3 Top Tips For Buying The Best Cage For Your Guinea Pigs

If you're looking for a playful, cuddly animal which is easy to care for, then you won't go far wrong with a guinea pig. They're all of these things and more, and it's easy to see why they're among the most popular household pets around.

But while you might want to just rush out and get your new pets, as well as a cage and all the associated accessories, it's important to spend some time learning about cavies' requirements. This way you can be sure to pick items which will match their needs perfectly.

The Cage

The majority of pet stores stock cages for guinea pigs. These are often a standard 'rodent cage', which can also be used for other pets like gerbils, mice, and rats.

The problem with these is that cavies are a lot bigger than other rodents, and so these cages often aren't large enough for your animals to live and exercise. Without enough room, your pets can become depressed, agitated, and even violent.

A much better alternative is to give your pets a 'C&C' cage. These can be built at home, and easily made larger if you'd like to add more space.

Flooring and Bedding

You should line your animals' cage with a generous layer of bedding. Guinea pigs don't burrow, so it doesn't need to be particularly thick, but it must give a soft surface for them to walk on, and give them something to sleep on.

An excellent way to do this is to line the cage's floor with paper, and cover it with a generous layer of wood shavings. Be sure to buy a hard wood like aspen, as soft woods can contain potentially dangerous chemicals.

Accessories and Toys

If you go into any pet store, you'll see a wide range of accessories and toys designed for guinea pigs. It is easy to think that your pets need these in order to be stimulated and entertained, but in reality they're mostly a waste of money - all your cavies require is plenty of room to run about and they'll be more than happy.

The only accessories your animals really need are a good quality food bowl and water bottle. Guinea pigs tend to make a lot of mess so you'll need to clean and replenish them regularly.

By: Pete L Matthews

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

To learn more about what guinea pig accessories you need to provide, check out Pete's guides to finding a suitable food bowl and water bottle for your pets' cage. Pete loves sharing his knowledge of cavies through his website. He can also be contacted directly to answer any questions you may have.