Best custom design for guinea pig cage?

[Banksy]

Hey all

We have our grid cage coming today, we're trying to plan how we are going to build it.

We're wondering, do guinea pigs prefer multiple levels? would 2 levels suffice, would 3 levels be overkill? we have a few design ideas in mind but want to ensure that the entire space is used and the guinea pigs enjoy their new space.

The bottom level is looking to be anywhere between 140x105 to 175x105 depending on how we choose to layer the cage, the secondary layers would not be as spacious but they never normally are.

any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Banksy]

P.S - Guinea pigs hopefully getting picked up tomorrow or sometime during the week when the cage has been fully built and kitted out - cannot wait to be a guinea pig owner!

 

[Pantalaimon]

It’s great to hear of a new owner looking to provide plenty of space!

Unfortunately, only one layer of space is counted when it comes to guinea pigs, as it is more about how far they can travel in a direction on a flat surface.
Also, much of the time the loft areas sold with C&C cages are really useless in size (usually just 1x2 grids), though if you had a spacious loft then it would definitely provide them with some additional enrichment and activity even if it doesn’t contribute to the overall cage size.

 

[piggl]

Welcome to the forum and your new piggie venture!

Guinea pigs aren’t ‘climbers’ at all actually, so second levels don’t technically count towards a piggies floor space.
If you have the space to do so, making the cage as big as possible on one level is the best way to do it. If you do want to add a level, please ensure the ramp is not too steep.

Have a look at these guides i’ve attached below!
Cage Size Guide
All About C & C Grid Cages Around The World

Also would be a good idea to keep a favourite of this starters guide, it has links to answer just about any question you could have! Aswell as the ability to make your own thread!
New Owners' Essential Information and Practical Tips Starter Collection

 

[Piggies&buns]

I agree with the others - single level living is preferred.
A second level can be added if you really want to but only as a bonus space. It cannot be counted towards the cage size and your piggies may not even use it. In fact, a second level can sometimes cause an issue if one piggy claims it as their territory and they refuse to let the other go up there. The ramp itself can also become a point of contention.
So, a second level is actually entirely unnecessary. A third level is certainly not wise.

 

[Wiebke]

Have a look at our members gallery for inspiration: Member Gallery: C&C cages/homemade cages

 

[Banksy]

It’s great to hear of a new owner looking to provide plenty of space!

Unfortunately, only one layer of space is counted when it comes to guinea pigs, as it is more about how far they can travel in a direction on a flat surface.
Also, much of the time the loft areas sold with C&C cages are really useless in size (usually just 1x2 grids), though if you had a spacious loft then it would definitely provide them with some additional enrichment and activity even if it doesn’t contribute to the overall cage size.

I agree with the others - single level living is preferred.
A second level can be added if you really want to but only as a bonus space. It cannot be counted towards the cage size and your piggies may not even use it. In fact, a second level can sometimes cause an issue if one piggy claims it as their territory and they refuse to let the other go up there. The ramp itself can also become a point of contention.
So, a second level is actually entirely unnecessary. A third level is certainly not wise.

Have a look at our members gallery for inspiration: Member Gallery: C&C cages/homemade cages

Welcome to the forum and your new piggie venture!

Guinea pigs aren’t ‘climbers’ at all actually, so second levels don’t technically count towards a piggies floor space.
If you have the space to do so, making the cage as big as possible on one level is the best way to do it. If you do want to add a level, please ensure the ramp is not too steep.

Have a look at these guides i’ve attached below!
Cage Size Guide
All About C & C Grid Cages Around The World

Also would be a good idea to keep a favourite of this starters guide, it has links to answer just about any question you could have! Aswell as the ability to make your own thread!
New Owners' Essential Information and Practical Tips Starter Collection

Perfect, so we have entirely scrapped our plan of 3 levels, i think we just got a little carried away in the planning and excitement!

we have opted for 2 levels but currently the ground level which is what we will class as the main space will be roughly 170x130cms going by current estimations which should be 23sq foot of ground coverage?

We think it will be 2 sows we adopt based on our local P@H stockage but if we come across 2 boars then that is also a possibility.

