Q&A for How to Set Up a Guinea Pig Cage

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Are exercise wheels good or not?

Community Answer

No. Exercise wheels and "hamster balls" are never good to put your guinea pig in. They put strain on their delicate spines and can harm them, as they don't have flexible spines like other rodents.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 19
Question

Should I feed it carrots? They seem to really love them.

Community Answer

Yes. Guinea pigs are allowed to have carrots, just make sure you only give them fruits and vegetables as an occasional treat.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 14 Helpful 17
Question

Can I put my guinea pig's cage in my bedroom?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

Of course. Be aware that guinea pigs poo and wee a lot, so the smell won't be too attractive. Their hay also creates a distinct odor in the room. You can help maintain odors by spot cleaning daily and deep cleaning every week. Your room will have to be well ventilated to control certain smells. Opening your window during the day will suffice.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 18
Question

I use pine shvings but I put lots of hay over it. Is it still ok?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

You can use pine shavings as long as it's kiln-dried or dust extracted. Guinea pigs have sensitive lungs, and are prone to URI's commonly caused by dust and ammonia in their environment.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
Question

How often do I need to let my guinea pigs out to roam around my room if they have a large indoor hutch? Or should I let them out every day?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

1-2 hours of floor time is recommended each day. This is to provide your guinea pig with enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. However, this is a rule of thumb. Adjust the times according to you.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 14
Question

Should I put a pile of bedding in one place in the cage so they can go in it or no?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

If you'd like your guinea pig to burrow, I would recommend placing a pile of hay in one corner. Guinea pigs love to forage, burrow, and play inside hay piles. Bedding may not be as effective for burrowing. Remember to place multiple hiding spots around the cage as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
Question

Can I use felt for the floor?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

You will need to purchase an absorbent fleece lining made of 100% polyester. Felt likely won't be as effective because it is quite thin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
Question

Do I have to use a cage? Can I let my guinea pigs ‘free roam’?

Maddie Rose

Community Answer

A cage is preferred to provide more comfort and stability for the pig. However, free roaming is generally okay, as long as the area is guinea pig proof, free of drafts/breezes, and away from predators. Always make sure to provide a “home-base” area where the pig can eat, sleep and find shelter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
Question

When you use fleece, do you put a towel down, then the fleece blanket on top?

Maddie Rose

Community Answer

Any absorbent layer underneath the fleece is acceptable. Towels are a great option, and some other alternatives include puppy pads and newspapers.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

What do I do if my guinea pig keeps trying to eat my clothes?

Maddie Rose

Community Answer

It is best to remove the clothes from around/in the guinea pig's environment entirely, as guinea pigs have constantly growing teeth and their natural instinct is to chew and nibble.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

How long do you need to set up the cage before you buy the guinea pig?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

The cage is fine to be set up anytime before you bring your guinea pig home. For preparation purposes, it's always good to set things up early-on to make sure that the cage is adequate and, if need be, you can add anything that's missing.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0