Your guinea pigs’ housing should have several safe hiding places so that they can hide if they feel scared, including the main shelter(s), cardboard boxes and tunnels. The main shelter(s) should be secure with plenty of soft, safe bedding such as clean, dry hay and straw or shredded paper. Make sure any lining used in the main living area is dust free. The housing should also have toilet areas available separate to their sleeping areas, you can use newspaper, hay/straw and/or a paper based non-expanding litter. Your guinea pigs should have a constant fresh supply of good-quality feeding hay, placed in hay racks and areas that are separate to the bedding area. There should also be fresh, clean water constantly available.
Guinea pigs can be kept indoors, but it is important that you gradually get your guinea pigs used to common household sights sounds and noises. All areas that your guinea pigs move around in should be fully proofed to ensure that they are safe and protected from hazards. For example, all electric cables should be covered to stop your guinea pigs from chewing on them and any house plants should either be safe for guinea pigs or kept out of the way. You should also make sure the flooring is non-slip as slippy floors can cause injury and stress.
Your guinea pigs should also be kept away from radiators and their space should be kept well ventilated, the temperature for your guineas’ housing should ideally be kept at between 17-20 degrees celcius – some warmer areas of your house may be too hot. You should have a toilet area for each of your guineas which is separate from their bedding area. It’s also important that you provide plenty of enrichment through toys, platforms, hay and grass plants.
The essentials you will need to make the perfect set up for your guinea pigs:
Lots of tasty Excel hay! Excel nuggets Excel treats Guinea pig-proofed space Non-slip flooring Food bowl Water bowl Hay rack Litter tray & filling Hidey holes/tunnels Boredem breakers Bedding hay Guinea pig-safe cleaning products