The upper layer is obviously not as much space and if needed we can simply remove it if it causes any problems, we will play about a little and if problems arise we will deal with them to avoid any territorial issues etc.

we will certainly post our finished design for critique as we want to make sure that we are providing the guinea pigs with the most suitable space that we can provide (anything over 170x170cm dimensions will be technically impossible due to spatial constraints in the desired area) however going by guidance we can see in this forum and on the internet the 23sq foot coverage should be more than ample for 2 sows, even 2 boars?

thanks again for all of your input and help

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

170x170 sounds great for your 2 sows or even 2 boars. Even if they don't use the upper level much, you can use it to hang a fleece forest to make a hiding space for them, or hang a hammock underneath.

You may find a square cage this size a bit difficult to clean ( poop pick) in the middle, or when trying to pick them up for weighing etc. Maybe try taking a couple of grids' length out of one corner to make an L type shape? (I had a 5x3 C&C and used to get lots of exercise running around it trying to get my 3 out for health checks or lawn time!)

 

[Pantalaimon]

That sounds like a lovely cage size for a pair! I was concerned that having my pair in 16sq feet would feel like a lot of unused space but it really isn’t, I honestly wouldn’t have them in anything smaller now.

I don’t know your situation, but have you tried a rescue?
Pets at home do not have a very good reputation at all.

 

[Piggies&buns]

If you can’t get to a rescue and have to get from a shop then that’s ok but do just be prepared for potential pitfalls and how to handle them.

- Sows already being pregnant from not being separated from their boar brothers in time. (Needing more cages to keep the piggies and separate baby boars appropriately)
- Potential illness (vet fund already in place)
- incompatibility in character. This may not be evident straight away. A young pair will be scared and will be huddled together for comfort but as they become teens any incompatibilities can come to light and their bond fail. (Separating piggies to live as neighbours)

 

[Banksy]

That sounds like a lovely cage size for a pair! I was concerned that having my pair in 16sq feet would feel like a lot of unused space but it really isn’t, I honestly wouldn’t have them in anything smaller now.

I don’t know your situation, but have you tried a rescue?
Pets at home do not have a very good reputation at all.

If you can’t get to a rescue and have to get from a shop then that’s ok but do just be prepared for potential pitfalls and how to handle them.

- Sows already being pregnant from not being separated from their boar brothers in time. (Needing more cages to keep the piggies and separate baby boars appropriately)
- Potential illness (vet fund already in place)
- incompatibility in character. This may not be evident straight away. A young pair will be scared and will be huddled together for comfort but as they become teens any incompatibilities can come to light and their bond fail. (Separating piggies to live as neighbours)

Unfortunately there are no rescues nearby us for about 50-60+ miles, our local P@H are pretty good, I know some of the staff and their care towards animals is very good, while they themselves obviously cannot prevent any mis-treatment/mis-sexing/malpractice prior to the piggies arriving at their store, they do whatever they can to ensure good practice when they do finally arrive.

I simply do not trust any sort of gumtree ads/private breeders as we have had TERRIBLE experience in the past, humans can really be disgusting people who spin the truth to get a sale and then ghost you when you realise you've been duped. At least with P@H they can be held accountable to a certain degree.

A vet fund AND insurance will be in place to cover any mis-fortunes and I have already educated myself on consumer rights as well as sourced a vet that is confident with exotic animals (or so they say).

The design we are going with should be easy enough for us to entirely separate but still allow the piggies to live as neighbours if that ever happens.

we are taking as much precautions as we can and preparing as best as we can to ensure that the decision we make is sound and has plan A all the way to plan Z

 

[Piggies&buns]

Unfortunately there are no rescues nearby us for about 50-60+ miles, our local P@H are pretty good, I know some of the staff and their care towards animals is very good, while they themselves obviously cannot prevent any mis-treatment/mis-sexing/malpractice prior to the piggies arriving at their store, they do whatever they can to ensure good practice when they do finally arrive.

I simply do not trust any sort of gumtree ads/private breeders as we have had TERRIBLE experience in the past, humans can really be disgusting people who spin the truth to get a sale and then ghost you when you realise you've been duped. At least with P@H they can be held accountable to a certain degree.

