C&c cage and run?

[Jessica_alice29]

Hi, I have been doing lots of research before I get two pigs. I have opted for a 4x2 c and c cage (which will probably be extended in the future). Recently I read that you need a run permanently attatched to the cage. This confused me as I thought the cage was enough, I would still let them have time out of the cage in a safe place during the day when I am at home. I was just wondering if anyone could clear this up for me?
Thanks

 

[ThePotterPiggie]

Hi,
The run is just for if you have a hutch outside, so that the pigs have enough room.
Hope this helps!

 

[Siikibam]

You can have a separate run for indoors for when they have floor time. If you had space, you could attach a run to the cage, it’s up to you really.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, I have been doing lots of research before I get two pigs. I have opted for a 4x2 c and c cage (which will probably be extended in the future). Recently I read that you need a run permanently attatched to the cage. This confused me as I thought the cage was enough, I would still let them have time out of the cage in a safe place during the day when I am at home. I was just wondering if anyone could clear this up for me?
Thanks

Hi and welcome!

It is great that you are doing your research beforehand!

On principle, the more space you can offer your guinea pigs the better; it should comply at least with minimal welfare recommendations (which your planned cage does) but whatever you can afford to go above is a bonus.
However, this depends very much on your individual possibilities. Supervised daily run and enrichment time is perfectly fine; piggies are most active in the mornings and late afternoon evenings and tend to sleep a lot during the middle of the day. If you have the space and means to have a run attached to the cage that is accessible all day, then that would be great; but it is not a must!

While we all strive to do our best for our pets, there are some people out there who have sadly become apostles for standards that are for most owners simply unrealistic and not practicable/affordable. Pet ownership should not become just the privilege of the few rich as long as a reasonable standard of care can be provided - which you are planning for.

Energetic youngsters and teenagers (especially boars during that time) need the most space and exercise time; adult run time very often consists of a 5 minute amble around the area and follwed by a nap in their favourite corner!
Cage Size Guide
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

If at all possible, I would recommend to consider adopting from a good standard rescue if you can get to one for a problem-free start into your piggy life. Any piggies you adopt will be carefully bonded as to character compatibility; they will be fully quarantined/medically cared for and healthy when put up for adoption, properly sexed and guaranteed not pregnant. You will also always have the rescue to fall back on if you run into serious trouble along the line. The rescue will also match you up with piggies that are suitable for a new owner and that are used to human interaction and being handled, unlike pet shop or breeder piggies. A good standard rescue is by far the best and safest place to get guinea pigs from.
If you want to go down that route, then asking the rescue for their recommendations in respect of cage size/indoors and outdoors runs would be best.
Boars, sows or mixed pairs; babies or adults?
Recommended and vetted UK rescues: Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
Recommended and vetted rescues in some other countries: Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations
Please note that these are the rescues we can vouch for that you are in safe hands and that they uphold welfare and good practice at all stages of the rescue process. Sadly in English speaking countries, anybody can call themselves a rescue or a breeder without licensing or welfare checks, and the results can be accordingly.

You may find the information in these two access links helpful for your further research:
Are Guinea Pigs For Me? - A Guide
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[Jessica_alice29]

Hi and welcome!

It is great that you are doing your research beforehand!

On principle, the more space you can offer your guinea pigs the better; it should comply at least with minimal welfare recommendations (which your planned cage does) but whatever you can afford to go above is a bonus.
However, this depends very much on your individual possibilities. Supervised daily run and enrichment time is perfectly fine; piggies are most active in the mornings and late afternoon evenings and tend to sleep a lot during the middle of the day. If you have the space and means to have a run attached to the cage that is accessible all day, then that would be great; but it is not a must!

While we all strive to do our best for our pets, there are some people out there who have sadly become apostles for standards that are for most owners simply unrealistic and not practicable/affordable. Pet ownership should not become just the privilege of the few rich as long as a reasonable standard of care can be provided - which you are planning for.

Energetic youngsters and teenagers (especially boars during that time) need the most space and exercise time; adult run time very often consists of a 5 minute amble around the area and follwed by a nap in their favourite corner!
Cage Size Guide
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

If at all possible, I would recommend to consider adopting from a good standard rescue if you can get to one for a problem-free start into your piggy life. Any piggies you adopt will be carefully bonded as to character compatibility; they will be fully quarantined/medically cared for and healthy when put up for adoption, properly sexed and guaranteed not pregnant. You will also always have the rescue to fall back on if you run into serious trouble along the line. The rescue will also match you up with piggies that are suitable for a new owner and that are used to human interaction and being handled, unlike pet shop or breeder piggies. A good standard rescue is by far the best and safest place to get guinea pigs from.
If you want to go down that route, then asking the rescue for their recommendations in respect of cage size/indoors and outdoors runs would be best.
Boars, sows or mixed pairs; babies or adults?
Recommended and vetted UK rescues: Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
Recommended and vetted rescues in some other countries: Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations
Please note that these are the rescues we can vouch for that you are in safe hands and that they uphold welfare and good practice at all stages of the rescue process. Sadly in English speaking countries, anybody can call themselves a rescue or a breeder without licensing or welfare checks, and the results can be accordingly.

You may find the information in these two access links helpful for your further research:
Are Guinea Pigs For Me? - A Guide
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

Hi thanks for your reply. I have found the info very helpful. Unfortunately where I live the closest 3 rescues are all atleast 40 mins away (which Is crazy!), I have used 3 different rescue locators and Google but there are none near me. So I have not yet decided where I will get them from, although it won't be from somewhere like pets at home. I tried rehoming through one of these rescues but they would not let me rehome without a permanent run attatched to the C&c cage. I will keep looking and hopefully find some that need a home. Thanks for your help

 

[Wiebke]

Hi thanks for your reply. I have found the info very helpful. Unfortunately where I live the closest 3 rescues are all atleast 40 mins away (which Is crazy!), I have used 3 different rescue locators and Google but there are none near me. So I have not yet decided where I will get them from, although it won't be from somewhere like pets at home. I tried rehoming through one of these rescues but they would not let me rehome without a permanent run attatched to the C&c cage. I will keep looking and hopefully find some that need a home. Thanks for your help

It depends on how well you can get to them - 40 minutes is very local as far as I am concerned (anything within 60-90 minutes is)!
Since I don't drive, rescue access has often been a matter how easily a rescue can be reached by train or public transport.

I have travelled for well over three hours on the train to pick up special piggies from all corners of the country. Thankfully they generally travel well! My last arrival has travelled all the way from Newcastle to Coventry two days ago; she is a stuck-in-rescue piggy with some social hang-ups that is in need of an experienced home so transport was thankfully arranged by the rescue, but she has settled in without problems.
Travelling with guinea pigs