Establishment of the guinea pig stable - that's how it works

The soft squeaking of the guinea pigs as you approach the enclosure, the lively frolicking and the curious glances of the little rodents - a well thought-out guinea pig hutch makes the difference between a functional cage and a real home for your furry friends. Guinea pigs are very social and active animals that have special needs to feel completely at ease.

In Switzerland, where animal welfare regulations are among the strictest in the world, keeping guinea pigs in a species-appropriate manner is not only ethical, but also required by law. A professional guinea pig hutch facility takes into account all the natural behaviors of these cute rodents: hiding, climbing, gnawing and the important social time with conspecifics.

But what really belongs in an optimally furnished guinea pig hutch? Which items are essential and which can even be harmful? In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about the perfect guinea pig hutch set-up - from the basic equipment to the clever details that will enrich your guinea pigs' lives.

The basics of guinea pig hutch furnishings

Well thought-out guinea pig hutch furnishings are based on the natural needs of the animals. Guinea pigs originally come from the South American Andes and are flight animals that need both hiding places and an overview of their surroundings.

The most important basic principles: Guinea pigs are pack animals and should never be kept individually. At least two, preferably three to four animals should live together. This has a considerable influence on the size of the hutch - at least 0.7 square meters of floor space is required for two guinea pigs, but 1.2 square meters or more is recommended.

Zoning in the guinea pig hutch: A well-equipped hutch is divided into different areas: a feeding zone with food bowls and hay rack, a drinking zone with water dispenser, resting zones with hiding places and activity areas for playing and exploring. This zoning prevents food and bedding from mixing.

Choice of materials: All furnishings must be non-toxic and gnaw-resistant. Natural materials such as untreated wood, ceramics and metal are ideal. Plastic should only be used in small quantities and in a very sturdy design, as guinea pigs like to gnaw.

Hygiene and cleaning: When furnishing the guinea pig hutch, make sure that all items are easy to clean. Smooth surfaces are easier to clean than rough ones, and removable elements make regular cleaning of the hutch much easier.

Important note: Guinea pigs need fresh hay and water every day. Plan the layout so that you can easily reach all feeding and drinking areas.

Essential basic equipment for every guinea pig hutch

The basic equipment forms the foundation of every guinea pig hutch. These elements are not only useful, but absolutely essential for the well-being of the animals.

Food and water systems: Heavy ceramic bowls are ideal for fresh food and pellets as they cannot be knocked over. It should be possible to clean the bowls daily. Special hay racks are ideal for hay - they keep the hay clean and dry. Water bottles or dispensers must be filled with fresh water every day.

Hiding places: Every guinea pig needs at least one hiding place of its own. Ideal hutches have two entrances so that the animals cannot block each other. The size should allow the animal to fit in comfortably, but not be so large that several animals crowd in.

Lying areas and levels: Raised lying areas create additional space and offer different perspectives. Ramps between the levels should be non-slip and not too steep. A maximum gradient of 30 degrees is ideal for guinea pigs.

Toys and activities: Tunnels made of cork or wood, wicker bridges and climbing facilities provide variety. Nibbling wood and stones help with natural dental care. Change toys regularly to avoid boredom.

Basic equipment for furnishing the guinea pig hutch:

Essential basic equipment includes various items in specific materials and quantities. Food bowls should be made of ceramic and be available in quantities of 1-2 per animal, as they are heavy and stable. Water bowls or bottles made of glass or stainless steel are sufficient with one per 2 animals, but must be changed daily with fresh water. One metal or wooden hay rack per hutch is sufficient and should keep the hay dry. Hiding places made of wood or cork are necessary with one per animal and should definitely have two entrances so that the animals cannot block each other. Wooden lying areas are required in a number of 1-2 per hutch and should be raised to create additional space and different perspectives.

Position hiding places and retreats correctly

Hiding places are vital for guinea pigs and form the heart of every guinea pig hutch. As flight animals, they have an innate urge to hide in the event of danger or stress.

Types of hiding places: Enclosed houses offer maximum protection and should be made of natural wood. Open shelters allow quick escape and are ideal for nervous animals. Tunnels and tubes satisfy the urge to explore and can serve as a hiding place and toy at the same time.

Optimal placement: Hiding places do not all belong in one place, but should be distributed throughout the entire hutch. At least one hiding place should be elevated to provide an overview. Others can be placed on the floor to create various retreat options.

Size and dimensions: A hiding place for a guinea pig should measure approximately 25x20x15 cm. Hiding places that are too small are not accepted, and those that are too large lose their protective function. It is important to have at least two openings so that the animals cannot lock each other in.

Materials and construction: Untreated wood is the best material for hiding places. Avoid varnished or treated wood, as guinea pigs like to gnaw. Cork and willow are also suitable. Plastic is only recommended to a limited extent as it can be harmful to health if gnawed on intensively.