A vet fund AND insurance will be in place to cover any mis-fortunes and I have already educated myself on consumer rights as well as sourced a vet that is confident with exotic animals (or so they say).

The design we are going with should be easy enough for us to entirely separate but still allow the piggies to live as neighbours if that ever happens.

we are taking as much precautions as we can and preparing as best as we can to ensure that the decision we make is sound and has plan A all the way to plan Z

It sounds as if you are fully prepared for everything! Best way to be!

The cage is a fantastic size for two of any sex of piggy. My original boar pair originally had 32 square feet in my shed and it certainly didn't feel like a lot of space just for two!

 

[Wiebke]

Unfortunately there are no rescues nearby us for about 50-60+ miles, our local P@H are pretty good, I know some of the staff and their care towards animals is very good, while they themselves obviously cannot prevent any mis-treatment/mis-sexing/malpractice prior to the piggies arriving at their store, they do whatever they can to ensure good practice when they do finally arrive.

I simply do not trust any sort of gumtree ads/private breeders as we have had TERRIBLE experience in the past, humans can really be disgusting people who spin the truth to get a sale and then ghost you when you realise you've been duped. At least with P@H they can be held accountable to a certain degree.

A vet fund AND insurance will be in place to cover any mis-fortunes and I have already educated myself on consumer rights as well as sourced a vet that is confident with exotic animals (or so they say).

The design we are going with should be easy enough for us to entirely separate but still allow the piggies to live as neighbours if that ever happens.

we are taking as much precautions as we can and preparing as best as we can to ensure that the decision we make is sound and has plan A all the way to plan Z

We can provide a second opinion of the gender upon arrival if you wish to; sexing is one of the courtesy services we offer (including a support during an unplanned pregnancy and baby sexing). Mis-sexing is sadly a lot more common than you would like.

You have to make the best of what you have available and can do. Ideally you are looking (or can ask an acquaintance at the shop to look for you) which two boys or sows are hanging out together most for a long term stable bond. Character compatibility and mutual liking are much more important than looks.
You will love your piggies for their personalities much more over time; and the not so pretty ones often ace in that regard.

 

[Banksy]

We can provide a second opinion of the gender upon arrival if you wish to; sexing is one of the courtesy services we offer (including a support during an unplanned pregnancy and baby sexing). Mis-sexing is sadly a lot more common than you would like.

You have to make the best of what you have available. Ideally you are looking (or can ask an acquaintance at the shop to look for you) which two boys or sows are hanging out together most for a long term stable bond. Character compatibility and mutual liking are much more important than looks.
You will love your piggies for their personalities much more over time; and the not so pretty ones often ace in that regard.

We're hoping to observe the piggies ourselves to try and see what ones look like they are getting along, when we popped in last week we did see two that seemed to be very close to each other and would often follow each other about, but i have a feeling they may be taken by now, however we're going in to it without the expectation to walk away with piggies, if it doesn't feel right we simply wont get any until we feel certain we are getting a healthy pair, i guess the more time to prepare the cage and have everything right is better than just rushing in to it and getting the only 2 piggies left right?.

I was linked a guide here yesterday to make sure to do a full health check at home + double sex check that we may just use the service offered to make sure we get it right ourselves, they will also be booked in to the vets on the first available appointment they have, the vet has given us some confidence as they work with someone who rescues a lot of guinea pigs and seems to be some what of an expert on guinea pig behaviour?

If need be, we may eventually just have to book a day off work and travel 110 miles to Ayr or 61 miles to Newcastle to rescue a bonded pair, my partner makes that part hard as her job is entirely inflexible when it comes to days off whereas mine is the opposite.. God forbid I went alone though .

We're still entirely uncertain as to whether boars or sows will be the correct fit, both have their pros and cons that seem to weigh each other out entirely, Boars almost seem like a really good fit for our personality as their confidence will make it easier for us to bond from what I have read and i think they have more quirky personalities? we do have a pretty large cage with double of almost each item we have and I've read in here that can help with the territorial aspect? Either way, the cage can be easily separated and possible extended slightly if that needs to happen to provide both ample space while still being in a close and safe proximity.

