The Best Indoor Cages for Two Guinea Pigs
If you’re welcoming guinea pigs into your family, or upgrading your current setup, one of the biggest choices you’ll make is their cage. The truth is, most shop-bought cages labelled as “large” are still far too small for two guinea pigs. Space isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for their wellbeing.
This guide will walk you through the minimum space requirements, the best cage options, and tips on making your piggies’ home safe, fun, and full of enrichment.
How Much Space Do Two Guinea Pigs Need?
The recommended minimum size for a pair of guinea pigs is 120cm x 60cm (around 4ft x 2ft). But minimum doesn’t mean ideal — guinea pigs will always make use of extra space. If you can, aim for a 5x2 or 6x2 C&C cage to really see their personalities shine.
Why so much room? Guinea pigs are grazing, ground-dwelling animals. They thrive when they can:
- Run and zoom around freely
- Popcorn (those joyful little jumps)
- Have enough hideouts to feel secure
- Graze and explore without stress
Read the RSPCA housing guide here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/guineapigs/environment
The Best Indoor Cage Options
C&C Cages (Cubes & Coroplast)
- These are the gold standard for guinea pig housing.
- Flexible and modular — you can expand as your herd grows
- Spacious — a 4x2 grid is the starting point, but you can go larger
- Customisable — add lofts, playpens, or storage underneath
UK suppliers:
https://candcguineapigcages.co.uk/
https://www.guineapigcagesstore.com/
Ferplast 140 or 160
If you prefer a shop-bought option, these are among the very few that actually meet minimum welfare standards.
- Ferplast 140: 142cm x 60cm
- Ferplast 160: 160cm x 60cm
You can find them at:
They’re a solid choice, but floor time or a pen extension is still highly recommended.
Indoor Playpens
Open playpen setups are becoming increasingly popular, especially in homes where space allows.
- Easy to clean and adapt
- Great interaction — no bars in the way
- Freedom — guinea pigs can enjoy larger, safer areas
Examples:
MidWest Guinea Habitat Plus: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001NJ0DAY
Pets Corner Playpens: https://www.petscorner.co.uk/
Turning a Cage Into a Home
A cage alone isn’t enough — it’s what you put inside that makes the difference. Every setup should include:
- Unlimited hay — the cornerstone of their diet (try our hand-foraged blends at https://www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk
- Hideys and tunnels — at least one per piggy to prevent squabbles
- Chew toys and natural forages — like willow sticks, hazel branches, or dried mixes
- Floor time — a secure play area outside the cage for extra exercise
Why Space Matters: A Rescue Perspective
At Guinea Garden Sanctuary, I’ve seen countless guinea pigs transformed simply by moving into bigger, better housing. In small cages, they often appear withdrawn, stressed, or even aggressive with cage-mates. Once they’re given room to run and explore, the change is remarkable — they become more confident, interactive, and visibly happier.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to housing, guinea pigs don’t just need the basics — they need space to live as naturally as possible. A C&C cage, a Ferplast 160, or a roomy playpen setup will all give two guinea pigs the environment they deserve.
Remember: the cage is just the foundation. Enrichment, hay, and natural forages turn that space into a thriving home.
Explore our full range of natural, science-backed forages here: https://www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk
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