Читать книгу Training Your Guinea Pig - Gerry Bucsis - Страница 12

Guinea pigs spend a lot of time in their cages, but they get stressed if their living quarters are cramped. If you want to have a happy, healthy guinea pig—one that will be a stellar student—it’s very important to get the right size cage. What is the right size cage? Think big, big, big! When cage shopping, your motto should be: the bigger, the better.

In the past, the recommended habitat space per guinea pig was only 2 square feet. This translates into a cage that is about 12 x 24 inches (30 x 60 cm) for one guinea pig. Can you imagine that? That would be like you being cooped up in a small bathroom all of your life! Fortunately, today’s standards are much more generous and humane.

To be happy and healthy, guinea pigs need a big case.

The recommended roam-room for a single guinea pig is now a minimum of 7.5 to 8 square feet (2.3–2.4 sq m). Two cavies need at least 10.5 square feet (3.2 sq m), three guinea pigs need a minimum of 13.5 square feet (4.1 sq m), and four piggies need around 16 square feet (4.9 sq m). But remember, these are only the minimum requirements. It’s always better to provide the biggest cage you can afford and have space for in your home.

Whether you’re looking at a store-bought cage, a cage from a kit, or a homemade habitat, price is probably going to be a factor. A good-sized cage might cost more than you’re expecting, so look into all of your options. If you can’t afford something suitable, put off your pet purchase until you’ve saved enough for a cavy-friendly cage.