Velikostní requirements a typy housing
Minimum cage size pro 2 guinea pigs je 120x60cm floor space podle RSPCA guidelines, ale 150x75cm je significantly better. Pro každé dodatečné guinea pig přidejte 30cm délky.
C&C cages (Cubes & Coroplast) jsou popular DIY option allowing flexible sizing a customization. Alternatively, quality manufactured cages like Ferplast, Savic, nebo Midwest options provide good value.
Indoor vs outdoor considerations: outdoor hutches require weather protection, predator-proofing, a seasonal adaptations. Indoor setups need adequate ventilation a space pro exercise beyond the cage.
Venkovní výběhy a seasonal considerations
Outdoor runs should provide minimum 2x4 meters pro pair of guinea pigs with secure mesh covering (including top) to protect from predators including birds of prey, foxes, a domestic pets.
Summer outdoor housing requires shade structures, adequate ventilation, a fresh water availability. Guinea pigs are susceptible to heat stroke above 26°C a need constant access to shelter.
Winter preparations involve insulated hutches, draft protection, a potentially supplemental heating in extreme conditions. Never allow temperatures below 15°C for extended periods without adequate shelter a bedding.
Podestýlka a substrate options
Paper-based beddings like CareFresh nebo Yesterday's News provide excellent absorption a odor control without dust issues common with wood shavings. More expensive but healthier option.
Kiln-dried pine shavings jsou acceptable if dust-extracted, but avoid cedar shavings which contain oils harmful to respiratory systems. Hemp bedding je increasingly popular sustainable option.
Fleece liners s absorbent layers underneath (towels, puppy pads) are reusable option preferred by many owners. Requires more frequent washing ale reduces long-term costs a environmental impact.
Essential equipment a setup
Water delivery systems: heavy ceramic bowls changed daily, nebo quality water bottles with ball-bearing spouts. Some guinea pigs preferujou bowls which are more natural ale require more frequent cleaning.
Food areas need multiple feeding stations to prevent dominant guinea pigs from monopolizing food. Heavy ceramic bowls, hay racks positioned appropriately, a separate areas pro vitamin C-rich vegetables.
Hiding structures jsou critical pro security - minimum jednu per guinea pig plus one extra. Various sizes a shapes accommodate different guinea pig preferences. Removable roofs facilitate cleaning.
Cleaning protocols a hygiene management
Daily maintenance includes removing soiled bedding from high-traffic areas, refreshing water, removing uneaten fresh vegetables, a quick visual health check of all guinea pigs.
Weekly deep cleaning involves complete bedding change, washing food bowls a water containers, wiping down cage surfaces with pet-safe cleaners, a restocking hay supplies.
Monthly sanitization includes disinfecting all removable items, checking for wear nebo damage, replacing any deteriorated accessories, a thorough inspection of the housing structure.
Enrichment a behavioral needs
Exercise opportunities beyond the main cage jsou essential - floor time in guinea pig-proofed areas, supervised exploration, nebo access to larger outdoor runs during appropriate weather.
Foraging enrichment encourages natural behaviors - hiding vegetables throughout the cage, using hay-stuffed toilet paper rolls, vagy puzzle feeders that make guinea pigs work pro their food.
Social enrichment je equally important - guinea pigs jsou herd animals a shouldníkdy be housed alone unless medical reasons exist. Proper introductions when adding new guinea pigs to established groups.