Small Pet Cages and Habitats: Sizes for Every Species

Most cages sold for small pets are too small. Welfare guidance: rabbits need at least 10 × 6 × 3 feet (3 × 2 × 1 m) for a pair; guinea pigs about 10.5 square feet (1 m²) for a pair; hamsters at least 100 × 50 cm (39 × 20 inches) of floor; chinchillas a tall enclosure of 6.5 × 6.5 × 3.3 feet (2 × 2 × 1 m); rats and ferrets a large multi-level cage plus daily free time.

Floor space first: most shop cages are too small.

From welfare charity and humane society guidance. Bigger is better.

Minimum space by species
Rabbits (pair)	10 × 6 × 3 ft (3 × 2 × 1 m), all day (RWAF)
Guinea pigs (pair)	10.5 sq ft (1 m²) preferred; 6.5 sq ft (0.6 m²) minimum
Hamster	Bedding 10 in (25 cm) deep; floor at least 100 × 50 cm (39 × 20 in) (PDSA)
Chinchillas	6.5 × 6.5 × 3.3 ft (2 × 2 × 1 m), tall (PDSA)
Rats (pair or group)	Large ferret or chinchilla-size cage, plus play time (PDSA)
Ferrets (pair)	108 sq ft (10 m²) (PDSA)

Why Shop Cages Fall Short

Many "starter" cages were designed decades ago, when far less was known about what small pets need. Animals kept in cramped cages can't run, explore or get away from a cage-mate. The figures in this page's sidebar are minimums from welfare charities and humane societies; they're the floor, not the goal.

Match the Shape to the Species

Rabbits: floor space and height to stand up; a pen or rabbit-proofed room indoors, or a shed or hutch joined to a run outdoors. See indoor rabbit setup.
Guinea pigs: long and low; levels don't count. See guinea pig cage size.
Hamsters and gerbils: a single-level tank or deep-based enclosure that holds bedding deep enough to burrow.
Rats, chinchillas and ferrets: tall, multi-level enclosures with solid shelves, plus daily time out.

Floors, Bars and Materials

Solid floors for every species: wire floors cause sore feet.
Bar spacing narrow enough that the smallest animal can't squeeze through or get its head stuck.
Chew-proof materials for chewers: rabbits, chinchillas and rats destroy plastic and soft wood.
Ventilation: glass tanks suit hamsters and gerbils but need a mesh lid; keep ammonia down with regular cleaning.

Hides and Tunnels in Every Home

Every small pet is a prey animal and needs somewhere to hide. Give more hides than animals, with two exits for group-living species, plus tunnels and things to chew. See small pet toys.

Housing Options by Species

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A large rabbit exercise pen and C&C panels for guinea pigs give the floor space shop cages lack. A large, deep-based hamster enclosure holds burrowing bedding. Tall, multi-level cages suit rats, chinchillas and ferrets. Hides and tunnels go in every home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Size and floors come up most.

Are pet shop cages big enough?

Usually not. Most are smaller than welfare charity minimums, especially for rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.

Do extra levels count as floor space?

For rabbits and guinea pigs, no: they need ground space. For climbers such as rats and chinchillas, solid shelves add useful space.

Are wire floors okay?

No. Every small pet needs a solid floor; wire can cause sore feet.

How much space does a hamster need?

PDSA cites at least 100 × 50 cm (39 × 20 inches) of floor, single level, with bedding at least 10 inches (25 cm) deep.

How much space do two rabbits need?

The RWAF recommends at least 10 × 6 × 3 feet (3 × 2 × 1 m), available all the time.