Guinea Pig Cages for Happy Cavies

Guinea Pig Cages Your Cavy Will Love

One of the first things you'll need, when you get a guinea pig is a place for him to live. He needs a safe place to sleep, eat, and relax, so you'll need to look at guinea pig cages.

There are many guinea pig cages available on the market, so it might be overwhelming to decide which one is best. Based on budget, how much space there is, and how many guinea pigs you want, you may have different needs than another guinea pig owner.

Price of Guinea Pig Cages

Price is a concern for many people, but you don't have to spend a fortune on your guinea pig and cage. It's common to see starter packages with a cage included, but I wouldn't recommend this. These sets don't have the best supplies, and the cage is pretty small, even for one cavy.

Most guinea pig cages start at about $30 and can go up to over $100. My recommendation on the best one is right near the $50 mark, with the Midwest Guinea Pig Cages. They are beautiful cages that are the only ones that can grow with additional extension pieces. I recommend using Amazon to purchase these cages because they offer free shipping.

Guinea Pig Cages Space

You need to offer your guinea pig enough cage space to exercise, run around, and play with another guinea pig. Guinea pigs are best in pairs, so for the sake of their health, get two of them. I've found the Midwest guinea pig cages to offer more than enough room to start your guinea pigs off with. Purchase extra pieces when you can to extend their living area, they love to have lots of room to move around.

Guinea pigs need space to work off the food they are constantly eating. They quickly metabolize food, so it is important for them to eat often, though, without space to run around, they will become obese. You'll notice their personality come out more when they have space to exercise, and they will be even more fun to watch.

Materials Used in Guinea Pig Cages

Most guinea pig cages you buy have a wire framing to them for the actual cage part, and the bottom of the cage is made from hard plastic. Some people use aquariums, though these aren't recommended by professionals because they don't allow for good air circulation.

The Midwest guinea pig cages are great because they have the wire framing that is coated with plastic, and a canvas bottom, that is coated to make it easy to clean. Compared to the hard plastic, it is easier to keep clean, doesn't erode from urine like the plastic, and is easy to pack away because the fabric (canvas) can be folded. Speaking from experience, if you ever have to move, this is much easier to work with.

Availability of Guinea Pig Cages

While the pet store probably has something that could work for a cage right now. Using a brand like Midwest is better for the long run for your new pet. If you are thinking about getting guinea pigs, go ahead and order your new cage through Amazon, so that it is available when you find guinea pigs you want to home. The price is great, the space is roomy, and the options are many.

Check out Midwest Guinea Pig Cages and supplies on Amazon, your guinea pigs will love their new home.

Picture
Name	Midwest Interactive Guinea Pig Cages Plus With Top Panel	Midwest Expandable Guinea Pig Cages No Top Panel
Height	14 inch	14 inch
Length	47 inch	47 inch
Width	24 inch	24 inch
Weight	12.5 pound	8.8 pounds
Price	52.99	31.99
Brand	Midwest Homes for Pets	Midwest Homes for Pets
Color	White/ Teal	White/ Teal
Department	Racks/Futons	Racks/Futons
EAN	0027773010210	0027773010203
Feature	9-Square feet of living space- recommended by veterinarians and breeders Multi access folding top and dividing panel with hinged lock-in-place ramps separate play and care areas Leak proof, washable durable PVC lined canvas bottom allows for easy care and maintenance- provides traction and helps protect guinea pigs sensitive feet Lock- in-place doors double as ramps allows for passage in/ out and between habitats Modular design allows for numerous configurations and unlimited expandability 8 sq. ft. of play area Care Area	9-Square feet of living space- recommended by veterinarians and breeders Multi access folding top and dividing panel with hinged lock-in-place ramps separate play and care areas Leak proof, washable durable PVC lined canvas bottom allows for easy care and maintenance- provides traction and helps protect guinea pigs sensitive feet Lock- in-place doors double as ramps allows for passage in/ out and between habitats Modular design allows for numerous configurations and unlimited expandability 8 sq. ft. of play area Care Area
Label	Midwest Homes for Pets	Midwest Homes for Pets
Title	Midwest Interactive Guinea Habitat Plus	Midwest Expandable Guinea Habitat
UPC	027773010210	027773010203
Warranty	Manufacturer's Defect	Manufacturer's Defect
Reviews	Read Guinea Pig Cages Reviews	Read Guinea Pig Cages Reviews
Link	Buy Guinea Pig Cages Now	Buy Guinea Pig Cages Now

Guinea Pigs & Mites

Over the last week I've been watching one of our rescues who has been losing hair. I thought at first it was mange because, well, I just thought maybe he didn't get enough vitamin c.

That said, I noticed he was itching A LOT!!!
So I looked it up online and read about mites and noticed he looked exactly like the others who had it. I knew it wasn't lice because we've had that before and just use advantage (the dog kind).

