Cage Accessories
It's about creating a SAFE and STIMULATING space for your piggies!
Guinea pigs are prey animals by nature, which means they need places to hide in order to feel safe and secure. Hideys and cage accessories don’t just provide comfort — they also offer mental stimulation, cosy spots to rest, and a sense of safety. Every guinea pig home should include a variety of safe, enriching items!
CHOOSE CAGE ACCESSORIES WISELY
Not everything you see in pet stores is safe or suitable — even if it’s marketed for guinea pigs! Always do your research before adding anything new to their habitat.
🚫 Never Use Exercise Balls or Wheels
These might be great for hamsters or mice, but they’re dangerous for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs don’t have flexible spines, and using these products can cause serious injuries, including permanent spinal damage.
🚫 Say No to Harnesses and Leashes
While it might look cute, guinea pigs are not built for harnesses. Their short legs and rounded bodies mean they can easily wriggle out, or worse, suffer back injuries from the unnatural stretching and pressure.
Essential Items
-
💧 Water Bottle or Bowl
A water bottle with a metal sipper should be attached to the cage wall. If using a water bowl, it must be heavy and difficult to tip over (check out our HayPigs Tamer Bowl for a suitable option). Water should be replaced daily and always accessible for your pets.
-
🥕 Food Dish
For daily pellets and veggies. Opt for a heavy ceramic bowl or an inward slanting bowl to prevent it tipping over.
Shop our bowls here! -
🌾 Hay Rack or Bag
Attaches to the walls of your pets' cage. It helps keep the hay dry and off the floor where it may get soiled. It should be easily accessible for your pets and replenished every day.
❌ AVOID WIRE HAY RACKS OR BALLS. These are not designed with guinea pigs safety in mind and can lead to serious injury. Avoid purchasing hay holders from large online retailers or general pet stores.
We have some great designer Hay holders in our shop, check them out here! -
🏠 Hideys
-
🛏️ Bedding
Absorbent material for comfort and cleanliness. We recommend our Ozzy Cage Fleece Liners or Vet-Bed as the best options for your pet.
-
😁 Chew & Enrichment Toys
For dental health and enrichment. These can range from critter-friendly mobiles, to foraging mats and hanging chew toys!
Check out our enrichment range here. -
⋒ Tunnels
Encourages physical activity and mental stimulation and also a lazy hang out spot! You can buy tunnels or use materials like PVC piping to make your own!
-
(Optional)
🌉 Ramps or Lofts
Adds levels and variety to the cage.
Shop our loft kits here!
Enrichment Toys
Toys are also a great addition to your pets' cage, providing mental stimulation and entertainment for your critters! We recommend purchasing a few that you can put on rotation to avoid your pet becoming bored with it.
Toys should be chosen carefully as many can have detachable or moving parts that can be a choking hazard for your pet. We recommend buying only guinea pig specific toys to avoid any accidents!
Chew Toys
Guinea pigs have teeth that grow continuously, so providing safe chew toys is essential for keeping their dental health in check. Chew toys help wear down their teeth naturally and prevent painful overgrowth.
Look for toys made from untreated wood, hay, seagrass, or loofah. Avoid anything with artificial dyes, glue, or plastic. Rotate chew toys regularly to keep things interesting and support their natural chewing instincts.
Improving the lives of guinea pigs one WHEEK at a time!
Follow us on socials!