Convert drawers to Cage?

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

carolinew

Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Hi, we're looking for a good place to keep guinea pigs. We want them to be where we are the most, which would be the lounge. Space is definitely a problem for us, so we're having to think creatively to make sure that they have a good space.

We're considering converting 2 drawers of our chest of drawers into a 2 level cage for them. One drawer is 27" wide, 18" deep and 14" high, the 2nd level drawer is 27" x 18' x 9"

My question is whether these sizes are sufficient for happy, healthy guinea pigs? I'm hoping someone can advise me.
 
Minimum dimensions should be 4ft by 2ft for 2 piggies, and ideally they should have the 4ft on one level to popcorn and run freely without having to go up a ramp (it doesn't really count if the min. length is divided up on 2 levels as it doesn't give the same space) . You could look into C&C cages to get the most of your space?
 
Thanks, Claire, that's really helpful. If we convert 2 drawers on the same level into a cage it would be 54" x 18" x 14" high. Would that work?
 
Hello and welcome to the forum!
I don't think that is big enough plus they need wire on the sides of their cage so they get fresh air and see what your doing!:)) It was a great idea though:)

From Guineagurl, Sweet Pea, Ninja, Daisy, Smokey and Pete!
 
carolinew said:
Thanks, Claire, that's really helpful. If we convert 2 drawers on the same level into a cage it would be 54" x 18" x 14" high. Would that work?
Click to expand...

Sorry, I hit save before I'd finished! What I wanted to write was:

Thanks, Claire, that's really helpful. If we convert 2 drawers on the same level into a cage it would be 54" x 18" x 14" high. Would that work? They would have a run in a playpen for a good part of most days, but not if I happen to be out for the day. The sides and back would be replaced with mesh and the front either mesh or perspex.

We have the space for a c&c cage in the hallway, but then they wouldn't have as much company. So I'm trying to find a way for them to have sufficient space to be happy & healthy, yet still have lots of company. From what I've read so far it seems to be quite important for them to have lots of attention and company from their humans too, not just each other and visits from their owners. So I'm trying to ascertain that we can give them that before getting any. I wouldn't want to get any animal unless I can be sure of giving them what they need.

I'm open to suggestions!
 
Just going along a train of thought - if the height is OK then we could pull the chest of drawers further away from the wall and extend the cage backwards as we'd be replacing the sides with mesh anyway. That would enable us to get the full recommended 2'.

Is it starting to sound workable, or do I just need to abandon the idea and look elsewhere, eg the hall with a c&c cage?
 
Converting it sounds like a lot of work. Why not build a C&C?

Here's a wooden cage that I saw that might be somewhat similar to your idea. Each floor is 15 sq.ft. So it's bigger than the one you're planning.
 
carolinew said:
Just going along a train of thought - if the height is OK then we could pull the chest of drawers further away from the wall and extend the cage backwards as we'd be replacing the sides with mesh anyway. That would enable us to get the full recommended 2'.

Is it starting to sound workable, or do I just need to abandon the idea and look elsewhere, eg the hall with a c&c cage?
Click to expand...

Hi Caroline, I also agree that converting drawers sounds like an awful lot of work. Piggies don't really mind not being in the centre of all activity...when I first got mine, whenever I went to fuss over them, they just looked peed off at me! As if they had things to do, and I was ruining their schedule :)) as long as they get cuddle time once a day, and some floor time in the same room as you, they'll get used to your voice etc. Piggies are generally not like a cat or a dog that crave your attention and praise...they are quite happy to bumble around the cage with eachother and get on with piglet duties (pooping, peeing...sleeping...!)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top