Your pet's habitat is their entire world. It's where they sleep, eat, play, and exercise. Creating a spacious, safe, and stimulating environment is key to their physical health and mental well-being.
Space: Bigger is Always Better
The most common mistake new owners make is buying a cage that is too small. Pet store cages are often woefully inadequate.
- Guinea Pigs: Need a minimum of 7.5 square feet for a pair, but 10.5+ square feet is recommended. C&C (Cubes and Coroplast) cages are a popular, customizable choice.
- Rabbits: Ideally should be free-roam or have an exercise pen (x-pen) setup. A standard "hutch" is rarely enough room for a bunny to hop and binky.
Bedding: Comfort & Hygiene
Your choice of bedding impacts odor control, cleaning ease, and your pet's respiratory health.
Our Liners
Our liners are made to replace fleece, not sit on top of it. The absorbent layers are built in, so you do not wick or layer anything underneath. The Cool Breeze surface does not hold hay or fur, so one shake cleans it, and the non-slip base keeps the liner flat. See the liner range.
Other Options
- Aspen Shavings: Safe wood option, but can be messy.
- Paper Bedding: Soft and absorbent, but disposable costs add up.
- Avoid: Cedar and Pine shavings (unless kiln-dried). The aromatic oils can damage small animal respiratory tracts and livers.
Hideouts & Security
Small animals are prey species. They need multiple places to hide to feel safe.
- Provide at least one hideout per animal to prevent squabbles.
- Mix it up with wooden huts, tunnels, and cuddle sacks. The Piggy Wooden House is a solid-walled option that blocks out light and noise.
- Open-ended tunnels are great for running through during "zoomies."
Enrichment & Boredom Busters
A bored pet is an unhappy pet. Keep their minds active with:
- Foraging: Hide treats or pellets in hay piles or treat balls.
- Chew Toys: Willow balls, apple sticks, and cardboard tubes are safe and fun to destroy.
- Rotation: Switch out toys weekly to keep things fresh.
Location, Location, Location
Where you put the cage matters too:
Temperature Warning: Keep away from direct sunlight, drafts, and radiators. Guinea pigs are prone to heatstroke above 75°F (24°C).
Place them in a family area (like a living room) so they feel part of the "herd," but avoid high-noise areas like right next to a TV or stereo.