Types of Guinea Pig Cages

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By Rena Sherwood
eHow Contributing Writer

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Generally, the larger the size of the guinea pig cage, the better for your guinea pig, also called a cavy. Also, larger guinea pig cages do not need cleaning as often as smaller ones. Guinea pigs thrive best when kept indoors, away from drafts and direct sunlight. No matter what cage the guinea pigs are kept in, they need at least one hour a day outside of the cage to play.

Single Level

Basic indoor cavy cages have a solid plastic bottom with a wire top that clips on. This provides good ventilation and is easy to clean.

Multi-Level

These are usually specially made cages made of wire and solid flooring. No wire flooring should be use because, according to "Guinea Pig: Your Happy, Healthy Pet," guinea pig feet and legs easily slip through the mesh and break.

Aquariums

Aquariums that are at least ten gallons per cavy should only be used as temporary housing. They do not provide adequate ventilation and promote respiratory illnesses in guinea pigs.

Hutches

Hutches made for rabbits should be used only indoors. According to the website Guinea Lynx, hutches kept outside often topple over.

Considerations

Guinea pig cages need to be at least two feet by three feet large for housing one guinea pig. Add three more square feet for each additional guinea pig.