig’s new home.

Evaluating Ease of Assembly

Before buying a hutch, it’s essential to gauge how much time and effort the assembly will require. Consider these key factors:

• Product Reviews: Look for customer reviews that mention the assembly process. Pay attention to comments about time taken, difficulty level, and any common issues.
• Tool Requirements: Check if special tools are needed or if all necessary items are included. Most Somerzby hutches need a drill or powered screwdriver for assembly.
• Attaching Wire Mesh: Somerzby hutches come with the wire mesh already stapled onto the frames, making it much simpler for you.
• Weight and Size: Consider if you’ll need assistance to move or assemble larger hutch components. If the hutch is very tall, you may need a step ladder to attach the roof panels.

Ensuring Instruction Clarity

Clear and comprehensive instructions are vital for a smooth assembly process. Look for the following:

• Instruction Format: Diagrams or illustrations can be especially helpful for visual learners.
• Step-by-Step Guide: Look for instructions that break down the process into clear, manageable steps.

• Video Tutorials: Video guides can offer a clearer understanding of complex assembly steps. Check if the manufacturer provides video tutorials on their website or YouTube channel.

• Customer Support: Ensure the supplier has an Australian phone number and offers customer support for assembly-related queries.

Tips for a Smooth Assembly Process:

• Read through all instructions before starting.
• Organise parts and tools before beginning.
• Work in a clear, well-lit space. Ensure the ground is completely level.
• Follow the steps in order, avoiding the temptation to skip ahead.

While the ease of assembly and clarity of instructions might not be the primary factors in choosing a guinea pig hutch, they can significantly impact your experience and satisfaction with the product.

By carefully considering these aspects, you can ensure a smoother setup process and avoid unnecessary frustration.

Remember, a well-assembled hutch provides a safe and comfortable home for your guinea pig, making your effort worthwhile.

If you’re not confident in your assembly skills, don’t hesitate to ask for help or consider professional assembly services if available.

Providing a suitable living environment is crucial for the health and happiness of your guinea pig.

The size of your guinea pig’s living space significantly impacts their well-being. Here are the recommended minimum sizes:

• For 1 Guinea Pig:
  • Minimum 0.7 square metres (75 cm x 90 cm)
  • Larger is always better
• For 2 Guinea Pigs:
  • Minimum 1.0 square metres (75 cm x 125 cm)
  • Add 0.2-0.3 square metres for each additional guinea pig
• Additional Considerations:
  • Height should be at least 30-45 cm
  • Multi-level cages can provide more space and enrichment. Ensure ramps are gentle and secure.

Remember: While these are minimum sizes, providing more space allows for exercise, exploration, and separate areas for different activities.

Guinea pigs are sensitive to temperature extremes. Maintaining an appropriate temperature is crucial for their health:

• Ideal Temperature Range: 18°C to 24°C
• Avoiding Extremes: Temperatures below 15°C can lead to respiratory issues. Temperatures above 27°C can cause heat stroke.
• Temperature Management: Provide extra bedding in cooler temperatures and offer frozen water bottles or ceramic tiles for cooling in warmer temperatures. Ensure good ventilation without drafts.

Enrichment is crucial for your guinea pig’s mental and physical well-being. Here are some suitable options:

• Chew Toys: Wooden chew sticks or blocks, untreated wicker balls and cardboard tubes (without glue or ink).
• Hiding Spots: Wooden houses or huts, fleece tunnels and PVC pipes (large enough to prevent getting stuck).
• Foraging Toys: Treat balls that dispense food when rolled, hay stuffed in toilet paper tubes or scattered vegetables for foraging.
• Social Enrichment: Companionship of another guinea pig (same-sex pairs or neutered pairs) or regular, gentle interaction with human family members.

Observe which toys your guinea pig prefers and provide similar options. Rotate toys to maintain interest.

Ensure all items are guinea pig-safe (non-toxic materials with no small parts).

A spacious, comfortable, and stimulating habitat will contribute significantly to your pet’s overall health and happiness.

Regularly assess your guinea pig’s living conditions and make adjustments as needed to ensure they continue to thrive in their home.

Guinea Pigs love to chew things!

They also love things they can sit in such as tunnels, paper bags or cardboard boxes. Having these items in their hutch will also provide places they can play and hide in as well as chew on.

It’s also a good idea to provide them with a chew block made from un-dyed wood. Chew blocks help them grind down their teeth – helping them avoid any dental issues.

Even as pets, Rabbits still have a desire to hide in a “burrow”. Guinea Pigs are similar, as they enjoy playing and hiding.

To encourage this behaviour and interact with your pet, you may consider using a pet crate in a sheltered area (out of harsh weather conditions) during supervised play time with your pet/s.