Diy Cage Supplies/safety

[Ru8y]

Hi guys!

I've been lurking for a while to gain some info on housing/care for piggies.

I don't have them yet, as I've been looking at local rescues for a bonded pair or triple. There was a hoarding case in Sussex not so long ago so most rescues are in the same position of pregnancy watch for the females! (definitely do NOT want breeders!)

So anyway, I have a C&C set up ready to put up when I've finished my spring clean. I'm hoping for a 3x6 set up with a hay loft area depending on what the piggies are happy with.

At home we're pretty eco-friendly and I'm looking at fitting out the cage with as many recycled goods as possible.
I just can't seem to find any info on what kind of food packaging I can use that is pig safe.

For example, I've been experimenting with empty coke can boxes to make hideys.I will post pics when I figure it out, but essentially I'm concerned about printing on the box being dangerous if they chew/eat it?

I love crafts so making new things for the pigs regularly won't be an issue when they get chewed up and of course I'm not just looking to cheap out on really important things like good quality hay and vet insurance.

Any info or suggestions are welcomed!

 

[Swissgreys]

Hello and welcome to the Forum.

I use a selection of boxes which contained various things (mostly wine!), and find that my piggies don't really chew on them as long as they have a steady supply of more appropriate (appealing?) things.
But this can depend on the piggie in question, so there isn't really a lack and white answer to your question.
If you offer then lots to chew on but they still target boxes with printing or shiny coatings then I would probably opt to remove the boxes.

in my humble opinion wooden houses are by far the most environmentally friendly option. My lot chew on theirs but it has lasted for months, and is not only a shelter for them but an appropriate chew toy and climbing structure. It can be cleaned when needed and will last much longer than a cardboard box, which I only ever view as a temporary toy.

 

[Ru8y]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I've been looking at some wooden houses, and they look nice! I will probably get something like that as a long term option, and use boxes/random things as variety and floor time then.

My only real worry was the safety of the materials, which doesn't seem to be an issue then if they have sufficient fun things to bite on.

 

[Florapig]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I've been looking at some wooden houses, and they look nice! I will probably get something like that as a long term option, and use boxes/random things as variety and floor time then.

My only real worry was the safety of the materials, which doesn't seem to be an issue then if they have sufficient fun things to bite on.

I use paper bags from primark. I cut the handels off and stuff them with hay. My piggies eat and sleep in the bag, they are brilliant

 

[Ru8y]

I use paper bags from primark. I cut the handels off and stuff them with hay. My piggies eat and sleep in the bag, they are brilliant

HA!
I once had a cat that randomly moved into my house, so I bought him a bed, kennel, tray.... all sorts of things.

Then he slept and pooped in ASDA bags that he pulled out of the caddy.

The simplest things eh.

 

[Florapig]

HA!
I once had a cat that randomly moved into my house, so I bought him a bed, kennel, tray.... all sorts of things.

Then he slept and pooped in ASDA bags that he pulled out of the caddy.

The simplest things eh.

Hi, when I first got my piggies I brought them all these nice houses and toys but they wouldn't touch them. They loved the bags and I have used them ever since

 

[piggieminder]

Mine have cardboard boxes and paper bags stuffed with hay but these are only short term playthings, they wee in them and make them soggy within hours. I use a combination of wood and fleece hideys, tunnels etc. for more permanent use as they are washable.