I read that ivermectin is the only way to take care of mites and I really didn't want to go that way without trying something more natural or home remedy(ish).

I found a website that talked about using bag balm (it comes in a green tin), but at the time Walmart was closed and I wanted to find something I could use NOW!!! to help him, poor baby was itching like crazy and had a few open sores :(

In my defense he is mostly black as is his skin so it took awhile to notice the issue. Now back to the issue. I also read on the site that petroleum jelly might help the itching and some people had only used that (vaseline) to cure the mites.

Let me be clear, I am no vet, so I don't technically know that he has mites. But after I used the petroleum jelly, and today used the bag balm, I don't believe he will be going to the vet.

The vaseline seemed to help some and within a few minutes he was moving around a lot better, but the next day (yesterday) I noticed he still wasn't back to normal, so I called walmart to see if they had bag balm, and they had to order it. So today my husband picked it up.

I massaged it into his skin tonight and while I was doing it, I noticed he didnt have any more open sores and wasn't nearly as scabby as he was the other night, so I think the vaseline helped. After putting the bag balm on tonight we kept him out for half an hour, to watch him. He never itched once, he was moving around and seemed much better.

In a few days I'll put more on him, and then in a few days after that as well, but I think we beat this one, without a big vet bill YEA!!!

From Fleece to Kiln Dried Pine

We had our guinea pigs (and rescue piggies) on fleece for quite a few months. At first they seemed to love it and so didn't we, but after awhile I grew to miss something easier. The fleece was a bit of a pain as the poo would clump up a bit, there were a LOT of cages, and each change would take 10 minutes a cage, because we had to take and shake the fleece out.

This was all before the mess it could leave in the washer and dryer. Needless to say it added up and we needed a change. While we didn't want to go with pine shavings, we found some kiln dried pine shavings at the Tractor Supply Company that is considered safe for guinea pigs.

I was hoping the guinea pigs wouldn't have a big problem with it, and I was pleasantly surprised when we put them back in their cages. So many of them LOVED it. Our own girls just layed in it, chewing up some of it, but then popcorning around too. So cute!

I just wanted to share this experience as I know fleece is huge, but there are other options and when you have tons of piggies like we do, fleece may not be the best option.

Out biggest issue was the hay getting stuck in the fleece- GRRR!!!

What's New?

We haven't any new piggies lately and I haven't posted some pics, but I thought I would tell a story about one of our males. His name is Cookie Dough, and a week after we got him, he was in the boys' cage and his eye was all white and gooey. YIKES!

We took him to the vet and they said it was so infected that we needed to have it removed. Needless to say I wasn't exactly sure it did need to be removed but I thought they know best, right? I did read online that sometimes with a lot of treatment it might be ok.

We didn't have the money to get his eye removed just yet, and they gave us antibiotics to help the infection but said to come back in a few days.

After a few days we saw that his eye was getting better and guess what, now two weeks later just after he ran out of antibiotics he can SEE! His eye is great, its beautiful just like the other one and he is awesome.

I love this guinea pig. He sits right at his cage waiting to get pet through the cage without sniffing and nibbling my finger. He is such a sweetie and I'm so glad he came to us. Unfortunately he will have to find a home, but the new owners will love him, I promise. Check him out- Cookie Dough!

100th Post & March is Adopt A Guine Pig Month

Seems like we just got started (back in August) and so far we have adopted out 54 piggies, though 3 have come back. Not a bad percentage in my mind though.

So I thought I would post some updates for the 100th post. We have taken in around 60 guinea pigs, a couple didn't make it, many babies did not due to the stress on their moms, and we have done some vet trips. We have traveled to Fort Drum, Cortland (and further south), Oneonta and Albany. The only place I haven't gone is up north on the other side of the state.

We are cutting back because in July we are expecting our 3rd child. Our apartment is small and we need some space, though we will continue doing rescue. So far our worst cases were very skinny pigs, and another who lived on cedar her whole life with horribly long nails. These are besides the cases where guinea pigs have died.

We have gotten a lot of help and even some donations when people are adopting. It's been fun and it was sad to watch some of the cutest, or unique ones go.

Adopt a guinea pig month. This month (march) is adopt a guinea pig month and I encourage anyone who is interested to contact a local rescue/shelter to get a guinea pig. If you have friends or relatives I would be happy to help them find a local place where they won't get sick, unsexed cavies. (Those darn pet stores).

Free Guinea Pig Care Guide

While most pet stores give these out for free, I've learned they aren't the best sources for information to take care of your pet. Through my research in taking care of the 80+ pigs we have had I put together this quick care guide for new and experienced owners. It is one sheet of important guinea pig information.

