Best Cage for Guinea Pigs –
Vet-Approved Choices in 2022

Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM

January 10, 2022

There is so much misinformation going around – even in big pet stores around the country. Cages that are recommended can be too small or downright dangerous.

When it comes to safety and security, there are several important considerations.
– Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM

Since we want to provide vet-approved and correct information so that pets can have a happy and healthy life, we want to talk about not just feeding, but cages and other pet gear too. Having the right knowledge will help to be a responsible pet parent who ensures their pet will thrive and flourish.

So how can you pick the best cage for guinea pigs? What is the adequate size and which products are popular among pet owners, have been proven to work, and are approved by vets?

Let’s have a look at our top choices before moving on to more detail about guinea pig cages.

These highly popular guinea pig cages have been proven to check out the key factors which are

• size (minimum of 7.5 square feet per pair of piggies)
• safety
• ease of cleaning

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They have been tested in practice by many piggy owners and approved by vets. If you’re in a hurry, you can just pick any one of these and be sure your pets will love it.

And if you’re interested in more information, just scroll down to keep reading.

Best Guinea Pig Cage for Two

Because guinea pigs are social animals, they should always be housed together with one or more piggies. It’s important for their wellbeing and health.

Here are 3 of the most popular guinea pigs cages for two guinea pigs.

1. Guinea Habitat Plus Guinea Pig Cage by Midwest – The Top Choice

Wildly popular, easy to keep clean, reasonably priced, and expandable. Build your perfect cage! Check the price here.

Key Features

• Highly recommended and widely used
• 8 square feet of space (vet-approved)
• Dimensions: 47 x 24 x 14 inches
• Easy access with a folding top
• You can separate feeding and playing areas with a panel
• The canvas bottom is washable and easy to clean
• Setting up the cage is easy
• You can use to top as an outside run
• Safe and secure

Our Review

This Midwest habitat is praised by many guinea pig owners because it has basically everything you could ask for at a reasonable price.

First of all, it is adequately sized for two guinea pigs and can be expanded when needed. So you can start with the standard version, and as your piggies grow, you can provide them with more space if needed.

The PVC-lined canvas on the bottom prevents any leaks and is easily removed for washing. The material is durable and comfortable for your cavies while also being easy to wash and keep clean.

There is a divider that helps you keep the ”feed & potty” area separate from the play area. It will be much easier to keep the cage clean, sanitary, and smell-free by separating these two sections.

The folding mesh top allows you to access the cage easily when feeding, cleaning, or taking care of your piggies. It also protects them from other pets like cats and dogs, and if you want to take the cage outside when the weather allows it, the top also serves as protection from predators.

Because you can easily detach the bottom, you can use the top as protection if your piggies are feasting on the grass in your backyard. You don’t have to worry about predators or buying a separate run for the outdoors.

All in all, this is an excellent choice for both first-time piggy parents and owners who want to upgrade their pet’s habitat to a larger one that is easily shaped according to your needs. And this is why:

Pros

• Provides enough space for two piggies
• Can be expanded when needed
• Easy to access through the folding top
• Canvas bottom is comfortable, washable, and easy to clean
• Can be divided into two separate areas to keep sanitary
• Can be used as an outside run in the summer
• Quick assembly

Cons

• You might need to extend the cage for two adult males

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2. Ferplast Krolik XXL – Complete Package

A big and sturdy cage that comes with two water bottles and hay feeders. The perfect package for two guinea pigs. See the latest price.

Key Features

• 10.5 square feet
• Large with adequate space for two piggies
• 2 water bottles, 2 hay feeders, and a feeding bowl included
• Easily washed and kept clean
• Extension available for both ends
• Easy to access from openings
• Quick assembly with no tools required
• 5.5″ deep bottom tray for bedding
• Dimensions: 63.8 x 23.62 x 19.68

Our Review

This is another highly popular habitat among experienced guinea pig owners. Especially if you’re planning to use paper or aspen bedding, this cage has an ideal 5.5″ deep bottom that keeps the bedding inside and prevents your pets from making a mess.

The cage is large and provides ample space for two or three guinea pigs with extensions that you can attach to each end to expand the cage when needed.

The cage already includes two water bottles and two hay feeders, plus a food bowl and an elevated feeding area that provides a hiding area as well. However, with two guinea pigs, you’ll need to get at least another hide – and toys, of course.

The large opening in the front gives you easy access to the cage for feeding and upkeep cleaning, and the top detaches easily when it’s time for a more thorough cleanup. Because the bottom is made with sturdy and washable plastic, it’s easy to keep clean and smell-free.

The cage is easy to assemble once you figure out how the pieces are set and aligned but might need a bit of figuring out the first time you do it.

