Reddit reviews Guinea Habitat Plus Guinea Pig Cage by MidWest w/ Top Panel, 47L x 24W x 14H Inches

First off, do NOT buy them a wheel, cavies are not designed to run on wheels and can injure or even break their backs using wheels, balls, or harnesses. Second, you will want two if not three of everything (food dishes, water bottles, hides, etc) just to be on the safe side.

The cage is still a bit too small. A cage such as this (there is a lid they sell for it as well which I recommend) would be the minimum size for two; http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Interactive-Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373416057&sr=8-2

lid;http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Guinea-Habitat-Top-Panel/dp/B001NJ0DS6/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1373416110&sr=1-3&keywords=Midwest+guinea+pig+habitat

You could also make a cubes and coroplast style cage, you don't have to be extremely good at building to make one either for probably even cheaper. Here is some information on making your own cage and where to find materials (sign shops should have the coroplast, and the safe 9 x 9 1.5" spaced grids should be available at most Bed Bath and Beyond stores and Walmart's website); http://www.guineapigcages.com/

You want a hide that has two exits so fights do not occur. You can even use a soda or similar box with both ends cut out (as long as they do not flatten it out and potty on it). Me, I just use a couple of bent cage grids zip-tied to the back of the cage securely and then drape fleece over those to make tunnels.

For pellets, the absolute best one I've found is Kleenmama's Hayloft pellets if you are in the United States or Canada (you cannot have the hay shipped to Canada, only the pellets). Her hay is amazing too. http://www.kmshayloft.com/hay/ If you cannot get this for some reason, Oxbow is your next best bet. Cavies under 6 months to 1 year old will need alfalfa pellets, while adults over 6 months to one year need timothy based pellets.

Do not get anything you have to put into water, as it can put them off of drinking it. Oxbow makes a vitamin C tablet that is pretty popular with guinea pigs. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=20255

You will want to have some sort of grass hay on hand at all times. Timothy, orchard grass, and blue grass are all common types to give guinea pigs. Second or third cutting is the softest and safest (not sharp at the ends). I buy it in large bales locally to save whenever they have good quality hay in. KM's hayloft sells hay as well on their website and is usually cheaper per pound than even Kaytee hay (which tends to be terrible quality) even after shipping. Oxbow also sells bagged hay, but sometimes I have found it to be harder hay. Another brand I have had some luck with bagged hay from is LM Farms hay (the pellets are not so good though).

You really need a larger cage to start, because as babies become adolescents and then go into puberty they will be more about dominance. Babies are also pretty hyper and need the space to run around. Adults like to be active on their own time as well but babies as I said are downright hyper and like to zoom around a good sized cage, so a minimum of 27" wide by 41" long is needed for a pair.

It looks like that one popular cage off of amazon and it can be sectioned into parts with doors between the sections (you can see that the bedding extends past the left side of the cage at the bottom left corner of the picture).

http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Interactive-Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394191807&sr=8-1&keywords=guinea+pig+cage

Martin's makes wire mesh playpens that have flip-top lids (44x22x24 or 44x44x24). You could purchase a Marshall Playpen that comes with a cover that goes over the top of it (43-65 diameter x 29 tall - caution - 1" bar spacing). You could use this Midwest guinea pig cage without the cloth base like this (47x24x14 - caution - 1" bar spacing). You could diy something out of wood and hardware cloth, too.

You could also bring a collapsible coroplast or cardboard pen outside and sit with them and watch them like a hawk (because there might be hawks also watching them like a hawk).

https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1502547989&sr=1-4&keywords=Guinea+pig+cage

How about that one?

Hey! Sounds like you have definitely started on some good research! Your mom should not have to worry about rabies with your hedgie, unless it has access to wildlife, like raccoons and possums. Your hedgie should be kept indoors or supervised when outside, so I can't forsee there being any issues. A lot of people build their own cages, but I prefer this one here. In fact, that is the type of cage I have had since I got mine five years ago. I would recommend, however, that you use fleece blankets to line the cage instead of woodchips. I don't forsee it being a problem with a female, but a male hedgehog can absolutely get woodchips stuck in their penile shafts. Mine is blind, so his cage is pretty bare, but for a healthy hedgie, I would keep a wheel, an igloo or something for him to hide in, toys (I used kitty kongs, and little jinlgy cat toys that looked like ping pong balls).

There are a lot of good resources on this website. It has everything from what to feed, how to build cages, veterinarians that have knowledge of hedgies in your area, and the like.

