How to Easily Care for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs on a Budget

If you’ve ever thought about getting a rabbit or guinea pig, you probably already know how adorable and rewarding they can be as pets. But many new owners quickly realize that caring for these small animals can add up; not just in money, but also in time and effort. Between the costs of bedding, hay, fresh vegetables, not to mention the upkeep of their cages, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And then there’s the mess, the smell, and the constant cleaning—common frustrations for pet owners.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to break the bank or spend endless hours to keep your rabbits and guinea pigs happy and healthy. With a few smart strategies, you can care for your small pets on a budget while still providing them a much better life than most!

The easiest, most affordable, and best way to provide a high quality of life for your guinea pigs and rabbits is by setting up a secure outdoor enclosure in your yard. With access to fresh grass, plenty of space to run, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors like grazing and burrowing, they’ll thrive in an environment that mimics their wild instincts. An outdoor setup also means less cleaning and lower costs on bedding and food, as they’ll spend more time grazing and fertilizing the yard. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to keep your pets happy, healthy, and active year-round.

The Animals Themselves

One of the best—and most ethical—ways to bring home a rabbit or guinea pig is by adopting from shelters, rescues, or local online communities like Facebook groups and Craigslist. These platforms are often full of people looking to rehome their pets, and you’ll often find they’re willing to give you the animals for free.

Adopting from these sources isn’t just a great way to find your new pet—it can also come with a lot of bonuses; like all the supplies you need! People who are rehoming their pets are usually happy to include cages, water bottles, pellets, hiding houses, bedding, toys, treats, grooming supplies, and many other items they no longer have use for—often brand new! It’s a win-win-win situation for you, the pet, and the previous owner, all while staying budget-friendly.

Keep in mind that while shelters often spay or neuter animals before adoption, pets acquired through online pages may occasionally come unknowingly pregnant. If you want to avoid the risk of breeding, it’s best to either separate males and females or only adopt female and neutered male animals to keep your group manageable.

Cost: $Free

Bedding

When it comes to bedding for rabbits and guinea pigs, many people lean toward paper-based options because they’re widely available, but they can get pricey fast. On the other hand, fleece bedding is reusable, but it needs frequent washing and daily spot cleaning, which adds more work. So, what’s the solution that’s both budget-friendly and easy?

One of the best and most affordable options is large pine flakes from a feed store like Tractor Supply. While some people avoid pine bedding due to concerns about dust, large size pine flakes are different—they’re far less dusty than fine shavings. Plus, since your rabbits and guinea pigs typically only spend the night on the bedding using this care method, they won’t be constantly exposed to any potential irritants. A single bag of pine flakes can cover 80-100 square feet, making it a cost-effective choice that’s easy on your wallet and safe for your pets.

Giving your pets plenty of out-of-cage time to roam on the grass not only enriches their day but also helps reduce bedding costs. Their droppings end up on the lawn instead of in the enclosure, providing natural fertilizer for your grass—an added perk for both your pets and your yard!

Cost: $6.39 per bag (1 per month or less)

Hay & Forage

When it comes to hay, the best way to save money is by purchasing it from a local feed store. While timothy hay is popular, it’s not always the most budget-friendly option. Other types of hay, such as alfalfa or coastal hay, are great alternatives for small pets and tend to be more affordable. Alfalfa, in particular, is ideal for pregnant, nursing, or baby guinea pigs, providing the extra nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.

Though hay should always be available in your pet’s enclosure, guinea pigs and rabbits naturally prefer grazing on fresh grass. If you can provide them regular access to untreated, pesticide-free grass, they will eat less hay, helping you stretch your supply even further. Unlike their much larger counterparts like horses, guinea pigs and rabbits do not graze by pulling grass up by the roots but by snipping it at the base. This results in your own personal lawn crew for your yard—keeping it neat and trimmed.

Cost: Free — $12.39 per two string bale (1 per month or less)

Cage

If you didn’t get a suitable cage from a previous owner, building your own is an excellent option that’s both cost-effective and customizable. You can use spare wood or repurpose materials like old pallets. Local construction sites are often a good source for free building supplies. (For step-by-step instructions, check out our guide on how to build a guinea pig cage for free here!)

If you’re keeping a larger herd, a storage shed can make an ideal enclosure. While new sheds can be expensive, used ones or affordable kits are easy to find online—even free. Storage sheds are perfect because they provide a spacious, walk-in environment that’s easy to clean with just a flat shovel and broom. And here’s a bonus: the more space you give your pets, the less often you’ll need to clean! With enough room, you might only need to do a full clean once every month or two.

