Best Guinea Pig Houses UK: Wooden, Hay and Willow Hides

Picks were chosen by product type and the sizes and materials stated in each listing. We grouped wooden, hay, willow, seagrass, fleece, plastic and cardboard houses so you can compare materials, with details checked on 21 October 2026.

What Size Guinea Pig House Do I Need?

A guinea pig house should be large enough for an adult to walk in, turn round and lie stretched out, which usually means a floor of at least about 30 by 20 cm per pig. Adult guinea pigs are around 20 to 30 cm long, and larger breeds need more space. Measure your biggest guinea pig from nose to rump and add room on every side. Entrance holes need to be wide enough that a pregnant sow or heavy boar can pass easily. Houses with two openings are safer for pairs and groups, because a timid pig can escape if a cagemate blocks one door. Check the height too, as guinea pigs often stretch up when alert. Before ordering, compare the stated internal size on each listing with your measurements, since outside dimensions include thick walls and can make a house look roomier than it is.

How Do These Guinea Pig Houses Compare?

The table compares each guinea pig house by style and material. Measure your largest pig and the floor space first, then check the number of exits for pairs and groups.

Which Material Suits a Guinea Pig House?

Untreated wood and natural woven materials are the best all round choice, because they are safe to gnaw and let air move freely. Wooden houses last longest and are easy to wipe clean, though urine can soak into unsealed timber over time. Hay, willow, seagrass and bamboo houses are edible in part and give teeth extra work, but they wear out and need replacing every few months. Fleece houses feel cosy and suit indoor pigs that do not chew fabric. Plastic igloos are easy to wash, yet they can trap heat and moisture, so use them in cooler indoor spots. Cardboard houses are cheap and fun for chewing but need swapping as soon as they are wet. As a quick comparison tip, a house for guinea pigs that will be gnawed should be made of something you are happy for them to eat in small amounts.

Where Should You Put a Guinea Pig House?

Place a guinea pig house against a wall or in a corner of the enclosure, away from direct sun, draughts and the main food area. Guinea pigs are prey animals and feel safer with something solid behind them. Keep at least one house in a quieter part of the hutch or run, so nervous pigs can retreat. Avoid placing houses right next to the hay rack or water bottle, as this can lead to squabbles over the busiest spot. Outdoors, check that the house is shaded during the hottest part of the day, because guinea pigs struggle in heat. Indoors, keep it away from radiators and loud speakers. A good check is to watch where your pigs already rest for a few days, then position the new house there so it fits their existing routine.

How Can You Make a Guinea Pig House More Comfortable?

Make a guinea pig house more comfortable by lining it with a deep layer of soft, dust extracted hay and keeping it dry. Guinea pigs like to burrow into hay and nibble it while resting, so topping it up daily makes the house more inviting. In cold weather, add extra hay rather than blankets, because loose fabric can get chewed or soiled. Avoid sawdust and scented bedding, which can irritate their airways. Make sure the house sits on a flat, stable surface so it does not rock when a pig runs in. If you keep a group, spread several houses around the enclosure so everyone has a hiding spot away from the others. Outdoor guinea pig houses need shelter from wind and rain, and a hutch should be raised off the ground. Check bedding inside every day for damp patches and remove droppings. A clean, cosy hide encourages normal resting behaviour and helps shy guinea pigs feel secure.

Next, see our guide to guinea pig runs, then the guinea pig hutches guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 22 October 2026.