The biggest key is to give your hedgie lots of time to adjust to you and warm up to you. Some of them take a lot of time to be socialized, and sometimes it just isn't going to happen. Some of them just have a pretty grumpy disposition. I bathe mine every couple of months, but I let him walk around in some warm water more frequently than that to wash off his "poopy boots".

I feed mine cat food (Purina One Chicken & Rice), but there are a variety of options. You can treat them with mealworms and other little snacks. Hedgehog Central really was the most useful source for me, though, when I was considering purchasing my baby.

I haven't got any experience with the cage you have, but it looks like a decent enough size for two females (I think nearly 8 sq feet?). I have two of these and I like them a lot.

However, with both cages, you are going to go through a LOT of paper bedding (I don't recommend any type of wood, generally). I go through 30 litres per cage, so basically one large bag of carefresh per week. If I didn't work at a pet store I don't think I could afford it. Because of the size, I'd recommend fleece bedding (with a u-haul moving blanket underneath). It's a bit more work, as you have to sweep it or shake it off every day, but it's so much more cost efficient.

As for the food, excellent choice :) Just check their bedding for any white urine residue - it means they're getting too much calcium in their diet, which is a common issue with the Ox Bow. I still like it better than other brands. I use their timothy hay as well as it seems to be the highest quality that I can find reliably. You can order it in 9 pound and 50 pound boxes on Amazon as well.

The only other thing I can think of to recommend at the moment is to have two water bottles and two food bowls. You don't want them fighting over resources. I'd recommend something like this for hay because it holds a lot more than most hay feeders I've seen.

Hope I've answered a few questions and good luck with the new piggies! They are amazingly fun little animals.

The cage is too small. With boy pigs, you should have 10 square feet, but to do that you have to build a C&C cage.

Here's some info on cage sizes: https://www.guineapigcages.com/

And here's where they have their kits you can buy: http://www.guineapigcagesstore.com/standard-guinea-pig-cages

I have been making do with 8 square feet. Specifically, with the Midwest cage, which I bought through the rescue when I adopted my boys. I do want to get a bigger cage in the next few months, since my schedule has changed and I can't give them 3-4 hours of playtime every day anymore. But this is a better size than what you have and likely less money, and you can combine two to make a really big cage if you have enough floorspace.

https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8

What is your mom's specific reason for not wanting two guinea pigs? If it's expense, having two does not change the costs very much at all. If it's worry they won't bond with people, they still will. But people can't spend ALL their time with guinea pigs, and a cagemate will be there at all times and know how to speak guinea pig language. Pigs are happier, healthier, and braver with friends around. If it's that they won't get along, Hamlet should be fine with a boy from the same litter. OR you could still contact a guinea pig rescue and see if they do guinea pig dates, which is when you bring in your guinea pig and they put him with one of their guinea pigs in a neutral space to see if they'll get along. Note: They probably won't let you adopt a pig friend for Hamlet unless you can prove you have a big enough cage.

Even if you don't adopt from them, a local guinea pig rescue can be a good resource to tell you what vets they recommend and how to do certain things. Mine does nail trimmings, boar cleanings and simple health checks for free.

If your mom absolutely won't let you get a second pig, keep a close eye on Hamlet and see if he acts lethargic or depressed. He could get depression without a pig buddy, and there's nothing you can do to fix that except find him a friend.

Guinea pigs will pee during floortime, since they can only hold it for 10 minutes or so. Put stuff down to protect your floor, like fleece over a showercurtain. If you're doing laptime, they might get squirmy or start nibbling on you to tell you they need to go pee. They don't really like peeing on you, but accidents happen.

Good luck and enjoy Hamlet! Do your best to get him a bigger cage and a buddy. He'll be much healthier and happier with both. :)

I'll try to link it, the cage I bought was $40 and is a similar style to c+c

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474639533&sr=8-1&keywords=guinea%2Bpig%2Bcage&pi=SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=51LjyRUWqfL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

Here ya go. I'm in the US so I don't know if it'll be different. They also have just the cage (no "plus") for $35

Gotcha. Unfortunately I don't have much space, but what would your thoughts be on this item? Would it be good enough?

https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1505353956&sr=1-1&keywords=guinea+pig+cage

https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-MidWest-Panel-Inches/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=guinea+pig+cage&qid=1556043946&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

These are awesome customizable and expandable enclosures. You can connect them to each other for as much space as you could want, plus they have dividers and such available as well. I used them when I had guinea pigs and they worked great.
I've also seen them sold at walmart occasionally.

For me it has been trial and error mostly, you kind of see what they prefer. Very amazing animals and the personality reflects them definitely. I've had Oli for 4 months now and have bought two cages, two wheels, and went through multiple different kinds of bedding.

Cage wise, I started with your first one, and realized shortly after Oli wanted more room.

