The Importance of Hay and Shelter
We are often asked about the best way of setting up a cage for guinea pigs especially as there is so much conflicting information around which makes things confusing for those new to keeping them.
The most important piece of advice we give is to remember that the guinea pigs’ needs should always be the primary consideration. The two most critical factors to focus on are that they are prey animals and that they have highly specialised digestive systems.
As prey animals, guinea pigs spend their lives expecting to be chased or caught by another creature. Even though they have been domesticated for years, this instinct never leaves them. This is why they like to hide under things and why it is critical that owners provide good quality, houses/hidies for them to rest under and feel safe. Additionally, a lack of places to hide results in guinea pigs feeling stressed which is not good for their health as stress makes them more vulnerable to issues such as cystitis, bladder stones, gut stasis and other illnesses.
The most important piece of advice we give is to remember that the guinea pigs’ needs should always be the primary consideration. The two most critical factors to focus on are that they are prey animals and that they have highly specialised digestive systems.
As prey animals, guinea pigs spend their lives expecting to be chased or caught by another creature. Even though they have been domesticated for years, this instinct never leaves them. This is why they like to hide under things and why it is critical that owners provide good quality, houses/hidies for them to rest under and feel safe. Additionally, a lack of places to hide results in guinea pigs feeling stressed which is not good for their health as stress makes them more vulnerable to issues such as cystitis, bladder stones, gut stasis and other illnesses.
We strongly recommend that all hidies should have at least two entrances/exits. This is in case there is any chasing as this prevents the guinea pigs from being cornered and bullied. It also enables the guinea pigs to move around their space more freely by moving from hidey to hidey.
Many pet shops just sell the plastic igloo type hidies with single entrances but if you look around it is possible to find more suitable ones. Log arches and small plastic stools are great, plus there are several other designs available online which have multiple entrances. Cardboard boxes with suitable sized entrances cut out of the sides can also work well. All set-ups should have one hidey per guinea pig as a minimum so they have the option to sit separately or to sit together. Tunnels are good fun for guinea pigs to run through but do not count as hidies. |
Guinea pigs are hind gut fermenters which means that their digestive systems are specially designed to consume and digest large quantities of hay and grass. It is therefore vital that they have continuous access to unlimited amounts of good quality hay to keep their intestines working. Hay should account for at least 85% of their diet and insufficient hay in their diet can lead to gut stasis, bloat and other serious health issues which need urgent veterinary attention and can be fatal.
An additional factor is that guinea pigs’ teeth grow constantly in order to combat the abrasive effect of eating so much hay and grass. With insufficient hay in their diet, guinea pigs’ teeth can become overgrown. If this happens they need urgent attention by a specialist vet especially as severe overgrowth can stop them from being able to eat so they can starve to death.
The best way of giving them constant access to hay is to put it in their hidies!
An additional factor is that guinea pigs’ teeth grow constantly in order to combat the abrasive effect of eating so much hay and grass. With insufficient hay in their diet, guinea pigs’ teeth can become overgrown. If this happens they need urgent attention by a specialist vet especially as severe overgrowth can stop them from being able to eat so they can starve to death.
The best way of giving them constant access to hay is to put it in their hidies!
We are very concerned about the increasing popularity of fleece bedding and bathmat set ups which do not address the needs outlined above. The fundamental issue seems to be that fleece and hay don’t mix as hay sticks to fleece and this creates a problem for owners when washing the fleece.
The trend is therefore to place hay in a small, open topped tray or hay rack some distance away from the guinea pigs’ hidies where they naturally prefer to spend most of their time. The guinea pigs therefore have to build up enough courage to leave their hiding place, venture to the other end of the cage, climb into the hay tray and quickly eat what they can before their nerves get the better of them and they rush back to their hidey. |
The risk with these set ups is that the guinea pigs don’t get to eat enough hay which can lead to health issues. This way of living is also highly stressful for them which is also not good for their health and wellbeing.
Designs like this are aimed at satisfying owner’s ideas of what they want the cage to look like rather than meeting the guinea pigs’ needs. By creating a more natural environment where your guinea pigs have places to hide and feel safe and where they can access their hay at the same time will ensure they have happier, healthier and less stressful lives. It will also help them to become more confident and friendly with you and your family.
Please remember, a happy guinea pig is one sitting in a covered hidey munching on hay! Your guinea pigs’ needs must come first.
Designs like this are aimed at satisfying owner’s ideas of what they want the cage to look like rather than meeting the guinea pigs’ needs. By creating a more natural environment where your guinea pigs have places to hide and feel safe and where they can access their hay at the same time will ensure they have happier, healthier and less stressful lives. It will also help them to become more confident and friendly with you and your family.
Please remember, a happy guinea pig is one sitting in a covered hidey munching on hay! Your guinea pigs’ needs must come first.