Still, this well-liked cage is a top choice for your piggies in terms of space, easy cleaning, durability, and accessories.

Pros

• Adequately sized for 2-3 guinea pigs
• Extensions for both ends to expand the cage
• Includes 2 water bottles and 2 hay feeders
• Has an elevated area that provides shelter too
• Easy to access through the openings
• Deep bottom tray to keep the bedding inside

Cons

• Assembling the cage may need some figuring out in the beginning

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3. SONGMICS Fence Cage with Bottom – Best C&C -type cage

This reasonably priced and customizable habitat offers ample space for 2-3 guinea pigs. It’s easy to keep clean, safe, and sturdy. Check the price here.

Key Features

• 10.5 square feet for 2-3 piggies
• Customizable and expandable
• Easy-to-clean plastic
• The plastic floor keeps the messes inside
• Safe and sturdy materials
• 17.7-inch-high side panels for safety
• Dimensions 56.3″L x 28.7″W x 18.1″H

Contents of package:

• 8 x Plastic sheets (13.8″ x 13.8″)
• 27 x Plastic connectors
• 30 x Cable ties
• 1 x Rubber mallet (0.4 lbs)

Our Review

This C&C-type cage is another excellent choice for your piggies. This kind of habitat is also very trendy as you can expand and modify it endlessly.

Often cages like these have bars or a wire mesh, but the plastic is safer, looks more stylish, and gives you a better view of what’s going on inside the cage.

This Songmics cage provides a good-sized cage for two or even three piggies at 10.5 square feet and can be customized depending on where you’re placing the setup. The sides are 17.7. inches high, so it’s safe, prevents escaping, and your piggies won’t be able to chew on bars.

Because it’s reasonably priced, you can also choose to get another set and create a huge living area for your pack of piggies.

The cage comes with a plastic floor that will help keep the assembly sturdy while also preventing urine and other messes from ruining the floor underneath. Yet, it’s not leak-proof, so you do need to use cage liners to be safe.

You can place cage liners, fleece, or even bathmats to make the floors soft and comfy for your guinea pigs and create a separate feeding area if you wish. The setup is large enough to fit toys, tunnels, hides, and anything else you might want to pamper your pets with. With this setup, the possibilities are endless.

Pros

• Large with 10.5 square feet of space
• Fits 2-3 guinea pigs
• Customizable and expandable
• Safe materials
• Sturdy setup
• Easy to keep clean
• Plastic floor to prevent mess

Cons

• The bottom is not leak-proof, so you need cage liners

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Best Playpen for Guinea Pigs

Most owners want to give their guinea pigs playtime outside the cage. Even if your pets have a large cage, they need stimulation and diversity in their everyday activities.

The safest way to do this is to have a separate playpen, where you can set up a play area with different kinds of toys, activities, and treats.

Here are our favorite guinea pig playpens for offering your piggy a safe and fun daily excursion outside the cage. It will keep them active, offer them exercise, and provide a welcome change in their daily routine.

Prevue Small Pet Playpen – Editor’s Pick

A popular steel mesh playpen for guinea pigs to offer safe playtime outside the cage. See the latest price here.

Key Features

• The package includes 9 panels (13″ x 9″)
• Wire spacing 3/8
• 4 square feet play area
• Pet-safe materials
• You can add a liner to prevent messes

Our Review

This sturdy and good-sized playpen is well-liked by numerous guinea pig owners because it’s affordable, durable, and easy to assemble. It enables you to interact with your pets and give them some fun playtime outside the cage.

The enclosure can be set up as such if you don’t mind some mess on the floor, or you can use fleece or puppy pads to prevent urine and poo from getting on the floor.

When used outside, this playpen is great for preventing your guinea pigs from escaping while they enjoy a mouthful of fresh grass – but keep an eye on them as the playpen does not automatically come with a top that would protect them from other animals.

Luckily, a great option is to include the matching Prevue Playpen Mat/Cover with the pen when buying. It’s made of vinyl and can be used as a leak-proof mat that protects the floors or as a cover to protect guinea pigs from the sun and predators.

Pros

• Easy to assemble and keep clean
• A matching leak-proof liner available
• Safe materials and suitable bar spacing
• Can be used inside and outside

Cons

• Some skilled escape artists may be able to get out, so keep an eye on your pets

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Amakunft Small Animals Pop Open Playpen – Best for Travel

Large but lightweight and foldable playpen that is easy to take along and can be used as a temporary habitat when traveling. Check the price on Amazon.

