How to equip a cage for a guinea pig – what should a house be equipped with
Rodents spend a lot of time indoors, so it’s important to equip your guinea pig’s cage with maximum comfort for her. It is important that there is room for the animal to play. The decor should not overload the space. Suitable Items:
- made from harmless materials;
- do not contain sharp edges;
- made without small fragile parts and loose fillers;
- match the size of the pet;
- arouse interest in the rodent or perform practical functions.
It is worth paying attention to ease of maintenance, as all accessories need to be wiped and cleaned regularly.
Contents
Cell furnishing
You can purchase complete housing, or equip a cage for a guinea pig with everything you need with your own hands. Household items must be securely fastened to the walls, or placed firmly on the floor. The cage needs:
- drinker;
- feeder;
- hay tray;
- a place for solitude;
- toys;
- tree branches.
The drinking bowl does not allow the pet to splash water on the litter and get wet. It needs to be updated daily.
The volume depends on the number of animals in the cage. For a flock, you can use several smaller drinkers. The option is doubly relevant for males, since the dominant individual may not let the passive one into the water. Must have a guinea pig cage and a place to eat.
It is worth buying separate feeders for different types of food: it is better to place green, juicy and rough food separately.
At home, the rodent must be provided with conditions similar to natural ones. The animal needs rough materials for grinding teeth. Branches should be placed in the cage. It is advisable to avoid conifers. Trees, in the fruits of which there are large seeds, must first be dried. Additionally, you can use a suitable mineral stone.
Hanging accessories will not cause injury if you correctly determine the height and fix the fasteners. The presence of hammocks is not required, but many pigs like to relax in them.
Lodge and alternatives
The guinea pig is a shy and modest animal. Next to attentive people, the rodent becomes more sociable and bolder, but he still needs a place for solitude. The arrangement of the cage for the guinea pig also includes the creation of a nook. The house does a good job of this.
In a group of rodents for a house, a serious struggle can flare up. Instead of the usual structure, it is better to put up a canopy, or to protect a whole section of the cage with dense material.
The house can become an obstacle in taming. Inside, the animal feels isolated and does not see other inhabitants of the apartment. In order for the rodent to get used to people faster, it is better to temporarily replace the house with a handful of hay.
Guinea pig toys
The body of a rodent needs movement. The animal quickly masters the space of the cage and interest fades away.
To motivate your pet to move, you need to install toys in the guinea pig’s cage and change them regularly.
Many rodents like to get straws from a ball of hay. The device is not very convenient for eating. Its presence is not a reason to get rid of a special tray.
Guinea pigs are comfortable in burrow-like rooms. Therefore, toys in the form of pipes are in demand among pets. Several of these are useful to purchase in cages containing several individuals. They will serve as a good shelter, in case of possible conflicts between rodents.
Labyrinths are able to interest the animal for a long time. Activity has a positive effect on the physical health of the pig and helps prevent obesity.
Optimal Materials
In order for the pet not to harm itself, it is necessary to ensure the safety in the cage. When choosing equipment, you should pay attention to the materials from which it is made.
For a guinea pig, thin plastic, varnished and painted surfaces, and synthetic fabrics are dangerous.
Rodents tend to try new things. Toxic substances enter the body and can cause serious illness.
Animals like fabric accessories and toys. Use in a guinea pig cage is acceptable, but requires close attention from the owner. If the animal is actively chewing on the material, it is better to remove the item. Fabrics require regular cleaning, without the use of chemicals.
Wooden fixtures will help the rodent grind their teeth and are completely safe. Suitable products from the vine, cork and solid wood. The main thing is that the wood is not treated with toxic substances and does not contain resins.
Metal devices will last a long time and are safe for the animal. Under the feet of the pet should not be latticed surfaces, they contribute to injuries to the paws.
You can make sure that the animal is comfortable if you observe how objects in the cage are used. What is not interesting should be made more attractive with treats, removed, or replaced. Feel free to experiment with the environment. Guinea pigs like permutations and novelties.
Video: arranging a cage for a guinea pig
What should be in a guinea pig’s cage: we equip the pet’s housing
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