Guinea pig accessories – what should you buy to get started?

A starter kit for guinea pigs should provide them with space, constant access to hay and water, safe hideouts, comfortable flooring, and a way to transport them to the vet. First buy the things they need every day, and only then add extra tunnels or toys. Plan the setup for a compatible pair of guinea pigs, not a solitary animal.

What should you buy before bringing guinea pigs home?

• Spacious, safe housing with a solid base, ventilation, and room to move around freely. The choice of floor area and placement of the housing are discussed in a separate guide to guinea pig cages.
• Hay and how to offer it – hay should always be available, including outside the hay rack; choose options that do not restrict access or pose a risk of getting trapped.
• A source of fresh water – a stable bowl or a suitable water bottle; check every day that each guinea pig can drink and that the device is working.
• Safe shelters – several hideouts and tunnels, preferably with another way out, so one guinea pig cannot block the other.
• Soft, absorbent, low-dust bedding and a supply to replace it. The choice depends on your cleaning routine and how the animals react; do not leave damp areas.
• A stable place for food and food intended for guinea pigs. Read about diet, vegetables, and vitamin C in the guide to feeding guinea pigs.
• A safe carrier for vet visits, with a stable base, ventilation, and a secure closure; prepare it before you need to travel for the first time.

This is a shopping list, not a list of products from one brand. A compatible companion and care from an adult are just as important as the items. The article about the social nature of guinea pigs.

How to choose hideouts and food bowls?

Check whether every guinea pig can hide at the same time, pass through openings without squeezing, and move away from its companion. Place hay, water, and shelters so that no guinea pig can cut another off from resources. The RSPCA highlights the need for hideouts, tunnels, and opportunities to explore; buying a house alone will not solve the problem of insufficient space.

When choosing a hay rack, bowl, or water bottle, check that it is stable, clean, and accessible to all the animals. Check the water and hay every day. If a water bottle stops working or a bowl is knocked over, the animal must not be left without water. A permanent feeding area should be easy to clean.

Bedding and carrier: practical criteria

The base should be solid and comfortable for their feet, and the bedding should be dry, absorbent, and as low-dust as possible. Fleece can work with a sufficiently absorbent layer underneath and regular washing; a soft covering alone is no substitute for hygiene. Assess other types of bedding for dust, sharpness, dampness, and how easily they can be replaced regularly. Hay is food and can also be used for hiding, but it does not replace cleaning up wet bedding.

Test the carrier beforehand: it must close securely, allow ventilation and provide stable support. You can place a familiar object carrying the animals’ scent inside for the journey; the RSPCA recommends minimising stress during transport and keeping compatible companions together if it is safe to do so. Also prepare the contact details of a vet who treats exotic animals and factor in possible treatment costs.

What’s optional, and what should you avoid buying?

Wide tunnels, safe chew items and simple ways to encourage foraging for some of their usual food can enrich their environment, but they won’t replace hay, space or companionship. You can find more ideas for making their day more varied in the article about boredom in guinea pigs. Watch new items: remove anything with sharp edges, fraying material or parts that could be swallowed.

• Don’t buy an exercise wheel or ball – they aren’t a suitable way for guinea pigs to exercise.
• Avoid toys with plastic parts that are easy to bite off – the RSPCA warns of the risk of chewing and swallowing plastic.
• Don’t treat shampoo, clothing and a hammock as basic starter supplies. Grooming depends on the individual animal’s needs; bathing isn’t something to buy as part of a routine.
• Don’t buy cramped housing thinking you’ll replace it later. Plan your expenses before the animals come home.

Prepare the essentials before the animals arrive, and choose extras after observing their needs. If a guinea pig stops eating, is clearly lethargic or has difficulty breathing, don’t try to help with new equipment—contact a vet who treats exotic animals urgently.

Sources

• RSPCA – Making the right home for your guinea pigs (in English).
• RSPCA – A healthy diet for guinea pigs (in English).
• PDSA – Guinea pigs as pets (in English).

Content last reviewed: 23 September 2026. This guide is not a substitute for veterinary advice.