The space requirements for guinea pigs can be a very confusing topic, especially for first-time owners, since many different people have different ideas on how much space guinea pigs should have in their enclosure. If you are confused about the ‘minimum space requirements’ for guinea pigs, I can help make it more clear and understandable for you.
This is the amount of cage space I recommend for your guinea pigs. It is the minimum amount of cage space for guinea pigs recommended by The Humane Society of the United States. Multiple levels do not count as floor-space.
| Number of Guinea pigs | Square feet |
| One | 7.5 |
| Two | 7.5 |
| Three | 10.5 |
| Four | 13 |
If you have male guinea pigs or guinea pigs that haven’t lived together ever since they were young, you should provide them with even more space to prevent fighting.
Of course, the more space you can provide your guinea pigs, the better.
As you can probably tell, most cages sold at pet stores are too small for guinea pigs. I know that I’ve told you what the minimum cage size for one guinea pig is, but I don’t recommend buying only one guinea pig because they are herd animals.
To make it simpler for you, I will tell you the minimum space requirements and also about how much floor space it will take up.
| 7.5 square feet | 10.5 square feet | 13 square feet |
| 30”x 36” | 30” x 50” | 30” x 62” |
Why do Guinea Pigs Need All of this Cage Space?
First of all, guinea pigs are large compared to other small pets, such as hamsters and gerbils, which means they should have a significantly larger habitat than these pets.
In addition to this, guinea pigs need to be able to exercise in their cage enclosure. Floor-time alone will probably not provide all the daily exercise your guinea pigs need, and hamster wheels are dangerous for guinea pigs.
Also, a cage too small can lead to fighting over territory. This especially applies to male guinea pigs.
Not giving your guinea pigs enough cage space can also make them seem less interesting. Without enough cage space, they may just sleep a lot because there won’t be enough room for them to play.
Benefits of a Large Cage
- Your guinea pigs will be able to exercise more, which will make them less prone to health problems.
- The piggies will probably will not fight as much over cage space.
- You will not need to clean the cage as often.
- The guinea pigs will be more active and fun to watch.
- Large cages provide more stimulation for your piggies.
Big enough cages
Many guinea pig cages available at pet stores or online are much too small for even one guinea pig, but, of course, not every guinea pig cage in the world is too small.
Below are 9 guinea pig (or rabbit) cages, which can be expanded if necessary. They are listed from most expensive to least expensive.
- Oxbow Enriched Life Small Animal Cage with Play Yard
- MidWest Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home XL
- MidWest Guinea Habitat
- MidWest Guinea Habitat Plus
- AmazonBasics Canvas Bottom Pet Cage
Let’s learn a little more about these cages.
Oxbow Enriched Life Small Animal Cage with Play Yard
This large guinea pig cage has two top doors and one side door, providing easy access to your pet. The cage itself is about 8 square feet and it also comes with a playpen, which adds some extra space.
It is also easy to clean and assemble. It includes a hay rack, second story/hideout, ramp, food bowl and water dish. It also has several wheels, which makes it easy to move the cage around.
The playpen doesn’t have a bottom, so if you are going to use it as part of the cage you will have to make your own. Also, the top itself cannot come off.
This cage is big enough for 1 or 2 guinea pigs on its own, but if you use the playpen as part of the cage, it can house even more!
Check price on Amazon
MidWest Wabbitat Deluxe Rabbit Home XL
This 8 square foot guinea pig habitat is suitable for housing 1-2 guinea pigs on its own, but it can be expanded with the wabbitat wire extension or the wabbitat hutch extension.
It comes with hay rack, water bottle, food bowl and built-in hideout/second story. It is also easy to clean and assemble and its plastic base keeps most of the bedding and hay in. It also provides easy access to your pet.
It does not really have a ramp. The cage plus an extension is kind of expensive.
Check price on Amazon
MidWest Guinea Habitat
This guinea pig habitat is 8 square feet which is enough space for 1 or 2 guinea pigs, and you can link two or more cages together to house more guinea pigs.
It has two side doors and an open top which allows easy access to your pet. It is also easy to assemble and can be folded up if necessary. It also has an easy to clean canvas bottom.
It isn’t really sturdy and you may have to wash the canvas bottom regularly. Also, guinea pigs can easily kick bedding out of it.
Check price on Amazon
MidWest Guinea Habitat Plus
This cage is the same size as the regular guinea pig habitat, smaller than 8 square feet but it can also be expanded to fit more guinea pigs. This cage is very similar to the regular habitat (MidWest Guinea Habitat) and also includes a removable lid and a ramp.
Check price on Amazon
AmazonBasics Canvas Bottom Pet Cage
This cage isn’t very expensive and is easy to assemble. It is big enough for 1-2 guinea pigs on its own, but you can expand it with a playpen (not included). It also has a leak-proof canvas bottom which is great for guinea pig feet.
It is light weight and easy to travel with and it is easy to clean the canvas bottom.
It is not really sturdy, but that’s fine, guinea pigs aren’t escape artists. You may need to wash the bottom of the cage regularly.
Check price on Amazon
So, I hope that the minimum cage size requirements for guinea pigs is more clear and understandable for you now! I also hope that learning about different guinea pig cages make it easier for you to find the best cage for you and your pet!
