Can A Cage Be Too Big?

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gizmo.ella

gizmo.ella

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I have one boar in a 5x3 c&c cage and I don't think he likes to have such a big space. He has a 80cm ( cage ) litter tray and he spends most of his time in that. However when I sit in there ( I obviously take up a lot of room ) he comes out starts running around and popcorning everywhere! Do you think I should down size ? Or downsize and add a loft ? What do you think I should do ?
 
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gizmo.ella said:
I have one boar in a 5x3 c&c cage and I don't think he likes to have such a big space. He has a 80cm ( cage ) litter tray and he spends most of his time in that. However when I sit in there ( I obviously take up a lot of room ) he comes out starts running around and popcorning everywhere! Do you think I should down size ? Or downsize and add a loft ? What do you think I should do ?
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When my Oakley was a lone boar he was in a 2x4 c&c but only used a 1x2 space and most of that was taken up by a hay tray, he also only sat in that for most of his time, we then took him boar dating and he met Ollie he is a totally different piggie! He uses the whole of the cage, popcorns and generally is so much happier. Have you thought about getting a friend?xx
 
Anarchybmc said:
When my Oakley was a lone boar he was in a 2x4 c&c but only used a 1x2 space and most of that was taken up by a hay tray, he also only sat in that for most of his time, we then took him boar dating and he met Ollie he is a totally different piggie! He uses the whole of the cage, popcorns and generally is so much happier. Have you thought about getting a friend?xx
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My parents would never let me get another piggy :( I see how important it is for him to have one but they are just so worried that they would fight. Maybe I could ask to take him boar dating for my Christmas present ? If they let me! So should I downsize or keep that size for now ?
 
It's a wonderful cage, and it's great that he has so much space, but it is very open.

Have you thought about adding a few more hideys and shelters for him?
My lot do lay out in the open and also run laps, but mostly they like to lounge in a hidey or a house or underneath something (the fleece forest is currently very popular).
He might explore a bit more if he could potter from house to house.

And I also second the suggestion of getting him a friend - they are so much bolder and more confident in a little tribe.
 
gizmo.ella said:
My parents would never let me get another piggy :( I see how important it is for him to have one but they are just so worried that they would fight. Maybe I could ask to take him boar dating for my Christmas present ? If they let me! So should I downsize or keep that size for now ?
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I would definately try to get him a friend, the good thing with boar dating is that he would be watched and paired with a suitable piggie I mean obviously boys will be boys and always squabble but you have such a large cage already you can easily fit two of everything in, I would keep the size that you have maybe add a few more toys and things for him to hide in? Don't go to a pet store and buy another boy though just in case they don't get on, go for the boar dating from santa :tu:
 
I'd definately put some more hidey holes in there for him :)

I agree that boar dating would make him very happy! When we rescued Tilly I immediately contacted a rescue about a mate for her. When she was on her own, which was only for a matter of weeks, she would hide away a lot but once we got Hettie she was a much happier piggie :)
 
My Marlon was kept in a small(ish) cage before he came to me, when he went into a bigger cage he would only half of it, I guess he got so used to being able to only take a few steps he didn't know to do with a big cage. He did eventually get used to it, but it took a good few months.
 
Definitely agreeing on the hideys and on getting him a friend! He does sound like he needs a companion.

You can check here for the recommended rescues Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator and see if there's one near you that offers boar dating. Talk with your parents about that because when it's done by a reputable rescue, the boar dating its done properly, so they won't fight (at least nothing serious!).
 
RoyalDuke said:
My Marlon was kept in a small(ish) cage before he came to me, when he went into a bigger cage he would only half of it, I guess he got so used to being able to only take a few steps he didn't know to do with a big cage. He did eventually get used to it, but it took a good few months.
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:agr: My oldest guinea was living in a very small hutch before we got her, it took her ages to start moving around freely and has only recently started to venture up the ramps, etc.
 
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