For outdoor use choose a wooden hutch which is raised from the ground and that has a cover to hang over the front to protect the pigs from bad weather. It must be situated somewhere out of direct sunlight and out of reach of other animals. Ensure that there are no draughts in the hutch and it is kept snug or your guinea pigs may catch hypothermia, which is fatal. If it were to live outside a shed would be beneficial, though it must be solely used for this purpose. (The health and wellbeing of your pig will not appreciate their 'home' being used as a woodworking shed or similar. Noises and sawdust in the air will harm your cavy.)
Outdoor housing must provide additional sleeping room for warmth and extra security for the cavy.

If they are to be kept indoor use cages with a solid plastic base and a metal caged top. These can be more hygienic than hutches because as plastic is not a porous material like wood it makes it easier to thoroughly cleanse and there's no lingering smell. Never choose the kind which has a high clear plastic curved wall instead of a metal top or an aquarium as these restrict fresh air and can build up heat. Keep the cage in a place where they won't be easily forgot about and make sure the cage is situated away from direct light like an exposed window as sunlight's heat can intensify quickly. During the day cover one quarter of the cage with a blanket for the cavy to sit under and feel safe then cover three quarters of the length at night time. A cardboard box can be given to provide extra reasurance.

House Size

In both cases, never buy 'one guinea pig' hutches. Keep in mind that although they may look big enough for the young pig, you'll find shortly after the pig will have grown larger and need a bigger cage. They are just too small for the activity demands of the frisky guinea pig and it is torture to watch a miserable pig squatting in an overly undersized cage. Allow around 2 by 4 feet for a couple of guineas. Also ensure that the cage has a separate 'bedroom' quarter because guinea pigs like to hide and have their privacy. Unlike hutches, cages usually don’t come with compartments so you could either use a small cardboard box with one end cut off to act as the bedroom or alternatively invest in some wood and build one!

Accessories

Next you need a water bottle made especially for small animals that has a metal ball bearing in the spout for containing and dispensing water. The bottle will need cleaning using two brushes, one small brush to remove limescale from the spout and one large one for scrubbing the inside of the bottle. Never provide water in a bowl as it quickly becomes contaminated and dirty with bedding and body waste. A heavy bowl is needed to prevent the mischievous piggies from up turning their food. Ceramic bowls are the prefered kind as plastic tends to be chewed.

Cleaning out

Line the cage floor with paper (newspapers are great at absorbing) and if desired cover with wood chippings or other absorbant cage floor covering. Exclude wood chippings if your cavies are prone to allergies and avoid using pine wood chippings unless they are kiln dried as the oils in the wood can be damaging. Never use sawdust as the tiny particles can irritate eyes causing discomfort and eye infections, and also encourage upper respiratory infections (URIs). Add a lot of hay, both for the bedroom and for constant munchies. The cage will need to be cleaned out about every other day but spot cleaned everyday. Cleaning out is easy (but can take a while when done properly) as the newspaper is rolled up and binned and then you brush out loose bits of bedding. Spray around the bottom and edges of the cage with the cage disinfectant and wipe clean with kitchen paper or a cloth. Then procede with the same newspaper and hay regime. Regular cleaning of the cage ensures maximum health and comfort for your pig - and minimum mess and smell for you!

Exercise

Guinea pigs need regular exercise for an overall healthy life so invest in a garden run for nice days in the garden or let them take to a floor in the house in cold or wet weather. (Note: 'small accidents' happen so be prepared to clean up after them.) Give them at least half an hour to have a good run about.

Checklist

Here is a checklist containing what you'll need for your guinea pigs.

Initial