Minimum Cage Sizes for Guinea Pigs
Are you asking yourself, “which guinea pig cage should I get my guinea pig?” We’re here to help. One of the common questions I receive is what size cage is suitable for guinea pigs. For 1-2 guinea pigs the minimum space recommended is 7.5 square feet. Three guinea pigs require a minimum of 10.5 square feet, and Four guinea pigs require 13 square feet. Below I will go over cages that are commonly bought/used and are, in my opinion, the best cages for guinea pigs.
1.Pet Store Bought Cages
Cages that are supposedly designed for guinea pigs or other small animals are rarely actually suitable for them. An example would be a cage that is supposed to be a starter kit for guinea pigs. The dimensions are 30” x 18” which equates to a mere 3.75 square feet. Not even big enough for a single guinea pig. This is a common example of why more research needs to be done prior to bringing a guinea pig home. I, too, made the same mistake when I first got Peanut. However, as soon as I realized how terribly small it must be for her, I upgraded to a bigger cage for my guinea pig. Just because the packaging or name of the product shows/says "guinea pig" doesn’t actually mean it is for them.
2. MidWest Guinea Pig Cage
MidWest Cages is one of the few prebuilt cages, or playpens, that are actually suitable for guinea pigs. It has the dimensions of 47” x 24” with the walls being 14” high. This provides roughly 7.8 Square feet of space which is slightly larger than the minimum requirement for two guinea pigs which is 7.5 square feet. The MidWest cage provides a canvas bottom which is supposed to be washable and supposedly help making care and maintenance easier. The benefit of having this cage is it is already pre-built and is relatively easy to set up. In the case that one cage may not be big enough, you can simply buy another Midwest cage and connect them together. A common complaint for these habitats is that the fact that it is barely meeting the minimum requirement for two guinea pigs, meaning although it is a cheaper alternative, realistically you’ll need to be buying two of these cages so that a pair of guinea pigs have plenty of space to dwell in. Another issue is this cage is not as sturdy especially without the canvas present. That being said, compared to all the cages that are “designed” for guinea pigs and other small animals, this is a much better option. I personally used Midwest cages for a while before I decided to switch over to something much bigger for my three guinea princesses.
3. C&C Guinea Pig Cages
C&C Cages type of cages are sought out by small animal enthusiasts and lovers alike. C&C stands for cubes and coroplast because the grids are made from storage cubes, and the bottom plastic for the cage is made of coroplast. C&C cages are completely customizable and can provide the proper living space for any amount of guinea pigs by simply adding more grids. This type of cage playpen can be done alone by buying the grids and coroplast at various places that sell them and cutting and assembling them together, or by buying premade ones from places like Offbeat Club. Some of you may already know from our YouTube videos, but I currently use a Offbeat Club 2x6 C&C Cage covered with 2x4 Full Sized GuineaDad Liner and 2x2 Smaller Sized GuineaDad Liner. With the coroplast bottom, it makes it easy to clean since nothing will seep through the bottom, but will be especially easier with a GuineaDad liner. As stated earlier, to expand these cages you simply have to buy more grids to add onto your cage! Another thing to be careful for is if you have other pets at home, then you will have to make a lid for the cage!
4. DIY Guinea Pig Cages
(Click to watch GuineaDad's DIY IKEA table Guinea Pig Cage)
Other than these common cages, you can also make your own cage as I have done using Ikea tables providing them (46.5” x 2) x 30.75” equaling roughly 19.9 square feet of space! There are much more different DIY options out there, so if you ever run across a cool one please let me know, I'd love to try new things too!
Conclusion
"More is Better!"
Make sure to do your research and make sure the size of the habitat you're buying is actually suitable for the amount of guinea pigs you have. Another thing to keep in mind is that these are based off minimum space requirement, meaning that ideally you would want to provide a cage that is actually bigger than the minimum requirement!
Now you know which guinea pig cage you should get your fur baby, be sure to check the sizing of our GuineaDad Liner with Pocket and also GuineaDad Liner without Pocket to see which size will match up well with your cage!
18 comments
Are your cages compatible with Kabwe cages?
I’ve noticed that my guinea pig seems sad and lonely and I think it’s because we have only one and I told my parents that so many times but they think she’s fine and I’m trying to convince them to get a 2nd guinea pig but they keep saying no, what do I do😭
I have a little world Deluxe cage. It has the same dimensions as the Midwest. But if I connect a playpen to it, Is that ok?
I have a little world Deluxe cage. It has the same dimensions as the Midwest. But if I connect a playpen to it, Is that ok?
I need one of these ! It makes it more classier and
Glassier to go with my furniture and home style ..
More modern upgraded feel .. I think they need to feel happier and a much prettier home and spacious living ! It’s very fresh and nice and clean feeling and neat ! But I can’t build this on my own !! But I’m going to try … been looking up some nice inexpensive long tables with glass of flexiglass etc… I want them to breath … so not to high walls with holes in the back boards etc… !!!
I guess I’ll make myself !! IKEA huh???
K !!! I’m going this route instead of wire cage !
I just hope they can breath great I’m worried about it ! But I’ll put many holes in back and etc..!
For fresh air to breathe ! Give them hide in shelter and warm little beds and tunnels please !! Lol
They love that !! No harsh sprays or windex to clean plexiglass either …. It can make them sick and anerexic from loosing their natural smells to eat their food !! Clean with water only and dry !
So no mold in plexiglass or cage !! I guess I’ll make this myself ! Fart !!!