It is only necessary to change a guinea pig’s cage about once a week. You can spot clean daily if you’d like, but you can get away with changing it completely once a week.
All bedding should be removed from a guinea pig cage and disposed of separately when changing a cage. Due to the fact that guinea pigs can be prone to respiratory illnesses, it’s important not to expose them to dust or other particles that may irritate their lungs.
To remove any bacteria or pathogens that may have built up over the week, the cage should be thoroughly cleaned with a pet-safe disinfectant once the bedding is removed. When cleaning the cage, make sure you pay special attention to the corners and nooks where dirt and debris can hide.
When adding fresh bedding, the cage should be completely dry. A safe and non-toxic bedding is important for your guinea pig’s cage. Wood shavings, paper-based products, and hay are all acceptable options. It is, however, important to check for mold regularly, as it can cause respiratory problems.
To ensure that your guinea pig stays healthy and happy, always provide fresh vegetables, hay, and water after cleaning.
What You'll Learn
Why It’s Important To Change A Guinea Pigs Cage Each Week
It is important to change a guinea pig’s cage each week to ensure their health and wellbeing. Guinea pigs are small animals that need a clean and comfortable environment to live in. A dirty cage with old bedding can lead to a variety of health issues, such as respiratory infections, fur mites, and even parasites. By changing the cage on a weekly basis, you can help to prevent these potential problems from occurring.
Besides causing health problems, an unclean cage can also lead to stress and anxiety for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are sensitive to odors and if their cage is not kept clean, the smell can become overwhelming for them. By changing the cage each week, you can help to keep the odors at bay and give your guinea pig a clean, comfortable place to live.
A dirty guinea pig cage can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. Not only can this be harmful to the guinea pig, but it can also be dangerous for humans.
Bacteria can easily be spread from the cage to other parts of the home, which can cause illnesses in humans. By changing the cage each week, you can reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and help keep your family safe.
How To Tell If A Guinea Pig Cage Needs Changing
Although you should change a guinea pigs cage at least once a week, if the cage gets too dirty, you may need to change multiple times per week.
You should change your guinea pig’s cage if:
The bedding is soiled or wet: Wet bedding can cause respiratory problems in guinea pigs, so it’s important to change it as soon as possible.
There is mold or mildew growing anywhere in the cage: Mold and mildew can also cause respiratory problems, so be sure to clean these areas right away.
Be sure to do a thorough cleaning, and add fresh bedding, food, and water before putting your guinea pig back in.
The Best Way To Change A Guinea Pig Cage
When changing the cage, it is important to take your time and do it properly. Begin by removing all of the bedding, toys, and other items from the cage. This will help to avoid any mess or contamination from being spread. It is also important to thoroughly clean the cage before replacing the bedding and items. This can be done by using a mild soap and warm water to wipe down the surfaces.
Once the cage has been thoroughly cleaned, it is time to replace the bedding and toys. It is important to use a bedding material that is specifically designed for guinea pigs. This will help to keep your guinea pig healthy and comfortable.
Toys are also an important part of the guinea pig’s environment. Make sure to include some chewable items that are safe for your guinea pig to play with.
Once the bedding and toys are in place, it is important to make sure the cage is safe for your guinea pig. This means checking for any sharp edges or objects that could hurt your guinea pig. It is also important to check to make sure the cage is secure and that your guinea pig cannot escape.
Changing a guinea pig cage regularly is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Taking your time and doing it properly will ensure a safe and clean environment for your guinea pig.
What To Do With Your Guinea Pig While Changing Their Cage
The best thing to do while changing your guinea pig’s cage is to put them in a safe, enclosed space. This could be another room in your house or even a large dog crate. You want to make sure that they have plenty of food and water and that the space is comfortable for them. Once you have their new cage set up, you can let them out and start the process of cleaning their old cage.
Tips For Making The Cage Change Process Easier
Cage changes are an important part of guinea pig care, but they can be a bit daunting, especially if you’ve never done one before. Here are a few tips to make the process easier:
1. Set Up Everything You need Before You Start
This includes your new cage, bedding, food, water, and any toys or other items your guinea pig will need. Having everything ready ahead of time will make the actual cage change go much smoother.
2. Keep the Setup Similar
Guinea pigs are creatures of habit and they like familiarity, so try to keep things as close to the same as possible. If you’re using a different type of bedding, put it in the new cage first so that it has time to settle before your guinea pig goes in.
3. Put Your Guinea Pig in a Holding Area
This could be a small travel carrier or even just a towel-lined box. Put some of their favorite treats in there with them so that they have something to occupy themselves while you’re working on the cage change.
4. Work Quickly But Carefully
The longer your guinea pig is out of their cage, the more stressed they will become. So try to work as quickly and efficiently as possible without rushing and making mistakes.
