| HOUSING When selecting your cage, a rule of thumb to remember is that each cage should be large enough for the guinea pig to exercise freely because pigs love to run and jump when they are healthy and happy. It is recommended to have at least 3 square feet of space per pig. An overly tall cage is not practical since guinea pigs do not hop like rabbits or climb like hamsters. Wire bottom cages will cause foot infections, broken legs and ripped toenails. They must never be kept on wire! Research has been done on the use of wire floors and proven that they fare much better and are much happier with a solid floor. Cages made specifically for guinea pigs do not have wire bottoms and if your cage does then cover it with a thick layer of newspaper topped with shavings. If your budget does not permit you to buy the biggest cage possible then another alternative would be to make your own or have one built for you. They will need more space to be happy and healthy, so the bigger the better. Not only would it be cheaper in the end, but also you can have it built to suit your room size and decor. Kathy's Theme Cages Keeping guinea pigs in a fish tank has been done for years, but it has never been practical. Fish tanks generate heat because of the glass, and pigs are extremely susceptible to heat stroke. Without proper ventilation, he must endure the strong smell of ammonia because of the four solid walls. Solid colored plastic tubs are quite popular as well. Unfortunately, they are the same as the fish tank but with one thing added – isolation - especially if you have only one pig. Guinea pigs are naturally curious and social. When they cannot see, hear or smell what is going on around them this could possibly lead to languidness and a greater fear of humans. If you get your pig a companion, the big plastic tub would work well. Just remember one thing: AN ONLY PIG IS A LONELY PIG, no matter what he is housed in. |