Practical tip: Observe your guinea pigs for a few days after setting up new hiding places. Are they all being used? Sometimes the animals prefer certain places and you can adjust the setup accordingly.

Optimally design feeding and drinking stations

The correct design of the feeding and drinking stations is a key aspect of setting up a guinea pig pen. Guinea pigs are picky eaters and need constant access to fresh water and hay.

Feeding bowls and systems: Heavy ceramic bowls are ideal for dry food and pellets. They cannot be knocked over and are easy to clean. Flat bowls with a large surface area are suitable for fresh food. Avoid plastic bowls as they can easily tip over and be gnawed on by the animals.

Install hay racks correctly: Hay makes up 80% of a guinea pig's diet and must be available at all times. Hay racks should be installed in such a way that all animals can eat at the same time. The optimum height is around 5-10 cm above the floor. Metal racks are more durable than wooden racks, which are often gnawed on.

Set up water stations: Fresh water must be constantly available. Water bottles with ball caps are hygienic and space-saving. Alternatively, heavy water bowls are possible, but these need to be cleaned more frequently. You should allow around 100-200 ml of water per two guinea pigs per day.

Treat hiding places: Occasionally hide treats in hay nests or special food balls. This encourages their natural foraging behavior and keeps them occupied. However, only use small quantities of treats suitable for guinea pigs.

Cleaning and hygiene: All food containers must be cleaned daily. Use warm water and mild washing-up liquid if necessary. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Water bottles should be completely disassembled and disinfected weekly.

Activity and play elements

Guinea pigs are curious and active animals that require mental and physical activity. The right choice of play elements is therefore an important part of setting up a guinea pig hutch.

Natural activity options: Willow branches and untreated twigs provide hours of nibbling activity. Cork tubes and houses can be explored and gnawed on. Hay nets or socks filled with hay stimulate natural foraging behavior.

Climbing and exploration opportunities: Small ramps and bridges create interesting paths through the hutch. The gradient should not exceed 30 degrees and the surface should be non-slip. Tunnels made of wood or cork are often used as hiding places and passageways.

Intelligence toys: Food balls that can be filled with pellets or treats encourage activity and thinking skills. Simple labyrinths made of wooden boards create interesting routes to food. Snack boards with different hiding places for treats are particularly popular with bored animals.

Nibbling material: Guinea pigs need to wear down their constantly growing teeth. Nibbling wood made from apple, pear or hazelnut wood is ideal. Nibbling stones made from pressed hay or grain offer variety. Avoid wood from stone fruit trees, as these can contain hydrocyanic acid.

Alternate activities: Change toys regularly to avoid boredom. New objects are first sniffed carefully, then explored. Observe which activities your pets prefer and adapt the range accordingly.

Safety note: Check toys regularly for damage. Splinters or sharp edges can cause injuries. Remove damaged toys immediately.

Choose bedding and floor coverings correctly

Choosing the right bedding is an often underestimated aspect of guinea pig hutch design. The bedding not only affects hygiene, but also the well-being and health of the animals.

Suitable types of bedding: Hemp bedding is particularly absorbent and odor-binding, low-dust and suitable for allergy sufferers. Wood shavings made from untreated wood are the classic choice, but should be dedusted. Corn husks are an environmentally friendly alternative with good absorbency.

Unsuitable materials: Cat litter is completely unsuitable for guinea pigs as it is harmful when eaten. Newspaper alone is not sufficient as it does not bind moisture. Hay is not suitable as bedding as it quickly becomes moldy and loses its food quality.

Correct layer thickness: A bedding height of 3-5 cm is ideal. In heavily frequented areas such as under the hay rack, the layer can be thicker. Bedding that is too thin does not provide sufficient protection, and bedding that is too thick is expensive and difficult to clean.

Special areas: You can place additional soft material such as hemp mats or cotton towels under hiding places and in resting areas. These create cozy places to lie down and are washable. In feeding areas, harder bedding that does not stick so easily is suitable.

Cleaning frequency: Remove coarsely soiled bedding and food residues daily. A complete change is necessary every 3-7 days, depending on the stocking. When cleaning, you should also take the opportunity to check all furnishings and clean them if necessary.

Comparison of bedding types:

When choosing the right bedding for guinea pigs, there are various options available that differ in their properties. Hemp bedding offers the advantages of very high absorbency and is low in dust, but is more expensive than other alternatives and can therefore be classified as very suitable. Wood shavings are cheap and readily available, but can be dusty and are considered suitable. Corn husks are environmentally friendly and well suited, but have the disadvantage that they are not available everywhere. Straw pellets are characterized by their very high absorbency, but are hard and not very soft, which is why they are only suitable to a limited extent.

