Guinea pigs are some of the best companions. They’re fun, chatty, gentle and very sociable. They’re great with kids and don’t need a lot of maintenance except for some occasional grooming. Plus, they’re very clever. If you decide to get one or two for your home, you should try to make their life as cosy and as comfortable as possible.

Cosy Hutch

Once you decide to get this adorable animal, the first thing to invest in is the hutch. This is their home and the place where they’ll spend the majority of their time. So, make sure it’s built from strong and durable materials. Don’t forget, it should also look good. The animals won’t know, but it’s great if you have a nice-looking hutch in the backyard.

The first thing you should think about when buying these spacious and comfortable guinea pigs’ cages is their size. This is a factor that’s determined by how many guinea pigs you’ll have. It’s a good idea to get them in pairs because they’re very sociable and will often get lonely. If there’s two of them, go for a hutch that’s 1300 mm x 850 mm x 490 mm. In case you’re getting more than two, expand the size proportionally for every additional animal.

Make sure the pigs have separate sleeping areas and a bigger area for eating and playing. The ideal mix of materials is wire mesh and wood. Choose a solid wood that will be difficult for them to gnaw through. The hutch should also be waterproof because it’ll stay outside. Don’t compromise on the wire mesh. It has to be there because of ventilation. Make sure the floor is solid to keep them safe and comfortable.

The entrance doors must be spacious and simple for people to open. Cleaning and maintenance will be much easier this way. Add removable trays on the floor to make the cleaning process even less time-consuming. Always lift the hutch off the floor. This will shield it from moisture and damage and defend the guinea pigs from predators.

It’s also crucial to consider the bedding materials inside. The two most common choices are fleece and hay. They are both inexpensive and simple to change. When it comes to design, you have plenty of options. The hutches can be plain, square, have an extension at the front like a small yard, with two or more stories. Some are even shaped like a tent.

Simple Water Bottle

Make sure your tiny pals can readily sip from the water bottle before picking one for them. Many guinea pig owners use the standard water bottle with large ball tips at the end. You can test it yourself. Just spin the ball with your finger. If there’s a small amount of water falling out, just a few drips, it’s not suitable for your pets. They’ll have to struggle a lot to get a sip.

If the guinea pig was used to drinking from a bowl, try placing the bottle at the same spot as the bowl. This way, it won’t have trouble finding its water source. The usual recommended height of the bottle should be at the pigs’ shoulder height. Each guinea pig that lives in the cage should have its own bottle. This way no one will be chased off and be left without water.

Practical Hay Bag

If you want something extra in the hutch, add a hay bag. These bags are there to keep the hay organised and make it easily accessible. Plus, it’s less messy and reduces cleaning time. More guinea pigs means a bigger bag and vice versa. When it comes to materials, cotton is the most common material they’re made of. For adjusting the height, they have hooks on the back.

Some have Velcro enclosures at the top, which prevent the animals from diving inside the bag and give you easy access in case you need to add or remove some hay. Hay bags for guinea pigs’ cages come in a variety of designs, styles, and colours, ranging from exciting, themed bags to simple neutrals.

Don’t Forget the Food Bowls

The piggy cage should have enough space to hold the pigs’ food bowls. In general, these animals need 60-100g of fresh fruits or vegetables and 16g of pellets. Look for bowls that can hold this food quantity. Of course, keep the dry and wet foods separate so they’re fresh all the time.

The guinea pig’s size determines the bowl’s height. The animal should be able to reach and take food from the bowl without a lot of effort and straining. Each pig should have its own bowl to prevent fighting over food or overconsumption. Guinea pigs are clean animals so keep the food away from their sleeping area and the place where they go to the bathroom.

Fun Hidey Houses and Tunnels

Hidey houses and tunnels in the hutch are a must. The hidey house acts as a safe space and provides the pig with a place to sleep, relax and rest. When it feels some danger or needs some peace, the pig can go inside and enjoy it. Hides come in several types. Wooden ones are very popular because of their sturdiness and their natural look.

There are also pigloos, or plastic igloos. They’re moulded houses that can be found in many different colours. They look fun and colourful but are lightweight and the pig can tip them over. Some guinea pig owners prefer fleece hideouts because they’re fun. They’re soft, warm and come in a range of designs. Other popular items are the snuggle sacks and sleeping bags. They’re warm, cosy and comfortable.

If you want your pets to have a good time and a lot of fun, install tunnels. They can be the perfect hideaway space, and the place where they can play. They often come in kits, but you can also buy them separately. Look at the size of your guinea pig and determine the size and diameter of the tunnels. You don’t want to deal with an animal stuck in a tunnel.