Key Features

• 10 square feet of play area
• Lightweight and foldable
• Transparent sides
• Durable and easy to keep clean
• Easy to open up and fold back

Our Review

This Amakunft playpen is an excellent choice because it folds away nicely, is lightweight, and easy to take along if you’re traveling. It also offers your guinea pigs a huge 10 square feet area to play in. Just fill it with toys and let your piggies enjoy playtime.

The playpen comes in one piece, and it’s easy to open for use. Within seconds, it pops right open and can be folded back into the pouch just as quickly. When folded, the playpen is only 8.6 inches in diameter and thin. It’s easy to take with you even if you’re taking your guinea pigs to a friend’s house or hotel. It’s also easy to store, and it takes up very little space when not in use.

The net of the side panels ensures ventilation and enables you to see what’s going on inside the playpen. It also makes it easier for you to interact with your piggies and keep an eye on them.

The fabric on the bottom is not leak-proof, so you’ll need to use fleece or cage liners to protect the pen and the surface under it. However, the playpen is washable, so you can easily clean it if accidents do happen.

Another minor downside is the fact that for heavy chewers, this is not a chew-proof option, and you have to keep an eye on your pet. If you have a guinea pig that will chew on everything, we suggest checking out the Prevue Playpen above.

However, if you want something compact, lightweight, and portable that can serve as a travel pen, then this is your ideal choice.

Pros

• Large play area but compact when folded
• Lightweight and easy to carry along
• Durable
• Good ventilation
• Very easy to use and keep clean

Cons

• Not chew-proof
• Not leak-proof

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Guinea pigs, just like gerbils, mice, and hamsters, are considered ”pocket pets.” However, unlike their cousins, guinea pigs need much bigger living arrangements.

Guinea pigs need spacious cages with big enough areas to differentiate several separate areas. They need a place for sleeping, playing, grazing, and foraging.

When it comes to guinea pig cages, the general rule of thumb is – the bigger, the better.

To be more precise, according to the Humane Society of the United States, one guinea pig needs a living area of no less than 7.5 square feet (or about 30″x 36″). However, the ideal size would be 10.5 square feet.

Since guinea pigs are social animals that generally live in small packs, we always recommend having at least two or more guinea pigs. This affects the size of the cage.

If going for a cage that can comfortably fit more than one guinea pig, you need to have the following numbers in mind:

• The minimum cage size for 2 guinea pigs is 7.5 square feet (the ideal cage being 10.5 square feet or more).
• The minimum cage size for 3 guinea pigs is 10.5 square feet (the ideal cage being 13 square feet or more).
• The minimum cage size for 4 guinea pigs is 13 square feet (the ideal cage being 15 square feet or more).

Vet Tip! If housing male guinea pigs, you should always choose a cage that is one size bigger to avoid confrontation due to a small living area.

With so many different guinea pig cages available on the market, picking the right one can be a challenging task. To successfully navigate through the plethora of choices, carefully review the following considerations.

1. Multi-level cages

In theory, multi-level cages are great – they are spacious on the inside without taking too much area of your floor and offer more exploration opportunities for your guinea pig.

However, in practice, it is wiser to invest in a one-level cage as most guinea pigs are scared of heights. Even climbing up small ramps can make them stressed and insecure.

Basically, you can provide your guinea pig with a multi-level cage and see how things work out. If your guinea pigs climb the upper levels, that is great, and if it uses only the bottom floor, then you should re-invest in a one-level cage.

Remember that you should always make sure the ramps are safe and secure to

2. Material

The materials used for building the enclosure are worth careful reviewing as they are vital for your piggy’s safety and comfort. The materials also determine the durability of the cage.

Basically, since guinea pigs are inclined to chew, wood is out of the question. Fish tanks and cages with metal grates on the bottom are also to be avoided – the first lack proper ventilation, and the latter can cause serious damage to the legs if your guinea pig accidentally slips.

The ideal cage for guinea pigs is made of sturdy and plastic bottom and metal wires on the sides and top. The latches connecting the bottom and wires should be made of a chew-proof material.

3. Ventilation

Guinea pigs are sensitive to draft, but they do need proper ventilation. If the cage is of the hutch type, search for a model featuring a balcony.

Proper airflow is important for two basic reasons – maintaining normal temperature and preventing ammonia buildup. If using a regular mesh wire cage, then you do not have to worry about ventilation as this type of cage enables adequate airflow.

4. Ease of cleaning 

The guinea pig cage needs regular cleaning, which means you want a model that comes with a big opening and does not require too much hassle when assembling.

Wire cages with plastic bottoms are relatively easy to clean – they can be washed under the shower and dried with a clean cloth.

If possible, try looking for a cage featuring rounded edges as waste tends to build up in corners and is harder to remove once settled inside the corners of the cage.

