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Many rescue shelters will not allow a person to adopt a guinea pig if they intend to keep it in a child’s room. The reason for this is that most children are not responsible enough to clean bedding twice a week, maintain food and water and pay attention to a guinea pig consistently. Experts advise keeping your new pet in a common family area such as a family room or game room where adults can observe that the animal is receiving adequate care.
You know your child better than anyone else, however. If you are confident that he or she can truly give a guinea pig what it needs to be healthy and happy, then by all means, set up the cage in the child’s room.
Cage Selection
Before you choose a cage, decide exactly where you are going to place it so you know how much space you will have.
The standard size of a guinea pig cage should be two square feet per guinea pig, but the more area your pet has the happier it will be. As for height, eighteen-inch walls are adequate to keep the guinea pig in the cage.
Multi-level cages with ramps are nice to have, but they are not necessary.
The ideal guinea pig cage is one that you build yourself. We will go over the options you have for purchasing a cage at a store. Inevitably, these pet store cages are either made from exposed wood that absorbs urine and stinks, or wire bottom that harms the guinea pig’s feet. If you do buy a cage from a pet store, you will have to make modifications for it and you probably will not be able to find a large enough cage. Worst of all, you will end up paying a minimum of $100.00 for a cage that you can’t use as it is. If you still chose to buy a cage from a pet store, plan on letting your guinea pig run around on the floor for a significant period of time each day.
It really is not difficult to build your own cage. One excellent resource is Cavycages.com. This Internet site includes clear instructions on how to build a spacious cage for your guinea pig for little money. The pieces are readily available in local stores and the cost, including the table to sit the cage on ranges from sixty to ninety dollars. The handmade cage gives your pet more than ten square feet of room and is simple to construct.
Guinea Pigs Previous Page (12)
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