Cage size for five guinea pigs.

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

Hello all.

I need some advice from you.

I have got a 2x6 c & c cage with four sows living in there, which I understand is o.k, I was just wondering if you would be able to add one more sow in that cage? I don't think you could add a male but not totally sure.

I would very much appreciated any information given, I have looked at the cage sizing charts lots but would still appreciate any information advice given.

 

[Piggies&buns]

On the guide, That size should be ok for five pigs.
You could add one boar but, if not already neutered, he would have to be neutered and kept separate for six weeks until he becomes sterile before being introduced to the girls. Any time you add pigs, it has to have a compatible character for any other already resident pigs to accept them, so finding somebody suitable to add to them to be done carefully.
There are lots of guides in the behaviour and bonding section of this site which may be helpful to you.

 

[PigglePuggle]

If you are thinking of expanding, have you considered adding an extension so your cage is L-shaped and gives more space? Last year we initially bonded 4 sows in a 5x2 space (both pairs had previously been in smaller pet shop size cages, my original pair in a 120 cage and our adopted pair had sadly been in an 80cm cage their whole lives) but when we added our lovely neutered husboar 2 weeks later we bought a 3x2 C&C and added it on the side to make an L-shape with an 8x2 floor space, but going round the corner. Adding a 2x2 loft (on the side at ground level) or a 3x2 cage extension in an L-shape is a great option for when you cant make your cage any longer!
Now we have a 5x2 with two 3x2 extensions for 1 boar and 5 sows, which is 11x2 floor space but still fits in our room

 

[Lady Kelly]

According to the cage size guide a 2x5 c&c is big enough for 3 sows or 1 neutered boar/2 sows. You need an extra 30x60cm for 1 piggy so a 2x6 c&c is only big enough for 4 sows or 1 neutered boar/3 sows.

So you would need to increase your cage size to add more piggies

 

[Swissgreys]

I have to say that I personally think that a 2 x 6 could be a bit tight for five piggies.
Sows can also be quite fiesty when they come into season, and that size doesn't offer a lot of space to get away from each other when you have to add in 5 houses, hay areas, food bowls, enrichment, etc.

 

[Merab]

The bigger the better.
At one point I had 4 sows in a 2x5 cage with an L shaped extension of 2x2. This worked well.
I now have 3 sows with a neutered boar in a 5x2 with 2x3 L shaped extension- it’s needed.

If you do decide to add a boar it’s a good idea for him to live next to the girls before being introduced. That will give you an idea of how well they will all get on.