Myth #5: Small Critters, Small Cages

Could you live in, say, an 11' by 11' space all day, every day? A space that included a bed, a toilet in the corner, and a small table in another corner where you could eat? A space that, when all is said and done, gives you maybe four square feet to move around, stretch your legs, get a little exercise?

Could you live in this same space -- all day, every day -- with another human the same size as you?

Your answer to all of the above is likely a fairly emphatic "NO!", isn't it? That would be anyone's answer.

Yet so many don't apply this same thinking to their pets -- especially their small critters. Many cages sold in pet stores are as small as two square feet. Their boxes feature pictures of guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, and ferrets, implying that the cages are large enough for a single inhabitant from one of these species. This problem is compounded by

• some store clerks who tell customers, "Oh, yeah, you absolutely can keep two guinea pigs in there."
• a larger-than-we'd-like number of pet stores who house two to five guinea pigs per 2' x 2' or 2' x 3' cage.

The fact is, the recommended minimum cage size for

• one guinea pig is 7.5 square feet (30" x 36")
• two pigs, 10.5 square feet (30" x 50")
• three pigs, 13 square feet (30" x 62")
• four pigs, 13+ square feet (30" x 76" and greater)

These cages create cleaner living environments with plenty of space for guinea pigs to eat, sleep, and play without tripping over each other. Wondering how to get a cage that big? Easy...C&C (cubes & coroplast) cages. Check out Cavy Cages for more information. You also can get these cages from us.

Your guinea pigs will thank you!