Cheap guinea pig cages in Australia that are still big enough
The cheapest ways to get a properly sized guinea pig cage in Australia, comparing cost per m² for DIY C&C cages, playpens, joined cages and second-hand.
The cheapest properly sized options are a plastic panel playpen with a DIY floor (about $50–$80 for 1 m² or more) or a DIY C&C cage (about $100–$120 for 1 m²). Both give the 1 m² floor area in RSPCA Australia's guidance of at least 2 m × 0.5 m for a pair. A typical $150–$250 pet-shop cage gives only about 0.5 m².
A cheap guinea pig cage doesn’t have to be a small one. Small pet-shop cages are often the most expensive option per square metre of floor.
How should you compare guinea pig cage prices?
Compare guinea pig cages by cost per square metre (m²) of floor, not by the price tag, because floor space is what matters most to guinea pigs. The prices in this cost table are rough Australian guides only.
| Option | Typical cost | Floor area | Rough cost per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical pet-shop cage | $150–$250 | ≈ 0.5 m² | $300–$500 |
| Large store-bought cage (about 120 × 60 cm) | $90–$200 | ≈ 0.72 m² | $125–$280 |
| DIY C&C cage (2 × 4 grids) | $100–$120 | ≈ 1.0 m² | $100–$120 |
| Plastic panel playpen with a DIY floor | $50–$80 | ≈ 1.0 m² or more | $50–$80 |
| Second-hand C&C grids or pen | Varies | Varies | Often the cheapest |
A $200 pet-shop cage can cost three or four times as much per square metre as a C&C cage. It can still leave a pair with only half the space RSPCA Australia recommends, which is at least 2 m × 0.5 m (10,000 cm²) for a pair. Humane World for Animals gives a preferred size of about 1.0 m² for two pigs and about 1.2 m² for three. See the size guide for how much room your group needs.
What are the cheapest cages that meet the size guidance?
Four budget options can give a pair about 1 m² or more: a DIY C&C cage, a plastic panel playpen, two joined cages, or second-hand gear.
1. Build a C&C cage
For most people, a DIY C&C cage is the best value. Storage grids and one Corflute sheet from Bunnings cost around $100 to $120 all up and give a pair about 1 m² of floor. It takes an afternoon and basic tools. Follow our DIY guinea pig cage guide for the shopping list and measurements, or read about C&C cages first.
2. Use a plastic panel playpen
Small-animal playpens made from plastic panels start at around $25 to $40 at hardware and pet stores, and many have enough panels to enclose 1 m² or more. Most don’t include a floor, so budget for a lino offcut, a Corflute tray or a waterproof sheet under fleece. Our guinea pig playpen guide explains how to work out the floor area from the panel count.
3. Join two budget cages
If you already own a store-bought cage, buying a second identical one and joining them can double the floor space. This works best with cages designed to connect, such as models with a removable divider or matching end panels.
4. Buy second-hand
Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and local guinea pig rescue groups are good places to find C&C grids, playpens and larger cages at a fraction of the new price. Skip anything with a wire floor, check for rust and sharp edges, and clean everything with a pet-safe disinfectant before use.
Where can you save money on a guinea pig setup?
You can save on hides, liners, hay and toys, because cheap or free versions work just as well as pet-shop ones.
- Hides: cardboard boxes with two doors cut in them are free and guinea pigs love chewing them. Replace them when they get soiled. RSPCA Australia lists boxes, PVC pipes and igloos as suitable hides.
- Fleece: cheap fleece throws from discount stores work well as liners, with old towels underneath to soak up urine.
- Hay: buying a bale from a produce store is usually much cheaper per kilo than small bags from a pet shop. Store it somewhere dry. RSPCA Australia calls grass hay the cornerstone of a guinea pig’s diet.
- Toys: paper bags, toilet roll tubes stuffed with hay and cardboard tunnels cost next to nothing.
Where should you not cut corners?
Don’t cut corners on floor space, a solid floor, a lid where other pets can reach, or vet care.
- Floor space. A cheap cage that’s too small is a false economy, because you’ll end up replacing it.
- A solid floor. RSPCA Australia advises against wire floors, which can cause injuries and foot infections.
- A lid if you have cats or dogs, or a room they can’t get into.
- Vet care. RSPCA Australia recommends a vet check after you get your guinea pigs and then yearly. Set aside some money for check-ups and emergencies, ideally with a vet who treats guinea pigs.
Next steps
- Check your group’s exact size with the size calculator.
- See typical prices for every type of housing in our comparison table.
- Browse researched picks for specific cages sold in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest guinea pig cage that is big enough for 2 guinea pigs?
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A plastic panel playpen with a DIY floor, at around $50 to $80 for about 1 m², or a DIY C&C cage at around $100 to $120 for a 2 × 4 grid layout of about 1 m². Both give the 1 m² floor area in RSPCA Australia's guidance of at least 2 m × 0.5 m for a pair. Second-hand grids or pens can be cheaper still.
Are pet shop guinea pig cages worth the money?
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Often not. A typical pet-shop cage costs around $150 to $250 for about 0.5 m² of floor, which works out at roughly $300 to $500 per square metre. That's three or four times the cost per square metre of a DIY C&C cage, and only about half the space a pair needs.
Where can I buy a cheap guinea pig cage in Australia?
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Bunnings sells Corflute sheets for a DIY C&C base, and wire storage grids are sold at homewares stores and online marketplaces. Plastic panel playpens are sold at hardware and pet stores. For second-hand grids, pens and larger cages, try Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and local guinea pig rescue groups.
Is it safe to buy a second-hand guinea pig cage?
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Usually, if you check it carefully. Skip anything with a wire floor, because wire floors can cause injuries and foot infections. Check for rust and sharp edges, and clean everything with a pet-safe disinfectant before your guinea pigs use it.
What should I not skimp on with a cheap guinea pig cage?
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Don't cut corners on floor space, a solid floor or a lid if cats or dogs can reach the cage. A cage that's too small is a false economy because you'll end up replacing it. Also set money aside for vet care, as RSPCA Australia recommends a vet check after buying guinea pigs and then yearly.
How can I save money on guinea pig supplies?
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Use cardboard boxes with two doors cut in them as free hides, cheap fleece throws with old towels underneath as liners, and paper bags or hay-stuffed toilet roll tubes as toys. Buying a bale of hay from a produce store is usually much cheaper per kilo than small pet-shop bags.
Want a properly sized cage without the DIY?
We're looking at bringing properly sized cages and C&C kits to Australia. Join the waitlist and tell us what you'd want.
This guide is general information to help you compare housing options. It isn't veterinary advice. If your guinea pig seems unwell, contact a vet experienced with exotic pets.
