Despite being little pets, guinea pigs require much space to be happy. These tiny pets require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Even if the pet parents have good guinea pig cages, these furry friends are masters of making a mess. A guinea pig’s health depends on keeping its living place clean. A clean environment benefits in minimizing respiratory diseases that may lead to high veterinary costs and even shorten the pet’s life. A guinea pig’s cage should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week to ensure optimal living conditions.
Primary Reason Behind a Dirty Guinea Pig Cage
Guinea pigs are one of the cutest pets, but new owners can be blown away by the odor of their cage. The amount of waste produced by guinea pigs can leave the pet parents in shock. Generally speaking, guinea pig pee does not have a strong smell, but if the bedding is left unattended for too long, the cage will start stinking. The fluffy animals poop about 100 times daily and take a break every fifteen minutes. So, when it comes to how Guinea Pig Cages become dirty, the digestive circle of these little ones is to blame!
Standard Tips to Keep the Cages Clean and Fresh
Here are some basic rules for keeping the guinea pigs’ cages fresh:
- Placing the guinea pig in a pet-proof exercise pen with a hide
- Removing and properly discarding any used bedding and litter from the habitat
- Cleaning every fabric-based object and hiding place in the pet’s house
- Cleaning the habitat with a safe, cleaner
- Replacing old litter, bedding, and accessories with new ones
- Placing the guinea pig’s cage away from direct sunlight with ample ventilation
How to Make the Cage More Comforting for Guinea Pigs?
While pet parents can’t be with their guinea pigs every second of the day, adding these items can make the good guinea pig cages more comfortable for them:
Paper Substrate Fleece
Any cage’s bottom should be lined with a material that is biodegradable and can collect guinea pig urine and waste. Guinea pigs enjoy small treats such as shredded paper. The paper substrate fleece is perfectly safe for tiny beings to consume and chew on without suffering any adverse health effects. The bedding should be 1-2 inches thick and made of high-quality paper or crushed paper that will absorb waste.
Paper Bags and Cover-Ups
Technically, one can purchase a tiny bag and tape it to the cage’s interior. The paper bags should be large enough to cover the guinea pig per their size and weight. Jumping in and out of their new hiding hole will be fun for the pet. It also adds some sort of aesthetic touch to cage decorations. These cover-ups must be built of paper. Metal or plastic can hurt their teeth while they chew on it.
Tunnels
One can upgrade the guinea pig cage by including tunnels. These creatures create their own tunnels in the wild by digging. The tunnels should be just big enough to fit the guinea pig; else, they might not like it. Tunnels must have a snug feeling.
Fresh Vegetables
Guinea pigs enjoy fresh vegetables! These nibbling beings cherish fresh foods and will thank the pet parent for putting them in cages. For extra caution, while adding vegetables, it is recommended to cut them into smaller portions.
Conclusion
Before bringing a guinea pig home, the first essential thing is to arrange a cozy and comfortable cage. Although tiny, guinea pigs proliferate and need ample space to move around. To prevent foot sores, ensure the home has sturdy flooring. Pet parents should buy good guinea pig cages with a deep bottom and make them escape-proof by closing the spaces between the bars with cable wire.