We never managed to finish the cage last night after some clashes of our own in design so will now be tomorrow we go and try to find our little piggie family members but hopefully tonight we can post a photo and get peoples opinions on what we can improve and add to make it better

 

[Sweet Potato]

The second floor situation really depends on the piggies. My boys love to climb if I give them a box to hide in you bet they're just going to sit ontop of it. Bendy bridges are for sitting on hides are for sitting on so a second floor is perfect for my wierd little monkey pigs. But many pigs wouldn't use a second floor at all especially as they get older.

I love having boars and would recommend it to anyone. A well bonded pair of boars is an absolute blessing to have. And because boars have such a bad reputation for fall outs and fights many rescues struggle to find homes for boars.

My boars are in a 3x4 grid c&c cage with a 1x3 loft which is perfect for us but I garentee they will use every inch of space you give them.

 

[Wiebke]

We're hoping to observe the piggies ourselves to try and see what ones look like they are getting along, when we popped in last week we did see two that seemed to be very close to each other and would often follow each other about, but i have a feeling they may be taken by now, however we're going in to it without the expectation to walk away with piggies, if it doesn't feel right we simply wont get any until we feel certain we are getting a healthy pair, i guess the more time to prepare the cage and have everything right is better than just rushing in to it and getting the only 2 piggies left right?.

I was linked a guide here yesterday to make sure to do a full health check at home + double sex check that we may just use the service offered to make sure we get it right ourselves, they will also be booked in to the vets on the first available appointment they have, the vet has given us some confidence as they work with someone who rescues a lot of guinea pigs and seems to be some what of an expert on guinea pig behaviour?

If need be, we may eventually just have to book a day off work and travel 110 miles to Ayr or 61 miles to Newcastle to rescue a bonded pair, my partner makes that part hard as her job is entirely inflexible when it comes to days off whereas mine is the opposite.. God forbid I went alone though .

We're still entirely uncertain as to whether boars or sows will be the correct fit, both have their pros and cons that seem to weigh each other out entirely, Boars almost seem like a really good fit for our personality as their confidence will make it easier for us to bond from what I have read and i think they have more quirky personalities? we do have a pretty large cage with double of almost each item we have and I've read in here that can help with the territorial aspect? Either way, the cage can be easily separated and possible extended slightly if that needs to happen to provide both ample space while still being in a close and safe proximity.

We never managed to finish the cage last night after some clashes of our own in design so will now be tomorrow we go and try to find our little piggie family members but hopefully tonight we can post a photo and get peoples opinions on what we can improve and add to make it better

Boars are lovely when you geta well bonded pair. Boars mellow as they get older and are often much better at expressing their happiness and interacting with humans while sows are busy running the show and their hormones never stop - but it all comes down to individual personalities. The piggies should feel right.

I can however recommend both rescues warmly. Ayr may be able to shift a pair closer to a fosterer in the Glasgow area if you speak to them. Getting an adult bonded boar pair means that you can neatly avoid all the teenage issues and start right with the nice bit. It's a good way of starting your ownership, not to mention avoiding all the other pitfalls.
@Julie M

 

[Jelly/Jam]

P.S - Guinea pigs hopefully getting picked up tomorrow or sometime during the week when the cage has been fully built and kitted out - cannot wait to be a guinea pig owner!

 

[Jelly/Jam]

 

[Banksy]

The second floor situation really depends on the piggies. My boys love to climb if I give them a box to hide in you bet they're just going to sit ontop of it. Bendy bridges are for sitting on hides are for sitting on so a second floor is perfect for my wierd little monkey pigs. But many pigs wouldn't use a second floor at all especially as they get older.

I love having boars and would recommend it to anyone. A well bonded pair of boars is an absolute blessing to have. And because boars have such a bad reputation for fall outs and fights many rescues struggle to find homes for boars.

My boars are in a 3x4 grid c&c cage with a 1x3 loft which is perfect for us but I garentee they will use every inch of space you give them.

it sounds like the design of your cage is basically identical with ours (well at least my vision) our lower area will be 4x3 with the second layer 1x3 if i get my way. The good thing about C&C cages is if it doesnt work then it can just be adapted so when we finally get our piggies we can adapt to their preference, if they want a bigger lower floor then i will be happy to give them that over a secondary layer

Boars are lovely when you geta well bonded pair. Boars mellow as they get older and are often much better at expressing their happiness and interacting with humans while sows are busy running the show and their hormones never stop - but it all comes down to individual personalities. The piggies should feel right.