This was what I have now, and I love it.

Guinea Habitat Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rVndzbSGFY140

Make sure you buy a large wheel, both the saucer spinners and silent spinners work great.

As far as bedding, I like the carefresh recycled cardboard. It's less messy and absorbs. My hedgie prefers the bedding, but that doesn't go for all.

carefresh Complete Natural Paper Bedding for Small Animals, 50 L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PBM761S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t2ndzbJMEF9Y5

I tried a fleece and he wasn't liking that because he had nothing to burrow in. Make sure you have places for your little guy to hide!

Guinea Habitat Plus Guinea Habitat Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_S347ybHKJN5V1



This was my first cage. I use it for my two boys still

To be happy 2 piggies need at minimum 8 square feet so they can run. I recommend this cage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_gmWZCbSX9HDPM if you can’t fit that, I’d suggest waiting or looking into a different pet like a hamster. I made the bad decision when I adopted my piggies as babies to get a smaller cage and expand when they grew up. 2 months later I was buying another, bigger cage. There’s no 2 ways about it. If piggies don’t have a big cage they will just be bored and sit around all day. It’s big but necessary.
Most guinea pigs also need a piggie friend to be happy because they’re herd animals. There are rare exceptions but typically one guinea pig is a depressed guinea pig.
My cage doesn’t even perfectly fit in my room- kinda have to step over it- but to me it’s worth it.

https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-MidWest-Panel-Inches/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=guinea+pig+cage&qid=1557866502&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I have these for mine and they’re really happy in them. These cages connect, each purchase is purchasing one cage so if you would like multiple make sure to check the quantity. I personally didn’t put the top grid on because I want the space to feel more open for my piggies. Waterproof bottom and you can use fleece or bedding. And it’s super easy to set up!

Edit: sorry for the messy link

I really like this one. The tarp is super easy to clean and you can add expansions to the cage:
Guinea Habitat Plus Guinea Habitat Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_pV7PybFGY70EK

Thank you for the help! But could you help me pick out a cage that doesn't pass 50$? I found this one on the C & C site and thought it looked okay, it has good reviews but it doesn't have a top panel and I have cats. One cat is pretty old and she doesn't bother a fly and the other is quite curious.

http://www.petsmart.com/small-pet/cages-habitats-hutches/midwest-guinea-pig-habitat-zid36-5171983/cat-36-catid-600011?_t=pfm%3Dcategory

I found the same cage for one day delivery on amazon for a little less but it also has the top panel.

http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Interactive-Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407339861&sr=8-2&keywords=guinea+pig+cage+top


Is it big enough for two guinea pigs or do I need a bigger cage?

haha, the smaller guy in the photo is actually named Scooby. I put together two of these, but had to temporarily use cardboard for the back wall because the hooks on a couple of the panels were welded shut. Had to cut the corners on the tarps at the middle so they could lay flat and overlap. For bedding I got two towels and put fleece over them. The tunnel and the grass balls are here and here.

oh geeze, that's a problem. You know, you can build a coroplast C&C cage for like $80, and it'd be bigger than any store bought cage.
http://www.guineapigcagesstore.com/standard-guinea-pig-cages

It's a pretty good cage option, a ton of guinea pig owners like them. I personally have this because i'm not very good at building stuff. with both options, I would use fleece because buying bedding for the whole cage would be costly.

If you have a Prime membership for the free shipping, they're pretty cheap on Amazon (Midwest Guinea Habitat Plus). Mine were $34 each. I love these cages, but they are sort of.. flimsy? Not any less so than a C&C cage, but I don't feel like the top would keep out a determined dog or cat.

I have used this cage from Amazon. The one I had did not have the top cage portion. My two pigs loved to run in it and it kept them contained.
https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8

Huh, strange.
Guinea Habitat Plus Guinea Habitat Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MQ1zybX8T2Z3T

If you're unable to build a C&C for whatever reason (not necessarily you, but I know not everyone has the time or skills to build a cage from scratch), check out Midwest Habitats.

Edit: words

Cool so the bottom part of the Trixie cage is about 8.9ft^2 with another 4ft^2 inside the upper level. This may be the perfect solution for the space I have.

I use to have one of these, but it was unwieldy and the canvas got gross in their "preferred corner". This paired with some fleeces and a water proof layer under the bottom would work great.

Thanks for sharing.

If you get the Plus version, which is $49 instead of $36, it comes with a top that is made of the same stuff the sides are made of, so it would be very dog proof. http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Interactive-Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371565142&sr=8-3&keywords=Western+guinea+pig

Would you say that this cage is a decent size for 2 guinea pigs?