5. Safety and security

When it comes to safety and security, there are several important considerations. First, you need to pick a cage that features a solid bottom as grated metal bottoms are associated with serious injuries – cuts, strains, and even fractures.

Secondly, the wire bars need to be properly spaced – you do not want your piggy’s head, body, or limbs getting stuck between the bars.

Finally, the cage needs to be made of guinea pig-proof materials – materials your piggy cannot chew through and escape. This also concerns the latches.

6. Additional accessories

Some guinea pig cage models feature unique additions like balconies, access ramps, and built-in hideout houses.

What is more, some models are more of starter kits and include basic gadgets like food bowls, water bottles, hay racks or feeders, and even chew toys. Finding a model that comes with the previously described features spares you the need for additional shopping.

However, some pet stores sell starter kits where the cage size is too small and will quickly need to be upgraded as the piggies grow.

7. Assembly requirements – time, tools 

The perfect guinea pig cage should be assembled and ready to use in no more than a few moments. If a cage requires too much time or even tools to be set up, it is not the most convenient choice.

Keep in mind that you will need to break into pieces and then re-assemble the cage every time it needs proper cleaning. In terms of assembly requirements, cages featuring several latches are basically the most convenient choice.

8. Ease of transportation 

Sometimes there might be an opportunity for traveling together with your guinea pig. In such cases, you will need a guinea pig cage that is easy to carry and transport.

An easily transportable cage is also important when having scheduled visits at the vet’s office. Since usually adequately sized guinea pig cages are too big and difficult to travel with, we recommend getting a smaller travel crate for vet visits.

For simple relocations of the cage around the house, some guinea pig cage models feature wheels at the bottom. This makes it exceptionally easy to clean the area around and below the cage.

Also, many piggy owners get their pets a special playpen to offer them more space for playing, or if possible, a run that can be used in the backyard.

Some guinea pig cages are already equipped with the basic tools and gadgets, while others come alone, and you need to make additional purchases. To ensure your guinea pig has everything it needs, remember the following essentials.

Bedding 

The ideal bedding for your guinea pig is made of paper or perhaps aspen or fleece.

Pine and cedar beddings are frequently used, but you should avoid them because of two main safety reasons. First, they can cause respiratory irritations, and secondly, many guinea pigs are allergic to them and can develop skin rashes.

It goes without saying that the bedding needs regular changing – preferably a few times per week.

Read more: Best Bedding For Guinea Pigs – Vet-Approved Choices

Food bowl

Every guinea pig needs a food bowl. Food bowls for guinea pigs are usually made of ceramics or non-toxic plastic and are available in various sizes.

Some can be attached to the cage, which prevents flipping and food spilling, while others are placed on the floor.

Water bottle 

The ideal water container option for guinea pigs is the gravity water bottle that drips water when the guinea pig applies pressure on the metal spout.

The modern market offers various gravity water bottles – different sizes, designs, nozzle types, materials, and attachment mechanisms.

Hay feeder

The hay feeder or hay rack might not be considered essential since you can also serve hay by placing a pig pile on the cage floor. Guinea pigs love to hide in the hay, but it can also get dirty very quickly. It’s is better to equip your piggy’s cage with both a food bowl and a hay feeder that still provides your piggies with easy access to the hay.

Having a separate hay feeder or rack is important because guinea pigs thrive on high-quality hay and need it daily. The hay rack is reserved for hay and the food bowl for other daily and occasional treats like leafy greens, veggies, and fruits.

Hide houses

At their core, guinea pigs are prey animals meaning they need safe places to hide and feel secure. The need to hide and seek shelter is engraved deep into their genetic code.

There are no imminent threats in their modern living environment, but guinea pigs still need a hide house in which they can go when feeling unwell, stressed, afraid, or simply when needing some alone time.

There is a vast array of commercially available hideouts for guinea pigs, or you can make one on your own from carved wood, cardboard boxes, or PVC piping.

Understandably, if housing several guinea pigs in the same enclosure, each guinea pig must have its own personal hide house. Simply put, the minimum number of hiding houses in the cage must equal the number of guinea pigs.

Bed

Just like you and me, your guinea pig needs a nice and cozy bed. There are different types of beds for guinea pigs, but plush beds and hammocks are trendy.

Ideally, you should provide your guinea pig with two beds – one in the open area of the cage and the other inside the hideout.

Related: Best Guinea Pig Beds in 2022

Toys

Guinea pigs are social and interactive critters that love to play. There are thousands of toy choices for guinea pigs.

Some of the most popular toys include tunnels, digging toys, chewing toys, climbing toys, toys with hidden surprises, and hay balls.

