I have two guinea pigs-both still fairly small- in a 12 sq ft cage. I'm getting two little baby Texels from a breeder this Saturday. Should I try to make a second level, or should 12 ft be enough room for the time being.
Also, my cage is a Cube/Coroplast and it is a pain to clean. Anybody have any good suggestions to make clean-up simpler? I try to spot clean everyday, but I go through a lot of Aspen in a month.
2007-01-17 01:09:20 · 7 answers · asked by JoMama 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I know all about social interaction, introduction, and quarantine periods. I'm just wondering about the cage size.
2007-01-17 01:59:56 · update #1
It depends on the sex of the pigs, but in general that's not going to be big enough. The bare minimum recommended for 4 guinea pigs is 13 square feet. And speaking from personal experience, that's only going to work for females. I would go larger if they are males, at least 16 square feet.
When I used wood shavings in my C&C cages, I got a dustpan, and then scooped all the shavings into a garbage bag. It took me about 10 minutes, easy peasy.
2007-01-17 02:54:50 · answer #1 · answered by Lotus Effect 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to save tons of money and super happy piggies then build a C&C cage. If you want a not so happy guinea pig and pay close to or over a hundred dollars for a too small cage then go buy one from the pet store. Even the "big" pet store cages aren't big enough. In my experience guinea pigs are much happier with larger spaces found in c&c cages, plus you can make them fit into specific spaces in your home!
2016-05-23 23:46:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds big enough. Be sure to give them time to meet each other before you leave them together. Piggies are sweet but they don't always take to strangers at first. I have one who likes to be alone, despite the fact that they are social. Keeping him with others makes him mean. The new piggie could also have germs the others haven't been exposed to yet so you may want to consider keeping him in another room for a couple days before introducing him.
Lining the cage very well has helped me as far as dumping and smell goes. Absorbent pads keep the bedding dry too. Have you tried potty training? You can get corner litter pans at pet stores as well as litter for small animals. Piggies are very picky about where they pee. Just set pans up where they usually go. My anti-social boy even poos in his most of the time so he's very easy to clean up after.
2007-01-17 01:43:52 · answer #3 · answered by The Faery of P 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It is not recomended to house your new Textals with the guinea pigs. Guinea pigs can and do get territorial, and the results can be fatal.
There really is no easy way to clean the cage. I have to buy my piggy's shavings in bulk. I buy it about once a month, but buying it in bulk is cheaper than buying the smaller nags.
Good luck!
2007-01-17 01:43:50 · answer #4 · answered by karmor_22 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
you may want to try wood pellet bedding instead, that's what I use and I only have to clean the cages about once a week. Yes that size sounds okay, just make sure they won't chew hair if you show!!!
2007-01-17 08:57:28 · answer #5 · answered by Molly P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is a good size. the standard is 7sq ft for one pig then an extra 2 sq feet per extra pig.
cc cages are usually the best cages. add an extra level if you like (your pigs will love it) however it is not neccessary. try buying bedding in bulk.
2007-01-17 01:15:48 · answer #6 · answered by JaSam 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't immediately put two new critters in with your previous pets...it could be dangerous.
Try setting a smaller wire cage with the newbies in it inside the larger cage for a little while at first. You can let them out for little bits at a time, and supervise their first several visits.
The cage itself sounds large enough, but they may appreciate a second floor!
2007-01-17 01:58:53 · answer #7 · answered by Meg M 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