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Best Large Indoor Guinea Pig Cages for 2+ UK Buying Guide

When choosing an indoor guinea pig cage, ensuring the enclosure is well-suited for your small pets is crucial. A guinea pig’s habitat must be extra large and promote a positive environment, contributing to their well-being and sense of security.

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What kind of cage does a guinea pig need?

While various cages are available for small pets, not all are suitable for guinea pigs. To help you in choosing the right home for indoor guinea pigs, consider these guidelines:

  1. Space: Opt for a spacious enclosure. My minimum recommended size for two guinea pigs is 152cm x 60cm (5ft x 2ft) on a single level. For additional guinea pigs, refer to our size recommendations…
  2. Bar Spacing: If the enclosure has bars, ensure they are close enough to prevent escapes, especially for baby guinea pigs, who can slip through smaller gaps.
  3. Flooring: The cage floor must be smooth and flat. A grid or mesh base is unsuitable for a guinea pig’s delicate feet.
  4. Accessibility: An open-top cage is preferable if no other pets, like cats or dogs, are around. It enhances interaction with your guinea pigs. However, if you have very young children, a cage with a top might be safer, depending on their ability to access the pets.
  5. Wall Height: The cage sides should measure approx 35cm (14 inches) high to prevent escapes.
  6. Levels: A single-storey enclosure is ideal, though a double-level cage can work if the ramp has a gentle slope and your pets do not have mobility issues (e.g., old age or arthritis).
Guinea Pig Care Sheets - Printable PDF Download - Checklists, Logs and Information Sheets

Additional considerations when purchasing a cage

Besides the cage’s suitability for guinea pigs, also take into account:

  • Ease of Cleaning: Select a cage that is easy to clean and maintain.
  • Mess Containment: Consider how much mess the cage might create in its surrounding area.
  • Space Efficiency: Ensure the cage fits well in the allocated space in your home.

Recommended cages

There is a limited number of suitable guinea pig cages, making selecting one much easier than it may seem initially. Here are the types of cages I recommend for indoor use:

C&C cages

Large C&C Guinea Pig Cage
Open-topped C&C cage

C&C cages are a favourite among guinea pig owners. I used this type of enclosure for my guinea pigs for several years.

What is a C&C cage?

A C&C (Cubes and Coroplast) cage is a modular system ideal for guinea pigs. It consists of individual components – grids and connectors – which you assemble to create a customised enclosure. The design includes a coroplast (corrugated plastic) sheet tailored to fit the cage dimensions, acting as a solid base for bedding.

This DIY approach allows you to tailor the cage’s size and layout to accommodate the number of guinea pigs you have and the space available in your home. It’s a straightforward, flexible solution for creating a comfortable and spacious environment for your guinea pigs.

C&C cage options

If you decide on a C&C cage for your guinea pigs, several purchasing options will be available. Let’s look at these options to help you make the best choice for your needs:

1. Complete DIY C&C Option: This is often the most cost-effective choice and is popular among guinea pig owners for its design flexibility.

Components: Essential items for this DIY cage project are readily available. You’ll need to buy what are commonly marketed as “storage shelves” on Amazon. These are not shelves in the traditional sense but rather grids and connectors ideally suited for constructing your C&C cage.

Cage base: Additionally, you’ll need coroplast sheets for the cage base, which are available in varying sizes. Pre-made coroplast boxes are sold on Etsy as a more convenient option, offering a time-saving alternative without significantly higher costs.

C And C Cage With Storage
C&C cage with storage underneath

See our page giving comprehensive guidance on making your C&C cage from scratch, including instructional videos and a detailed shopping list for several cage projects.

2. Kavee Cage: Kavee specialises in providing a kit-based C&C cage solution. With this option, you select your cage size and configuration. Kavee then sends a kit containing the exact number of grids, connectors, and pre-cut coroplast base.

While this option is more expensive than purchasing and assembling your own grids and coroplast, it offers convenience and ease of assembly. A distinctive feature of Kavee cages is their use of bars, which differ from the traditional grids found in standard C&C cages, providing a variation in design.

3. C&C Guinea Pig Cages Website: Like Kavee, this option provides cages in a kit form, including pre-cut coroplast. The main difference is that these kits feature grids similar to those available for individual purchase. The appearance of these cages closely resembles what you would achieve if you assembled the components yourself. While they are more affordable than Kavee kits, they are usually slightly costlier than the complete DIY option. 

Guinea Pig Care Sheets - Printable PDF Download - Checklists, Logs and Information Sheets

Wooden cages with clear perspex front

I use this type of enclosure for my guinea pigs, which is my favourite overall. The combination of solid wood and a clear front is particularly appealing. It allows the guinea pigs to have a clear view, and I can observe them easily. Aesthetically, these stylish cages also blend beautifully into home settings.

Wooden guinea pig enclosure with plexiglass front
My homemade wooden guinea pig enclosure with perspex front

While my cage was a DIY project my husband and I undertook, you can find similar high-quality, handmade enclosures. These ready-made options offer the same visual appeal and functionality without building one yourself.

Woody’s Pets and Garden offer luxury wooden enclosures on Etsy, where exceptional quality justifies the higher price point. Their designs include:

  1. A two-level living accommodation, complete with a ramp.
  2. A two-level structure with guinea pig accommodation on the upper level and storage space below. 

Woody’s points out that guinea pigs typically adapt to using the ramp from a young age. However, it’s essential to consider that older guinea pigs or those with arthritis, which is not uncommon in these pets, might find the ramp challenging to use.

