Cage Size
Cage Setup Considerations
Minimum Cage Size: The area for our critters must be as spacious as possible. Cavies need at least 70 square centimetres of cage space each to be happy and healthy. Male guinea pigs need even MORE room - at least 1 square metre of cage space each, to prevent fights over territory. See our chart below for ideal cage size vs. how many piggies you have. See cage size requirements here.
Multi-Level Cages: Cages with multiple levels can be beneficial as long as they provide safe, easy access between levels with ample floor space. These cages should still meet the minimum floor space requirements, but the extra levels can provide additional enrichment and exploration opportunities. ⚠️ WARNING: A lot of 'vertical style' cages are marketed for guinea pigs but they are not suitable! They often have steep, short ramps and very limited area for your piggies to move around. The height of these levels are also dangerous for guinea pigs if they fall. While these cages are great for mice and rats that can climb, they are unsafe and unsuitable for guinea pigs.
Exercise and Play Area: Besides their main cage, guinea pigs benefit greatly from having a larger playpen or exercise area where they can explore and exercise outside of their cage. This space should be safe, free of hazards, and enclosed to prevent escapes. Read more on Floor Time here.
Exploration: Regularly allowing your guinea pigs out of their cage to explore a guinea pig-proofed area of your home or a designated playpen is important for their physical and mental health. This helps satisfy their need for exercise and stimulation. We have playpens in our online store here.
Companionship: Guinea pigs are social animals and should ideally be kept in pairs or small groups. Having more than one guinea pig means they’ll need more space to interact and play, which is a consideration when setting up their living area. Read more on piggy companionship here.
How Big Should My Cage Be?
See our chart below for an idea of how big to build your cage compared to number of piggies you have. For male piggies and small rabbits, we recommend going up one cage size 😀
Remember - bigger is always better, so if you have room, go large!
A Video Overview
Join Dr Sam as she runs through what cage types and sizes are best for your piggies!
Benefits of Large Housing
Exercise: Larger cages allow your pets to move around freely, promoting exercise and preventing obesity.
Mental Stimulation: A larger cage provides more opportunities for mental stimulation through exploration, hiding spots, and different areas to investigate, reducing boredom and encouraging natural behaviors!
Social Interaction: Larger enclosures can accommodate critters social nature, allowing for more harmonious interactions and reducing fights.
Improved Health: Critters who receive regular exercise are less prone to obesity related issues such as liver, heart and respiratory distress and disease. Boars will also be less prone to developing impaction problems.
Enrichment: You can add various toys, tunnels, platforms, and hideouts in a larger space, enhancing the environment and encouraging natural behaviors like foraging and exploring. Check out our store for lots of playtime goodies!
Easier Maintenance: A larger cage often means less frequent cleaning as poops are more dispersed! It can also be easier to spot clean and maintain hygiene in a larger space.
Introducing OZZY CAGES - The best housing choice for piggies!
Our Ozzy C&C Cages are 10 years tried and tested and come with a TONNE of great benefits, which make them best housing option for critters on the market today!
Our Grid Range
