Guinea pigs make wonderful pets, but finding the right cage for them can be tricky. With so many options available, it’s important to consider key factors like size, materials, ease of cleaning, accessories, and cost when choosing a guinea pig habitat.
In this roundup, we’ve researched and reviewed the best guinea pig cages to help you make the best decision for your furry friend. We break down the pros and cons of each pick and provide specific recommendations based on budget and needs.
MidWest Guinea Habitat Cage
Where To Buy
The MidWest Guinea Habitat cage is a top seller on Amazon for good reason – it provides great value without breaking the bank. This cage is made from durable, heavy-duty canvas with a steel frame and offers about 8 square feet of space, meeting veterinary recommendations for guinea pigs.
Pros:
- Sturdy steel frame with double door access
- Canvas bottom is chew-proof, leak-proof and easy to clean
- Spacious 8 sq. ft. living space for 1-2 guinea pigs
- Budget-friendly price point under $60
- Easy no-tool assembly
Cons:
- 14″ height may be short for some guinea pigs
- No divider panel included in basic model
This straightforward habitat from trusted brand MidWest is ideal for guinea pig owners who want a high-quality yet affordable cage option. While it lacks some bells and whistles, it provides the essentials at a great value.
Living World Deluxe Hybrid Habitat
Where To Buy
For those willing to invest more for extra features and space, the Living World Deluxe Habitat is a fantastic choice. This hybrid cage has a wire frame upper portion and plastic bottom base to contain messes.
Pros:
- Lots of built-in accessories: balcony, ramp, food dish, hideaway space
- Ample room with over 10 square feet of floor space
- 24″ height accommodates multi-level hideaways
- Leak-proof plastic bottom for easy cleaning
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than basic wire cages
- May need extra fleece liners to cover plastic bottom
With its innovative design and engaging accessories, this cage helps create an enriching habitat that guinea pigs will love. The additional cost is justified by the extra features and quality construction.
Amazon Basics Canvas Bottom Cage with Divider
Where To Buy
For shoppers wanting an entry-level canvas cage at the lowest price, Amazon Basics delivers. This straightforward cage uses a steel frame and durable canvas bottom.
Pros:
- Very affordable price usually under $50
- Canvas bottom is comfortable and absorbent
- Comes with divider panel to separate spaces
- Easy to disassemble for storage or cleaning
- Good for indoor or outdoor use
Cons:
- Mixed reviews on durability of materials
- Some reports of flimsy assembly
While it may lack frills, this budget cage includes the must-have features at a very wallet-friendly cost. The Amazon Basics name ensures a quality product at an unbeatable value.
Eiiel Guinea Pig Cage for 2
Where To Buy
Need an extra spacious cage for a pair of pigs? The Eiiel habitat provides ample room along with an easy-clean liner.
Pros:
- Roomy design with over 8 sq. ft. of floor space
- Accommodates two guinea pigs comfortably
- Waterproof PVC liner contains messes
- Budget price under $40
Cons:
- Metal side panels instead of wire mesh
- Some concerns over flimsy or uneven assembly
If you need a cost-effective habitat for housing two guinea pigs, this product does the job affordably. While the quality may not equal premium brands, it makes up for it in value.
Buyer’s Guide
When choosing a guinea pig cage, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Size – Look for at least 7.5 square feet of floor space for 1-2 pigs; 10+ is ideal. Prioritize horizontal space over vertical.
- Materials – Canvas bottoms are comfortable yet durable and easy to clean. Wire mesh sides provide ventilation. Plastic can work but may need fleece liners.
- Ease of Cleaning – Leak-proof bottoms and access doors make cleaning simpler. Consider removable canvas or fleece liners.
- Accessories – Some cages come with built-in features like ramps, balconies, food bowls. Or you can purchase separately.
- Cost – Budget-friendly cages range from $40-$60. Premium habitats with more space and accessories run $90-$120.
What to Look for in a Guinea Pig Cage
When choosing the ideal guinea pig cage, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost is ensuring adequate space, as guinea pigs are active animals that require room to roam and exercise. The cage should provide at least 7.5 square feet of floor space for one or two guinea pigs, with more being ideal. Prioritize wide and long dimensions over height, as guinea pigs utilize horizontal space much more than vertical.
The cage flooring also matters – wire or mesh floors can injure guinea pig feet, so look for a solid, leak-proof bottom. Easy access doors will make cleaning maintenance and handling your guinea pigs a breeze. Proper ventilation is essential, but avoid drafts. Top materials for guinea pig cages include canvas and coroplast, which offer a durable yet comfortable habitat. Steer clear of aquariums or wire-bottomed cages which won’t meet guinea pigs’ needs. Go as big as possible to give your piggies enough area to play and explore.
Best Guinea Pig Bedding
When it comes to bedding for your guinea pig cage, aim for soft, absorbent materials that are both comfortable and hygienic. Popular options include fleece bedding, paper-based bedding, aspen wood shavings, and timothy hay. Fleece is a top choice for being reusable, warm, and cozy.
Paper bedding soaks up messes and is affordable. Aspen shavings are organic and low-dust. Hay allows guinea pigs to satisfy their natural foraging instinct. Avoid aromatic wood shavings like cedar or pine as well as heavily scented beddings. Spot clean the cage daily and fully change out soiled bedding at least once per week.
Best Guinea Pig Cage Liners
Finally, reusable fleece cage liners are highly recommended to simplify cleaning. Ideal liners fit the cage floor perfectly without gaps, have absorbent layers to prevent leaks, and raised edges that contain messes. Machine washable, durable fabrics that come in fun colors and patterns also make fleece liners great. Top brands for quality cage liners include GuineaDad and LuftPets. Invest in multiple liners so you always have a fresh one ready to swap in.
Let me know if you would like me to expand on any part of this summary. I can provide more details on cage materials, bedding options, or liner features as needed.
When to Ask an Expert about Guinea Pig Cages
Choosing the right guinea pig cage involves considering many factors for your pet’s health and happiness. It’s smart to consult a small animal care expert if you have questions about:
- Recommended cage size for your guinea pig number and age
- Ideal cage materials and flooring for safety and comfort
- Accessories like ramps, bedding, hay racks to include
- Proper cage set-up and placement in your home
- Cleaning maintenance tips and schedule
- Transitioning your guinea pig into a new habitat
Getting cage recommendations tailored to your guinea pig’s needs ensures you pick the healthiest home for them. Services like Easy Vet Answer connect you to verified exotic pet experts online to get cage guidance affordably without leaving your home. Investing in the proper housing pays off with years of guinea pig fun ahead.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the perfect cage for your guinea pigs, consider your budget and needs to select the right habitat. For a complete home with great value, we recommend the MidWest Guinea Habitator the Living World Deluxe for its engaging accessories. The Amazon Basics canvas cage is also a quality budget pick under $50.
Provide your guinea pigs with a cage that gives them adequate space, comfort and enrichment, and they’ll reward you with endless entertainment and companionship for years to come.