In terms of size, while the length of the cage is slightly less than my recommended dimensions, its width more than compensates, making it an adequately spacious option overall.

wooden guinea pig cage with mesh lid and storage space underneath
Wooden guinea pig cage with mesh lid and storage space underneath

Hamster Homes also crafts excellent wooden habitats for guinea pigs. Choosing a size that ensures ample space for your pets is important. Their standard 150cm x 60cm cage is suitable and close enough to my recommended size guidelines. For those seeking more space, Hamster Homes offers an extra-large cage measuring 180cm x 60cm, which is an even better choice. These enclosures are more affordable than those from Woody’s and come with the option to add a roof. However, they lack a storage compartment at the bottom and are a single-storey design.

Midwest Habitat cages

The Midwest Habitat offers a good housing option. However, with its dimensions of 120cm x 60cm (4ft x 2ft), it’s important to note that it’s only sufficiently large for guinea pigs if you connect two cages to extend the space. I only use a single Midwest Habitat for temporary isolation, such as when a guinea pig is ill or needs close monitoring.

Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat Cage
Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat Cage – join 2 to make a better size

The setup of these cages is straightforward, but they are noticeably more flimsy and fiddlier to put together than a DIY C&C cage. Once assembled with the canvas base secured to the sides using velcro straps, the structure is stable for its intended use. However, moving the cage to a different location can be difficult.

One aspect to consider is the washable canvas base, which is more challenging to clean than the coroplast base in C&C cages. But the Midwest Habitat looks good and comes with the option to add a roof.

While dividers are available for separate sections within the cage, I recommend configuring a single uninterrupted space for optimal exercise and movement. This will require modifying the canvas bases, which I’ve done quite easily.

Expanded Midwest Habitat Guinea Pig Cage
Expanded Midwest Habitat Cage using 3 cages joined together

Despite not being my top preference, the Midwest Habitat is still among the better options available. It’s safe for guinea pigs, and joining two cages creates a spacious and comfortable living area for your pets. Find out more about the Midwest on Amazon.

FAQs

How much does an indoor guinea pig cage cost?

The cost of a suitable indoor cage for guinea pigs varies widely. Prices for a modular C&C cage start at around £50. On the higher end, luxury handmade wooden enclosures can exceed £300. This range allows you to choose based on your budget and the specific needs of your guinea pigs.

Does an indoor guinea pig cage need a stand?

Raising the cage to a higher level is generally recommended, as guinea pigs often feel safer when not at ground level. Also, a raised cage makes cleaning more manageable and accessible at table height. While a specific stand is unnecessary, you can use any sturdy, appropriately sized piece of furniture, like a table, to elevate the cage effectively. You can check out my step by step guide on how to build a stand for a C&C cage here…

Dresser base as a guinea pig cage stand with storage
I use a dresser base as a stand and storage

Can I buy a second-hand guinea pig cage?

Opting for a second-hand cage can be a cost-effective choice for those seeking an indoor enclosure for guinea pigs. However, it’s important to be cautious. After reviewing various second-hand portals such as Pre-loved, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay, I found that many cages offered are often too small. Always verify that the cage is a suitable size by getting its exact measurements before making a purchase.

If you find a used cage that meets the size requirements, cleaning it thoroughly before use is crucial. Use a safe cleaner for guinea pigs to ensure your new pets’ environment is healthy and hygienic.

Can you keep guinea pigs in a glass tank?

No. You should never keep guinea pigs in a glass tank. While glass tanks might be suitable for reptiles, they are entirely inappropriate for guinea pigs due to their lack of adequate ventilation. The enclosed space of a glass tank can lead to poor air circulation, which is detrimental to the health and well-being of guinea pigs.

Guinea pig in an open topped enclosure
Guinea pig in an open topped enclosure

How much ventilation does a guinea pig cage need?

Proper ventilation is crucial for a guinea pig enclosure. For cages with a perspex front, opting for an open top is the best way to ensure ample air circulation. A grid or mesh lid is a suitable alternative if an open top isn’t feasible. These options allow for continuous airflow, which is essential for the health and comfort of guinea pigs.

Guinea Pig Care Sheets - Printable PDF Download - Checklists, Logs and Information Sheets

Can I make my own indoor guinea pig cage?

Yes, absolutely. Creating a homemade cage for your guinea pigs is a viable option. To ensure it’s safe and comfortable for your pets, follow these tips:

  • Select Safe Wood: Opt for non-toxic woods like kiln-dried pine. Avoid cedar, as its aromatic oils can be harmful to guinea pigs.
  • Be Cautious with MDF: If you use MDF, ensure it’s completely covered and out of chewing reach. The glues in MDF can be hazardous. In my indoor cage made of MDF, I’ve covered the interior with lino (which should also not be chewable).
  • Smooth Flooring: The cage floor should be flat and smooth to prevent sore feet in guinea pigs.
  • Safe Building Materials: When using glues in construction, it’s crucial to ensure they are entirely inaccessible to guinea pigs, preventing any consumption risk. Additionally, conceal all nails or screws to eliminate the possibility of injury.
  • Size Requirements: When designing your cage, ensure the interior dimensions meet or exceed the minimum size recommendations for guinea pigs.

Can I use IKEA furniture to make a cage?

You can repurpose IKEA furniture into an indoor enclosure for guinea pigs, provided it meets specific criteria. Ensure that the furniture is large enough and safe for your pets, and adhere to the guidelines outlined in this article. Many guinea pig owners have creatively used IKEA’s “Lack” tables, integrating elements like perspex fronts to craft functional and stylish cages. You can transform IKEA furniture into a comfortable and suitable home for your guinea pigs with some ingenuity.

Further information on housing a guinea pig

For more information on various aspects of guinea pig housing, please take a look at the following resources:

Written by Monique, an experienced guinea pig owner with the guinea pigs’ best interests at heart. Find out more about me here.