I can however recommend both rescues warmly. Ayr may be able to shift a pair closer to a fosterer in the Glasgow area if you speak to them. Getting an adult bonded boar pair means that you can neatly avoid all the teenage issues and start right with the nice bit. It's a good way of starting your ownership, not to mention avoiding all the other pitfalls.
@Julie M

my heart is so set on boars, but as people have said the reputation for fighting and falling out etc, i just need to get my head over that fact as i already know they can be separated and not cause any issues! the human brain is so stupid, a problem and a solution both exist in there yet i cannot see past the problem haha, even when the problem doesnt exist yet!

We live in the South of Scotland so Glasgow is just as far away as Ayr, Newcastle may be the best bet if we manage to go down the rescue route but we will see what happens with our visit to P@H! I'm just so so so excited to begin the journey whether its with the teenage dramas or if its will a fully bonded adult pair i cannot wait (come back in 2 months and i might say different haha)

 

[Wiebke]

it sounds like the design of your cage is basically identical with ours (well at least my vision) our lower area will be 4x3 with the second layer 1x3 if i get my way. The good thing about C&C cages is if it doesnt work then it can just be adapted so when we finally get our piggies we can adapt to their preference, if they want a bigger lower floor then i will be happy to give them that over a secondary layer



my heart is so set on boars, but as people have said the reputation for fighting and falling out etc, i just need to get my head over that fact as i already know they can be separated and not cause any issues! the human brain is so stupid, a problem and a solution both exist in there yet i cannot see past the problem haha, even when the problem doesnt exist yet!

We live in the South of Scotland so Glasgow is just as far away as Ayr, Newcastle may be the best bet if we manage to go down the rescue route but we will see what happens with our visit to P@H! I'm just so so so excited to begin the journey whether its with the teenage dramas or if its will a fully bonded adult pair i cannot wait (come back in 2 months and i might say different haha)

Lots of great boars at Gertie's as well but the choice is yours. You are right not to rush into it.

 

[piggl]

As someone who also has also struggled with the dire lack of rescues in/around basically the whole of Scotland, I totally get your predicament, it is good to remember pet shop piggies need a home too!

Good luck with your piggy journey, sounds like some piggies are about to get very lucky to have such an amazing owner! Remember piggy pictures are always welcome

 

[Piggies&buns]

my heart is so set on boars, but as people have said the reputation for fighting and falling out etc, i just need to get my head over that fact as i already know they can be separated and not cause any issues! the human brain is so stupid, a problem and a solution both exist in there yet i cannot see past the problem haha, even when the problem doesnt exist yet!

I’m a boar owner. I have four.

My bonded pair of 6 year old boys are wonderful. I got them when they were 4 months old, right at the start of their teens. I had back up living arrangements in time all the time but never needed it. Of course there was the usual teen hormones and bickering but nothing serious. They are still happily together now, and are so much more calm and friendly than they were in their younger years.

I also have two almost 18 month old boys. I got them at 9 weeks old, knowing we had the teens to get through. Again, back up living arrangements in mind. Sadly at 18 weeks old they did suddenly have a fight and have lived side by side as neighbours (with the older pair living above in a separate cage) ever since. They are very happy like this and are such friendly boys (much more friendly than my older two were at that age!).

 

[Bill & Ted]

I agree boars are wonderful and so much fun too. A well bonded pair are of boars are brilliant. A mixed pair of neutered boar and sow are super too. If you can rescue then I think it’s worth the extra mileage. You are getting unpregnant, healthy animals that are have already been bonded and in the unlikely event that they fell out you will have back up from the rescue

Good luck, I can’t wait to see your piggies once they have settled in

 

[fluffysal]

Dignified Sir George and Mischievous Master Boris are an absolute delight to live with. As they are free roaming, some days it's like having a couple of very small dogs now they are a bit older and their curiosity ( naughtiness) far outweighs their instinct to run away.