I am using an email list program to see how many people sign up for the guide because I would like to make updates to it, send out a health care guide later on, and make other recommendations when I learn something new. I hope everyone likes it and I can't wait to get your feedback. Sign up in the right column.

Pet Factory Vernon- New Guinea Pig

We heard from the local rabbit rescue that there was a guinea pig at the Pet Factory in Vernon, NY. We had just been there that day and saw her but didn't think much of it, because they always sell them, and pretty cheap too.

But the rabbit rescue said they sell them as snake food because they are so cheap. They wanted 16.99 (to be exact) and while I thought people wouldn't pay that much, I was wrong. Against the idea of not supporting pet stores that sell animals (common to loving guinea pigs) I was unsure if I should go get her. I would be supporting them selling her, but I had already seen her, and I just felt awful that she would be fed to snakes, having such a sucky life so far, I wanted to give her better.

We called, they still had her, and I went to get her. I walked up to the counter said I want the female adult guinea pig. They went and got her and boxed her and I began my questioning:

Where did you get her? (I'd like to contact the breeder I would take any pigs they didn't want)
-oh someone just couldnt handle her and the babies

Why is she so cheap?
- we just want to get rid of her (hence why take her in the first place?) and we get them locally so don't pay a lot for them so we sell them cheap (previous conversation said they pay $5 per baby and nothing for adults) equaling $16.99 margin for each pig (babies are $21.99)

Don't they go as snake food then?
-not as much anymore because of the laws of bermese pythons, except for the people grandfathered in they can't own them anymore. so a few do go for snake food but not many anymore (notice it wasn't because they give a hoot what happens to the animals they sell- apparently at all, as long as they get the money)

By this point she seemed a little annoyed, not that I cared but I wanted to go. I dont particularly like the idea of feeding guinea pigs to snakes, when they are such great pets, so intuitive, etc. Regardless of the circle of life- I hate snakes anyway, can't they eat old guinea pigs who die of natural causes instead?

I probably won't go back, I didn't like the food they offered and it was pretty pricey $38.99 for 22.5lbs? Geesh, and it was supposedly premium but those extra pieces aren't healthy for them anyway.

And on the way home from the pet store, I was holding her and got kicked twice- that's right! We are expecting baby guinea pigs AGAIN! 3rd time this year- thank you ridiculously irresponsible owners out there!

Hope that didn't sound too sarcastic. Just love piggies :)

Guinea Pig Chirping

I have read about this and hoped that I would one day hear it myself. I have seen videos, etc, and it seems no one really knows why this happens.

This afternoon while in the living room I hear chirping- real live chirping at first I thought a bird had somehow gotten into the house, but then I ran to the bedroom where our own guinea pigs live, and my little Ayla (formerly known as Gus) was chirping. I grabbed the camera so I could upload it. Isn't it perfect, she's so awesome :)

She does a great job towards the end of the middle and you can hear the dog whine because he can't figure out what her problem is. Sorry the digital camera didn't do a great job but it still got what I wanted, which was to post here and show Jason when he gets home. I hope she does it again.

Where Can I Buy A Guinea Pig for A Pet?

If you are looking to get a guinea pig as a pet, the first thought to cross your mind would be to go to the pet store. But WAIT...

Did you know that there are rescues all over the United States that have guinea pigs available for adoption? Not only that but there are many places you can get them.

Rescues just for Guinea Pigs
Humane Societies- chances are you won't find them on their website
Petfinder.com
Craigslist- in your area, go to Community, then Pets and search

The point is there are guinea pigs all over that need you to adopt them. And more specifically you don't want to adopt from the pet store. Often times they come already pregnant, sick, inbred, etc. While it is tempting because you feel bad for them, the only way pet stores will stop breeding and selling them is to make them lose money doing it.

Why should they stop selling them? First of all they don't take care of them well at all. Many come with pieces of their ears missing, sicknesses spread easily, males and females mate and come pregnant, etc. I've been in way too many places that have too many pics in one area, including the federal requirements. Some may infect pigs you have at home, or they have parasites or mange. Last but not least they are often mis-sexed, where you are sold a male thinking it is a female.

Another thing people don't realize is that the staff at pet stores are often not educated as to what is good for the animal. Many times people are sold cedar bedding as a good option, which can make your pig very sick. Store employees also offer treats, and food that unnecessary. For instance you see Huge Balls for Guinea pigs at the store, for them to run in them around the house like a hamster. Guess what? Those are bad for their back bones...

Research as to what is best for your pet should only be done by you, read from sources you trust. And do not buy your guinea pig from a pet store when you think: Where Can I Buy A Guinea Pig for A Pet?

Vacuuming Guinea Pig Cages- First Try

Today I noticed the upstairs girls' cage was quite dirty (day 4 after change) and there was a LOT of poo. I decided that it was a pain to brush it all up while they were running around scattering it, and I would try to use the vacuum to clean up the fleece.

