How to House a Pet Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are great pets for older children. They enjoy people and may even curl up and go to sleep on the laps of calm children. Guinea pigs are smart and once they get to know their owners, often whistle for attention or treats. If you're thinking about getting a guinea pig, there are some things to keep in mind about housing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick a well-ventilated cage with a solid bottom as housing for your guinea pig. Guinea pigs housed in cages with mesh bottoms often break their legs, toe nails and develop sores on their feet.

2. Make sure your guinea pig's cage is big enough for them. You need at least 100 square inches of flooring per adult and many experts recommend 7.5 square feet of cage for one guinea pig and 10.5 square feet for a pair. Guinea pigs that are housed in too small a cage often fight.

3. Consider purchasing a multi-level cage to increase the square footage of the cage without increasing the space you'll need for the cage.

4. Decide where you'll put your guinea pig's housing before purchasing it. Cages should be in a place where they can interact with the family, but not in high traffic areas since guinea pigs do need peace and quiet. Cages should be placed away from direct sunlight and drafts and many experts do not recommend guinea pigs be housed in a child's bedroom.

Tips & Warnings

• Put a hidey house in your guinea pig's cage, especially if you have multiple guinea pigs.
• Avoid a wood cage as guinea pigs can chew holes in these. In addition, wood cages are perfect breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria and difficult to keep clean.