For additional space, consider building different levels to maximize vertical space. Don’t worry—guinea pigs and rabbits are smart enough to avoid walking off edges once they learn where the access ramp is. But if you want to be extra cautious, you can easily add bars or barriers for extra security.

Cost: $Free+

Fruits & Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for keeping your guinea pigs and rabbits healthy. Guinea pigs, in particular, rely on these foods for vitamin C, which they can’t produce on their own. To save money on veggies, try buying in bulk at wholesale clubs, visiting end-of-day farmers markets, or checking out supermarket sales and imperfect produce markets. Better yet, growing your own vegetables can be a free, sustainable option.

You can also make use of food scraps from your own kitchen! When preparing meals, save carrot shavings, strawberry tops, banana peels, watermelon rinds, tomato vines, apple skins, and other leftovers that are safe for your pets. This not only cuts down on waste but also helps provide fresh, nutritious snacks for your small friends. Just like having your very own adorable compost!

Cost: $Free+

Water

To keep your pets hydrated, water bottles or chicken waterers work well, and you can even build your own fountain using terra cotta pots and a small pump. While rabbits tend to keep things cleaner, guinea pigs will quickly dirty any open water bowls. Using fill-from-the-top water bottles can be particularly helpful for keeping the water clean and making refilling more convenient for you.

Cost: $Free+

Climate Control

Guinea pigs and rabbits are sensitive to extreme temperatures, specifically below 40°F and above 90°F. Central heating and air conditioning are ideal, but there are other ways to keep them comfortable if that’s not an option.

In cold climates, be sure to provide extra hay and bedding to keep your pets warm and give them an area shielded from wind. You can also add a suspended space heater or a reptile heating pad attached to a piece of floor tile. To make it safer, elevate the tile with rubber bumpers and use a cord protector to prevent chewing. During the day, a low-wattage (65-80W) light bulb can help, while a ceramic heat emitter of equal wattage is a good option at night to provide warmth without light or a high fire risk.

In hot climates, a portable air conditioner is best, but a fan can also work. Adding a large, cool slab or countertop piece to the enclosure gives your pets a cool spot to lay; these can often be found for free at home remodel sites. It’s amazing what you can get by just asking!

Freezing large plastic bottles or wet rocks, adding ice to their water, or even making frozen fruit or veggie “popsicles” are simple ways to help them beat the heat. Frozen items also last long, giving them plenty of cool-down time.

Cost: $Free+

Grand Total = $18.78 per month!

Population Dynamics

When caring for multiple guinea pigs or rabbits, it’s important to think about how they’ll get along in a shared space. In most cases, an all-female group is the safest bet, reducing the chance of fights or disagreements. Another great option is to have neutered males, who generally live peacefully with both females and other neutered males, with no worry about unwanted breeding.

Contrary to popular belief, intact males can also coexist harmoniously. The key is to introduce new males when they’re young, so they can naturally establish a hierarchy. Even more important is providing enough space for them to retreat from each other if tensions arise. After all, imagine being stuck in a tiny room with a roommate during a disagreement—it’s easy to see how things could escalate if there’s no way to get some space!

Safety

If predators are a concern in your area, it’s safest to supervise your pets when they’re roaming in the yard and always secure them in their enclosure at night. Since many predators are nocturnal, keeping them in a secure space overnight is essential.

Long, lush grass can serve as both natural camouflage and protection for your pets, providing hiding spots from both predators and harsh sunlight. They’ll even create their own little trails through the grass—creating a guinea pig road system! Rabbits may also dig burrows, offering great natural shelter that guinea pigs will probably enjoy more than the rabbits themselves.

For added safety, consider creating a netted grazing area, setting up a tunnel system, or using a moveable “tractor” enclosure similar to those used for chickens. A tractor is a mobile, predator-proof enclosure that lets your pets graze and bask in the sun safely. Finally, ensure any fencing is secure if your pets will be roaming. Since rabbits are natural diggers, adding buried netting or wire fencing around the perimeter will help prevent them from tunneling out.

In all…

These strategies make it easy and affordable to give your rabbits and guinea pigs a better quality of life. Instead of confining them to small cages with no space to run and no way to bask in the sun, this approach gives them room to thrive naturally. They can explore, graze, dig, play, and engage in their natural behaviors without damaging your space or putting themselves at risk.

The benefits of this lifestyle are obvious: guinea pigs and rabbits are less likely to fight, display more signs of happiness (like “popcorning” or “binkying”), and even young guinea pigs will keep their ears intact, free from the bite marks sometimes seen in cramped spaces. With these simple changes, your pets will be happier, healthier, and more active than ever.