For me it has been trial and error mostly, you kind of see what they prefer. Very amazing animals and the personality reflects them definitely. I've had Oli for 4 months now and have bought two cages, two wheels, and went through multiple different kinds of bedding.

Cage wise, I started with your first one, and realized shortly after Oli wanted more room.

This was what I have now, and I love it.

Guinea Habitat Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rVndzbSGFY140

Make sure you buy a large wheel, both the saucer spinners and silent spinners work great.

As far as bedding, I like the carefresh recycled cardboard. It's less messy and absorbs. My hedgie prefers the bedding, but that doesn't go for all.

carefresh Complete Natural Paper Bedding for Small Animals, 50 L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PBM761S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t2ndzbJMEF9Y5

I tried a fleece and he wasn't liking that because he had nothing to burrow in. Make sure you have places for your little guy to hide!

midwest is the best cage on amazon imo, it’s $72 and pretty large. I will say though if you’re willing to research into C&C cages they are a little more work to set up but end up coming out to a similar price and typically more room. You can get most of the parts for those on amazon. Here’s the link to the midwest: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8QFK3F46Q6AVM9J0FG8K

I really like this one. The tarp is super easy to clean and you can add expansions to the cage: Guinea Habitat Plus Guinea Habitat Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_pV7PybFGY70EK