Avoid common mistakes when setting up the hutch

Even experienced keepers make mistakes when setting up a guinea pig hutch, which can affect the animals' well-being. Here are the most common problems and how to avoid them.

Too few hiding places: Many keepers underestimate the need of guinea pigs to hide. One hiding place per animal is the absolute minimum. Two different types of hiding places per animal are better - one on the ground and one raised.

Incorrect ramp design: Ramps that are too steep or smooth are not used or lead to falls. The maximum gradient should not exceed 30 degrees. Attach crossbars or rough materials for better grip.

Unsuitable materials: Painted or treated wood can be toxic if gnawed on. Only use natural, untreated materials. If you are unsure, ask your specialist retailer for products suitable for guinea pigs.

Overcrowding in the hutch: Too many furnishings take away the animals' freedom of movement. Make sure that at least 50% of the floor space remains free. Guinea pigs need space to run and play.

Neglecting cleaning: Dirty furnishings quickly become a source of germs. Develop a fixed cleaning schedule and stick to it. Daily spot cleaning is more important than infrequent deep cleaning.

Lack of variety: Always having the same furniture gets boring. Change toys regularly and occasionally change the arrangement of the furniture. This stimulates the animals' curiosity.

Avoid mistakes: Observe your guinea pigs regularly. Are all areas being used? Do the animals seem active and content? The animals' behavior will show you whether the set-up is optimal.

To summarize: The perfect guinea pig hutch set-up

• Note the basic equipment: Food and water points, hiding places and lying areas are essential
• Place hiding places strategically: At least one hiding place per animal with two entrances
• Optimally design feeding stations: Use heavy ceramic bowls and easily accessible hay racks
• Don't forget to keep them occupied: Climbing opportunities, tunnels and nibbling material for active animals
• Choose the right bedding: Hemp bedding or dedusted wood shavings 3-5 cm thick
• Avoid common mistakes: Leave enough space and clean regularly
• Material quality: Only untreated, non-toxic materials for rodent-proof furniture

Frequently asked questions about guinea pig hutch furnishings

How many hiding places do guinea pigs need? At least one hiding place per animal, preferably two different types per guinea pig. It is important to have two entrances per hiding place so that the animals cannot block each other.

Which bedding is best for guinea pigs? Hemp bedding is ideal as it is very absorbent and low in dust. Dusted wood shavings are a cheaper alternative. Avoid cat litter or perfumed products.

How often do I need to clean the hutch equipment? Feed residues and coarsely soiled bedding should be removed daily. Clean food bowls daily, check hiding places and toys weekly and clean if necessary.

Can guinea pigs use ramps and levels? Yes, but the gradient must not exceed 30 degrees. Attach crossbars or rough materials for better grip. Not all guinea pigs are equally keen to climb.

Which materials are dangerous for guinea pigs? Painted or treated wood, plastic with sharp edges, perfumed bedding and materials with small parts that can be swallowed. Only use natural materials.

How big should hiding places for guinea pigs be? Approximately 25x20x15 cm for an adult guinea pig. The animal should fit in comfortably, but the hiding place should not be so large that several animals crowd in.

Do guinea pigs need toys in their hutch? Yes, activity is important for their well-being. Tunnels, nibbles and simple climbing opportunities provide variety. Change toys regularly.

How do I place food and water bowls correctly? Do not place food bowls under seating to avoid soiling. Water points should be easily accessible for all animals, but not in the direct play area.

Can I build the hutch equipment myself? Yes, but only use untreated, non-toxic wood. Look for smooth surfaces without splinters and stable construction. If in doubt, use ready-made, tested products.

How can I tell if my guinea pigs are happy with the furniture? Active, curious animals that use all areas of the hutch show satisfaction. If the animals are constantly hiding or do not use certain areas, you should reconsider the set-up.

Conclusion: Well thought-out furnishings make all the difference

A professional guinea pig hutch set-up is much more than just the purchase of a few items - it is the basis for a species-appropriate and happy life for your guinea pigs. With the right combination of functional elements and a well thought-out layout, you can create a home in which your furry friends will feel completely at ease.

Remember that each group of guinea pigs has individual preferences. Observe your animals carefully and adjust the layout if necessary. What works for one group does not necessarily work for another. Experiment with different arrangements and materials to find the best solution for your guinea pigs.

Invest in high-quality, durable furnishings made from natural materials. These are not only safer for your animals, but also more sustainable and often more cost-effective in the long term. A well-designed guinea pig hutch is an investment in the health and well-being of your animals - and in your own enjoyment of keeping guinea pigs. With the tips in this guide, you will be well equipped to provide your guinea pigs with a species-appropriate and enriching home.