You are probably thinking, ahh... those poor girls, but it wasn't bad at all and I do believe I will try it again. I'm even considering finding another vacuum to use downstairs instead of the sweeping. I used the hose and the vacuum isn't too loud, but they stayed away from it for the most part. I used the lint brush attachment and sucked away. There wasn't enough pee anywhere to cause issues with the vacuum and it was a lot less stressing on my back.

One guinea pig, who is especially sensitive was scared, but she is always hiding so I took her out while I was doing it. Their fleece is now mostly clean, and tonight we are considering putting in bunk beds for the girls to use instead of all of their pigloos.

As for pigloos we are getting 5 today from a donation, 3 large ones that I am particularly excited about, and 2 smaller ones that are more than welcome in our larger cages. I might even be able to add another floor to one of the cages so that the pigs can have a pigloo up there as well. So much fun to have guinea pigs and to check out the cages photo gallery on the forum

Guinea Pigs for Kids?

While I know there are a great amount of people who buy guinea pigs for their childrens' amusement and take perfectly great care of them I wanted to bring this topic up. We have taken in far too many guinea pigs (as other rescues have too) that have come from families saying: "my kids don't play with them anymore". I try not to be sarcastic and I tell people I understand, and I do. I understand that children are CHILDREN and they lose interest in everything.

We as parents like to entertain them, give them what they want, etc. But we have to be prepared to take care of the animal and love it, etc, when the kids are done being excited about it. Think of it this way... I don't like taking care of the cages, I dislike the poo and pee getting on me, or the stuff getting on the floor, it's a pain. The smell sucks. Now I'm an adult and I can force myself to do it regardless of how much I want to. A child is not going to do that, they lose interest and they don't want to take care of a pet for 5+ years.

While I don't recommend a family not get one just because they have kids who will lose interest. I would like to see families that want to adopt as a whole, not just the children. Moms and or dads who don't mind taking care of the pigs and will spend time with them. Compared to other animals these guinea pigs are very easy. You don't have to walk them, buy huge bags of litter, etc. They require daily handling and food, water, hay, vitamin C.

I just wanted to put the idea out there that while other websites say how great of a first pet cavies are, or that they are great for children, yes they are, but be realistic and adopt if YOU want to be responsible for it. Not a child, or anyone under the age of 18(ish).

New York State Fair & Guinea Pig Breeding

Today was the show for cavies and rabbits (I think) at the New York State Fair. A friend and I went with our significant others to see all the piggies, because we love guinea pigs. The show was a bit less than we thought it would be. The guinea pigs were all caged and they were pretty small, and then they were brought one by one to the show guy, who graded them. I guess I was thinking it would be like a dog show. So, we got to pet a few and walk around seeing all of them.

It really surprised me, all the guinea pigs there, they seemed to be about the same ages, up to 6 months old I would guess. There were two cages (normal size) of guinea pig moms and their babies, who were so cute and very young, but I didn't see the owners anywhere.

While the set up was ok, they didn't have much room and they were suppose to be there through the whole fair. That way people will have something to look at, how I would love to smack the guy who came up with that. Anyhow, we asked about buying one, because I was interested in getting one out of the breeding cycle, but I didn't see any that looked like parents. The signs were posted after the show telling us who was for sale. I would say it was about half of them. We asked someone and she said a lady there starts breeding in the spring time to bring them all to the fair show. She had about 80+ there.

I haven't completely gotten to the point where I hate breeding yet, but I'm sure it will come. Those piggies looked so lonely, and I didn't see hay in their cages. There was lettuce (dark green) and carrots though, and each had their own water bottle. I wouldn't say there was anything really wrong with it, just that I wouldn't want my piggies to be there.

So what do you think about the breeding and the shows? What's the point? What do they get out of it? At selling them at $25 a piece and there being about 100 of them, how is that really worth the time invested?

That all said we did pay for one, and can't get it till the end of the fair, I'm hoping when I go back they will have the older ones that can be rescued from breeding.

One last thing, I really disliked their ears being tagged, what is that all about?

Timothy Hay for Guinea Pigs in Bales

We were lucky enough to have someone who surrendered their guinea pigs to us give us a bale of timothy hay. It's got to be a good 40-50 pounds. We have used it for a few weeks now and have used about a third of it for the rescue. At some point we will have to get more, but where?

Well luckily enough there are local farms that sell it in bales for very cheap, $2-$10 each, and we found them right on Craigslist. I just wanted to let others know that it is out there, and it is cheaper than any store. Check Craigslist, ask anyone who sells Hay on there if they can direct you. If no one there can you should call the local feed store. Google lets you do that simply by putting your location and feed store in search.