Critters Collection: Cavy



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Critters Home Page: Critter Collection: Cavy

The Cavy's Cage

Cavies can be housed in a variety of purchased or homemade cages. The rule of thumb is to get the biggest cage you can afford and have room to store. Minimum space for one guinea pig is 7.5 square feet, which can also work for two cavies if you can't get a bigger cage. If you have three cavies, the minimum space should be 10.5 square feet. For four cavies, increase the size to 13 square feet. Remember, bigger is always better. As a reference, 7.5 square feet would be equal to a cage measuring either 30 by 36 inches or 27 by 41 inches. For 13 square feet of space, the cage would measure 30 by 76 inches or 27 by 85 inches.

The most important feature of a cavy cage is a solid floor. Cavies' feet have no fur on the bottom to cushion the animals from wire. Their toes and hocks are easily caught in wire, which can result in broken legs and torn toes that can be fatal unless promptly treated. The cage should be able to accommodate a water bottle with a metal--not glass--drinking tube.

Soft wood shavings are the best bedding. Chopped hay or straw work well as long as they are not contaminated with mice or rat droppings. Grass hay added on top of shavings satisfies a cavy's desire to nibble and tunnel. Avoid wood chips and hay with sharp sticks that can injure a cavy's eyes. Clean the cage at least once a week. Rinse the water and food containers, and put in fresh, clean bedding. A bleach solution is best for disinfecting; some household disinfectants are toxic to cavies.

The cage should be kept in a warm, draft-free location out of direct sunlight. Cavies prefer the same temperature range as humans (70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit). They can withstand temperatures down to freezing only if they have a small sleeping box and lots of bedding to burrow in for warmth. They are susceptible to heat stroke and should not be subjected to temperatures above 95 degrees or left in the sun. Loud noise is also stressful; cavies prefer quiet surroundings.

Cavies can be allowed to run in the yard to graze and exercise as long as they are protected from direct sun and predators. They do not tunnel like rabbits so escape is not a problem if you wish to keep them in a permanent outdoor enclosure. Such an enclosure should be secure from dogs, cats and hawks. Make sure any plants they can access are nontoxic.

Author(s): Julie Wright (with additions by the CRITTERS USA staff)

Critters Home Page: Critter Collection: Cavy

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