Once you selected the ideal cage for your guinea pig and bought all the equipment that needs to be installed inside the enclosure, it is time to set up the cage.

Most guinea pig cages come with setting up instructions and are relatively straightforward to set up – just putting together several pieces without using special tools.

After you set up the cage, you need to find the perfect location. When deciding about the location, you need to pay extra attention to several critical factors – temperature, drought, noise, and traffic.

Temperature

Guinea pigs are sensitive creatures that like to live in environments with little temperature variations. Basically, you need to set up the cage in a place that is neither too cold nor too hot.

More accurately, the temperature in the ideal living environment for a guinea pig must be between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 and 23.8 degrees Celsius).

The cage must never be set near stoves and fireplaces and should not be exposed to direct sunlight as heat can be detrimental for guinea pigs. Similarly, the cage must not be directly exposed to air conditioners and other cooling devices.

Draft

The cage needs to be set in a well-ventilated but not drafty location. If exposed to draft guinea pigs can easily develop respiratory issues and get sick. Therefore, the cage must not be near windows and balcony doors.

You can check whether a particular location is safe for your guinea pig by spending some time sitting there. If you cannot feel any draft, it is safe to set up the cage, and if there is a draft, you should keep searching.

Noise

Guinea pigs are highly noise-sensitive critters that prefer living in secluded and quiet surroundings. Heavy and frequent noises can make them stressed and nervous. Sadly, stress deteriorates the guinea pig’s quality of life and can hurt its lifespan.

Traffic

It may sound unusual, but the list of things guinea pigs are sensitive to is quite long – guinea pigs are also delicate when it comes to traffic. Too much traffic and sudden movements frighten them.

This means the center of your living room is off-limits. Instead, it would be best if you chose a calm and low-traffic corner area of the house where your guinea pig will feel safe and comfortable.

The price of guinea pig cages varies considerably based on several different factors like quality, materials, size, and included equipment.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300 or even more. However, the average guinea pig cage prize is estimated to be around $100.

Alternatively, instead of buying, you can make your own cage. However, if trying to build something durable and lasting, the materials alone are likely to cost the same as the average store-bought version. Plus, you will have to invest time and effort in building the cage.

Are multi-level cages good for guinea pigs?

Multi-level cages are usually not recommended for guinea pigs because they can easily fall down from an upper level and injure themselves.

However, it is possible to have a multi-level cage for guinea pigs with certain considerations.

First of all, guinea pigs need room for running around, so you can’t divide the recommended cage size into multiple floors. However, if your guinea pigs have adequate floor space on one level, there is no reason why you couldn’t provide additional space by setting up a second floor.

If you plan to set up a multi-level cage for your piggies, you should remember that safety is vital. You need to build the floors and ramps so that there is no risk of falling. Also, the ramps should not be made of metal wires because they can hurt your guinea pigs’ feet.

Do indoor guinea pigs smell?

Guinea pigs shouldn’t smell bad.

Of course, they have a special scent to them, as does the bedding in their cage, the hay, and the food you feed them. Their urine will also smell, as will their feces.

However, if you keep your guinea pigs’ cage clean, you feed them a balanced diet, your piggies are healthy, and they are grooming themselves; your guinea pigs or their cage shouldn’t have an unpleasant odor.

Boars may have a stronger smell to them than sows because of their grease glands, but in general, guinea pigs don’t smell. If your guinea pig or the cage smells bad, you should make sure you’re cleaning it properly and that your pet is not sick.

It is important to remember that there is no universally good, one-type-fits-all kind of cage for guinea pigs.

Every guinea pig is different and has its own needs. Also, owners have their preferences, and your home may also set some limits to what kind of a cage suites you and your piggies the best.

However, this article reviews some of the best guinea pig cages. After reading those reviews and considering your piggy’s needs, you will definitely find the perfect match.

Vet’s Comment

My 4-year-old guinea pig Izzy has a standard wired cage with a plastic bottom and a plethora of different toys for entertainment. She also spends a couple of hours per day outside.

If you have outdoor access, this is the ideal combination for a guinea pig. However, it means you will have to invest in two cages – one for inside the house and the other for the backyard.

With that being said, I must emphasize the importance of chew toys for guinea pigs as these little critters are prone to dental issues.

– Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM

NOTE: Advice provided within this article by FeedingMyPet.com is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Please discuss your pet’s specific dietary needs (based on his breed, weight, age, and health status) with a veterinarian.

Read Next:

> Best Food For Guinea Pigs – Vet-Approved Choices
> Best Hay For Guinea Pigs in 2022
> What Should Guinea Pigs Eat?