Guinea pigs are wonderful pets. These small, chatty creatures are great companions, are very fun and gentle and quite sociable. They’re easy to tame and work perfectly with children. Of course, there should be an adult present when it’s time for grooming. These animals are also very clever and can comprehend things. But there are some things you can do to make their life happier and more comfortable.
Buy a Hutch
The hutch is the first thing you should buy for your guinea pig. It’s their home, the place where they’ll spend the majority of their time. That’s why it should be built from strong and durable materials. And of course, it should look good. The guinea pig won’t know this, but it’s always nicer to have a good-looking, spacious guinea pig’s hutches in the yard.
The first thing to consider is the size of the hutch. This depends on how many of these animals you’re getting. It’s recommended that you always get them in pairs because they’re very sociable and can get lonely. If you’re getting 2, the dimensions should be around 1300mmx850mmx490mm. If you’re getting more than 2, the size should expand proportionally for any additional guinea pig.
Make sure they have divided spaces for sleeping and a larger area where they can play and eat. When it comes to materials, wood and wire mesh are the best combination. Go for a sturdy wood that they won’t chew through easily. Also, make sure it’s waterproof because it’ll stay outside. The wire mesh is a must because of ventilation. A solid floor would keep them comfortable and safe.
The access doors should be large and easy to open (for humans). This will make the cleaning and maintenance process much easier for you. Removable trays underneath are also practical and time-saving. Always raise the hutch from the ground. This will protect the guinea pigs from predators and the hutch from dampness and damage.
The bedding materials inside are also important. The two most popular options are hay and fleece. Both of them are easy to change and won’t cost a fortune. Design-wise, you have plenty of choices. They can be plain, square ones, have 2 or more stores, an extension at the front (like a front yard), can be shaped like a tent and many more options.
Add a Water Bottle
When choosing the water bottle for your little friends, it’s important to see if they can easily drink from it. A lot of people use bottles with large ball tips at the ends. You can always test the bottle before buying it. Do this by touching the tip with your finger. If only small drops fall out, it’ll be difficult for the guinea pigs to drink from it. They’ll have to go through a lot of trouble just to get a small sip.
If the guinea pigs already had a bowl instead of a bottle, try placing the bottle in the same spot as the bowl. Place it at an appropriate height so they can reach it easily. The usual recommendation is around their shoulder height. With 2 or more guinea pigs, you should have 2 or more bottles so they can have the same amount of water and neither one will be chased off.
Don’t Forget the Food Bowl
All guinea pigs’ hutches should have enough space for food bowls. Most of these animals need around 16 grams of pellets and around 60-100 grams of fresh fruits or vegetables. This means you should look for a bowl that can accommodate this amount of food. Keep the dry and wet foods separate to keep them fresh at all times.
The height of the bowl depends on the size of the guinea pig. It should be easy for it to reach and eat from the bowl. If you have 2 animals, get the separate bowls. This will prevent overfeeding or fighting over the food. Make sure you clean the bowls before every refill and place them somewhere away from their sleeping and resting area. They’re clean animals and don’t want to eat where they go to the bathroom.
Bring in a Hay Bag
A hay bag can be the perfect addition to the hutch for guinea pigs. It’ll keep the hay organised and easily accessible. It’ll minimise mess and decrease your cleaning time. These bags come in many sizes, which depend on how many guinea pigs you own. More of them means a bigger bag.
These bags are usually made of cotton, which is a natural material. They have hooks on the back to keep the bag secure and elevate it to the guinea pig’s eye level. The bag also has a Velcro enclosure at the top to give you easy access and prevent the animals from diving inside. You can find hay bags in different designs and in many shapes and colours, from plain neutral tones to fun patterned bags.
Bring Fun with Hidey Houses and Tunnels
Having a hidey in the hutch is very important. This is a safe space for the guinea pig. It provides them a place to rest, relax and sleep. The animal will feel safe and can go hiding if it senses danger or it’s scared. There are several types of hides you can choose from. Wooden ones have a very natural look and are very sturdy.
Plastic igloos or pigloos are moulded houses often available in many colours. They’re lightweight and the guinea pig can sometimes tip them over. However, they’re budget-friendly and easy to clean. Fleece hideouts are very fun. They’re warm and soft and come in many designs. Snuggle sacks and sleeping bags are very popular. They’ll make the guinea pig feel comfortable, warm and cosy.
Tunnels are tubes that are a big part of the hutch. They can be the perfect hideaway or a place where the guinea pigs can run and have some fun. You can buy them separately or get them as a kit to build at home. These tunnels come in many sizes, lengths and diameters, so choose the ones most suitable for the size of your guinea pigs and let them enjoy their time in the hutch.
