Indoor housing
trained they often go to the toilet where they are
eating. Putting a hay rack by a litter tray is a good
idea. Droppings can be swept off the fleece everyday, the fleece then can be washed once a week.
C&C cages
► C&C cages are the best way to house your
Guinea Pig indoors. They take a little more time to
construct but are much cheaper than pet shop
cages which are expensive and often too small.
► Once built, toys, hidey huts and tunnels can
make your pets home into a Guinea Pig palace!
For a guide on how to build your C&C cage try:
http://www.guineapigcages.com
MANCHESTER & SALFORD
BRANCH
Size measurements for C&C cages
To build one you only need:
Storage grids/cubes
(To make the structure of the cage).
They should measure 9 squares x 9 squares. DO
NOT use grids with inner square spaces greater
than 1.5 inches. It costs around £20 for 24 grids.
Coroplast (sign making plastic) and zip ties
(To make the base of
the cage).
Can be bought from
sign making shops for
around £5-£10 for a
large sheet of various
colours. Zip ties should
be used to secure grids
together.
► The base can be lined with a sheet/fleece and
hay placed in litter trays and hay racks. Although
Guinea Pigs are rarely able to be litter-
Number of
Pigs
Min. Size of
In grids
cage in inches
1
91 x 76cm
2 x 3 grids
2
127 x 76cm
2 x 4 grids
3
157 x 76cm
2 x 5 grids
4
193 x 76cm
2 x 6 grids
Final tips:
►Hutches can be lined with newspaper and wood
shavings. Never use sawdust as this causes respiratory problems. With indoor cages it is less messy to
use a fleece to line the base with litter trays containing newspaper and hay on top. If you would like to be
more environmentally friendly you can buy recycled
small animal litter. Never use cat litter.
►If you decide to buy a pet shop indoor cage follow
the measurement guide above, but remember more
space is always better. Guinea Pigs like to run laps
and need the room. Pairs of boars need lots of space!
Guide to Guinea Pig
Housing
3
Registered Charity 232255
Housing: The Options
Outdoor housing
Shed
Hutch and run
►Creating a suitable home for your Guinea Pigs
is arguably the most important part of their
care. Sadly, many pigs spend their entire lives
trapped in a tiny hutch at the bottom of the garden. Not only is this cruel to your pig but you will
never experience their fascinating, natural behaviour. This leaflet will give you many great housing
ideas to inspire you and your pet!
►Guinea Pigs can live both outdoors and indoors,
but ideally they should live indoors to receive as
much attention as possible.
►Styles of suitable outdoor housing:
Hutch (5ft x 2ft x 2ft) with access to a large
run—ideally permanently accessible.
Garden shed with hutch inside.
A shed is by far the best set up for Guinea
Pigs. They are spacious and can be locked at
night.
►Styles of suitable indoor housing:
C&C cage
A cheap, large and versatile home for your
pet.
Certain pet shop cages
Most are pet shop cages are far too small,
even ones marketed for rabbits. Check dimensions with our measurement chart.
► The hutch should be at least 5ft x 2ft x 2ft,
waterproof with a secure run permanently
attached.
►Sheds often make a large and adaptable home
for your Guinea Pigs. They can be bought
cheaply online and can range in sizes, a 6ft x 4ft is
a perfect size to start with.
►Guinea pigs need a minimum of 2-5 hours of
exercise per day in a secure, weatherproofed
run. A run attached to the hutch is ideal. It must
be strong enough to keep your pet safe from
predators. .
► They can be customised to include a hutch,
toys, litter trays and hidey huts. Food and hay can
also be stored inside on shelves.
► Fill the run with toys and hidey places so your
pig feels safe and can play. Pet carriers make
handy shelters in case it rains.
►Line the shed with kitchen lino (can be bought
for a few pounds) so it can be swept/wiped clean.
► Make sure your shed is fitted with a lock for
security.
► Sheds can also be divided into 2 sections (if
space is sufficient) so 2 groups of pigs can live side
by side.
A money saving idea...
Try looking for sheds on Ebay and other
auction sites. They are often much cheaper than
buying one new.