Cage Advice

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

PiggyL

Joined
Apr 18, 2012
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Hey guys

Since I joined the forum a couple of weeks ago I have been researching the best housing etc to get my first piggies.

My first plan had been to get a 5Ft x 2ft hutch and have them outside but due to the colder weather and advice given to me I am now thinking indoor may be better. Due to space limitations this would mean a 4ft x 2ft cage (although I understand this is still ok for a pair?).

Does anyone have any opinions on these three? I quite like the liberta ones and the one on a stand but I wonder of the the ferplast would be better to clean and have generally better access. Does anyone own either of the other two and could let me know their thoughts? It would be greatly appreciated.

Liberta
http://petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=813&pf_id=58414

Ferplast
http://www.petsathome.com/shop/rabbit-120-guinea-pig-and-dwarf-rabbit-cage-by-ferplast-15982

I have also seen it with a domed roof.

Zooplus
http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/guinea_pig_cages/120_cm_cages/95923


I had also seen some 100cm double tier ones which I presume would give the same overall floor space? THis one is really nice but is it better to have the space all on one level? I thought the ramp wasn't too steep though.

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/guinea_pig_cages/100_cm_cages/284438

I'm so indecisive and I really want to get moving on this now so any advice appreciated :)
 
I personally would opt for the Zooplus cage, as It's a good quality cage although I understand it's quite difficult putting it together. If I didn't have C&C that would be my choice.

Very nice cage, my friend has it.
 
Just to add, a 100cm double teir doesnt count, the space needs to all be on one level. :0 extra levels are nice to have but piggies need to run laps to keep fit so its essential that they have the minimum space on atleast one floor. :)
 
I like the Ferplast 120 and the Liberta.

The access and general design of the Ferplast is very good - one draw back is that the base has a pattern of grids in the plastic to give grip (nice for the piggies but a bit of a pain when cleaning). The front hinged opening is great - as long as you've got a clear 'swing' for the door. The whole cage is fairly light so can be moved easily.

The Liberta has a smooth base so scrubs up well, the door is wide enough to give good access. The cage itself is far sturdier so if you want to stack cages (when your piggy addiction takes hold) you can have twice as many cages without taking up any more floorspace. It is a fair bit taller so can cause problems fitting it in. It's one of the heavier cages as the metal is a higher gauge and there's more of it.

The R5A is the tricky one to put together and it is a big bit of kit! The base can drop out of the frame if not quite right. It is a great cage once you get it right, though it is more imposing in a room than the other cages.

You can usually find a good deals online. Do check the base. etc before you sign for delivery, just in case there is any damage in transit. Customer service is usually good but it's a pest when you've got to wait for another to be delivered.

Pets at Home prices are usually the most expensive so I'd look elsewhere - try The Range, garden centres that don't sell animals or ebay/amazon. Places that sell animals use them as a way of attracting people to the store (40% higher footfall) and they often charge more for their general stock as there is very little profit in animals so they make it back on the non-animal based sales. Places that do not sell animals don't need to make up for this so give better deals (and don't churn out mass produced, poorly animals in the meantime).

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/rabbit_cage/120_cm_cages/14083

The Liberta/R5A links in your post are the best value offers at the moment that I could find. I haven't checked ebay/amazon though.

HTH

Suzy x
 
I have a couple of the ferplast 120 the access is brilliant as the whole front swings up and open.

I also purchased the stand for them which gives room for storage underneath and cost about £32 extra.
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone. Suzy the overview of them all was very helpful. I will forget two tier ones then (unless they are at leas 120cm per level) and try to decide between the others. I know what you mean about ridged bases on Ferplast cages as I have these on my hamster cage and it does make them more difficult to clean.

Thanks for all the input - will let you know which one I order.
 
I have a triple baffy 120 and 2 ferplast 120s, i much much prefer the ferplasts. the grid effect bottom doesnt really bother me. it gives better grip for the piggies which means less substrate gets kicked up and is easy enough to get spotless with a soak in vinegar. (try this for your hammys cage, it works a treat) I usually soak them once a month while the piggies are in the run/playpen. the whole front opening is excellent, means you can just clean the inside out without taking the lid off.

so my vote goes to the ferplast.
 
I'm completely in love with the liberta and they have slightly extra floor space with the shelf. (i know it doesn't count for much though). I'm looking at getting the smaller one for very cold/windy days (unfortuantly i don't have room for the 'right' size but i'd prefer they were warm and slightly squashed than freezing outside :)
 
PiggyL said:
Hey guys

Since I joined the forum a couple of weeks ago I have been researching the best housing etc to get my first piggies.

My first plan had been to get a 5Ft x 2ft hutch and have them outside but due to the colder weather and advice given to me I am now thinking indoor may be better. Due to space limitations this would mean a 4ft x 2ft cage (although I understand this is still ok for a pair?).

Does anyone have any opinions on these three? I quite like the liberta ones and the one on a stand but I wonder of the the ferplast would be better to clean and have generally better access. Does anyone own either of the other two and could let me know their thoughts? It would be greatly appreciated.

Liberta
http://petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=813&pf_id=58414

Ferplast
http://www.petsathome.com/shop/rabbit-120-guinea-pig-and-dwarf-rabbit-cage-by-ferplast-15982

I have also seen it with a domed roof.

Zooplus
http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/guinea_pig_cages/120_cm_cages/95923


I had also seen some 100cm double tier ones which I presume would give the same overall floor space? THis one is really nice but is it better to have the space all on one level? I thought the ramp wasn't too steep though.

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/guinea_pig_cages/100_cm_cages/284438

I'm so indecisive and I really want to get moving on this now so any advice appreciated :)
Click to expand...
I have both an outdoor hutch and an indoor C&C cage.

I put them outside in the summer and bring them inside in the cold months. Outdoor hutches usually cost a lot more as you have to buy the hutch itself. I've insulated my hutch with insulated fabric from B&Q and also waterproofed it to make sure it's warm inside at night, I also bought a Snugglesafe Heat-pad that further heats up the hutch.

For indoor cages I would consider C&C cages as you can custom build them to whatever dimensions suit you best and they are a lot cheaper than hutches.
 
PiggyL said:
Thanks for all the advice everyone. Suzy the overview of them all was very helpful. I will forget two tier ones then (unless they are at leas 120cm per level) and try to decide between the others. I know what you mean about ridged bases on Ferplast cages as I have these on my hamster cage and it does make them more difficult to clean.

Thanks for all the input - will let you know which one I order.
Click to expand...

I never found the ridged base on my Ferplast a problem, I just lined it with newspaper first & then folded all the dirty stuff up when it came to cleaning out & binned it & the base just needed a light spray & wipe clean. :)
 
Have a look at an eBay seller called pltech.
I got a r5a from him and a Skyline Maxi xxl, both at £31 inc free delivery. I prefer the skyline, easier to put together, and less imposing as someone suggested. It's in my lounge but the r5a is in the utility room. Both are great overall though. Oh, the r5a has 2 platforms for interest.
 
Bobby&Frankie said:
awesome there's a ferplast 100 with an hour to go and current bidding is £9, small i know but cheap
Click to expand...

That'll be the reason why it's going cheap - because it's way too small for a pair of piggies ;)

I wouldn't even entertain the idea of watching a cage that is too small - no matter how cheap the price!!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top