 

[Banksy]

So... we picked up two boars last night after my partner visited P@H and noticed these two absolute delights, we double/triple checked their sex based on the guide provided in here and got 2 of the shop workers to individually sex them also, one of which is a good friend from college who has 8 of her own guinea pigs, they seemed to be very close to each other, always side by side and throughout the night have been very close to each other..

We've given them some veg and hay/pellets that they were on at P@H. Scattered across the cage to try encourage them to follow the scents and explore their new cage. So far their favourites are peppers, coriander and basil.

They're currently incredibly shy as one can expect, putting a sheet over the cage to give them some added security slowly drew them out over the course of the night.

I took the sheet off this afternoon and tried to spend some time speaking to them as some guides suggest to do but they spent the majority of the time together in the furthest corner of the hide they were occupying, after a long work call i had to take out of the room i returned and put the sheet back over and then they seemed to do some more exploring. They don't seem to be using the water bottles at all so I've had to provide a dish with water under each water bowl in case they end up dehydrating themselves. We have a vet visit on Friday to do a full health check but also have them on speed dial for any shock emergencies.

They are eating well, I've replenished the hay a fair amount this afternoon, they've also been eating the pellets we've put around the cage as well as the veg so i am not concerned about their appetite, more just their thirst. Hopefully the peppers have enough water in them to help keep them hydrated until they use the bowls/bottles

I have a couple of questions.

1. When guinea pigs are shy, are they this shy? so that they will really delve in to a corner with one another and refuse to come out unless there is some sort of cover over the entire cage?
2. How long should we provide this extra cover?
3. How long per day should I try to stay in the same room with them, I work from home so I can be with them for as long as I need but i do not want to burden them and overstay my welcome but at the same time I would also like to bond with them
4. If they continue to not use their water bottles (dripless 2 ball design) do i continue with the bowls of water? or is there something i should be doing to encourage them using their bottles
5. Is someone able to advise what breed they are? for insurance purposes


i have many more questions but i thought i would start with the more pressing questions on my mind, I am trying to be fully patient with them but I'm worried we may be doing something wrong that is forcing them to really hide and burrow away from us, granted they've probably had a very stressful time up until now so i would probably be the same!

Something i should point out - we are monitoring the piggies via a tapo cam which is how i know of their activity etc, I'm not constantly going in and checking on them, trying to give them as much space as we can while trying to also bond with them

 

[fluffysal]

Oh my heart , they are so gorgeous

 

[weepweeps]

They are beautiful

 

[Piggies&buns]

I have a couple of questions.

1. When guinea pigs are shy, are they this shy? so that they will really delve in to a corner with one another and refuse to come out unless there is some sort of cover over the entire cage?
2. How long should we provide this extra cover?
3. How long per day should I try to stay in the same room with them, I work from home so I can be with them for as long as I need but i do not want to burden them and overstay my welcome but at the same time I would also like to bond with them
4. If they continue to not use their water bottles (dripless 2 ball design) do i continue with the bowls of water? or is there something i should be doing to encourage them using their bottles
5. Is someone able to advise what breed they are? for insurance purposes

They are gorgeous.

1. Yes quite normal.
2. Provide the cover for a week or so
3. Just go about your life as normal
4. The amount piggies drink varies widely. If they don’t drink from their bottle then it’s because they
Aren’t thirsty and are getting enough fluid from their veg. The need to drink comes first and they will never dehydrate themselves on purpose

 

[Banksy]

They are gorgeous.

1. Yes quite normal.
2. Provide the cover for a week or so
3. Just go about your life as normal
4. The amount piggies drink varies widely. If they don’t drink from their bottle then it’s because they
Aren’t thirsty and are getting enough fluid from their veg. The need to drink comes first and they will never dehydrate themselves on purpose

Thank you!

They have been FAR more active over the last 24 hours, including witnessing some zoomies and possibly even a couple of popcorns as they've been exploring their cage and finding small bits of pepper! serotonin boost for sure!

 

[Roselina]

Ahhhh they are beautiful …..what have you called the boys ?
They have a lovely set up from what you’re saying
It seems they are just settling in - it’s normal to worry and even be a bit ‘paranoid’ but you will be less worried and more confident as each day goes by
We are always here for advice, support and to see the adventures of these two beautiful boys