Guinea Pig Cage Help?

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PiggyPrincess

PiggyPrincess

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I am planning on getting two guinea pigs next month, but I do not know what I want to house them in yet. I have read online that homemade cages are better than store bought cages...I am considering a C&C cage, but I would also like some other options. I saw that somebody poked a lot of holes in plastic bin and used that as a cage. Would that hurt them? I really want to have everything ready for them when they come home...I am also kind of limited on space, but I could rearrange some things around.
 
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Hi and welcome!

Personally, I would still worry about air flow/potential fungal problems in a plastic bin, as well as light levels and interaction; the same goes for fish tanks.

I know that some people on the Continent have pushed two Ikea bookcases or shelving units in front of each other for depth, fixed them together and use them as cages on different levels with a ledge of plexiglas or C&C grids in the front.
Here are multi-story DIY cage solutions from a German guinea pig forum (you need to click through them):
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=meerschweinchenkäfig&client=firefox-a&hs=GtR&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&tbm=isch&source=iu&imgil=3NXEJmT92BylEM%3A%3Bhttps%3A%2F%2Fencrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcSv4RAd1d6_niAJrxOcwwG21skDP4dhJEQRhBSX69ZvrhqhraZj%3B618%3B553%3BR4gZn4VTu1hhHM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fxoppla.net%252Fperrinemehrfotos%252F&sa=X&ei=f97jUvjBCPLT7AaUyIHIBQ&ved=0CDQQ9QEwAQ&biw=1280&bih=595#facrc=_&imgdii=3NXEJmT92BylEM:;9uY343hbrsEWnM;3NXEJmT92BylEM:&imgrc=3NXEJmT92BylEM%3A;R4gZn4VTu1hhHM;http%3A%2F%2Fxoppla.net%2Fwp-content%2Ftest.JPG;http%3A%2F%2Fxoppla.net%2Fperrinemehrfotos%2F;618;553

The recommended minimum size from the RSPCA (British Animal League) for a cage is 2x4 ft (60x120cm). For two boars we recommend a minimum of 2x5 ft (60x150cm).

PS: Could you please add your country, state (US/Aus) or county/general area (UK) to your details, so we can give you the appropriate information, links and tips straight away. We have members from all around the world. Click on your username, then go to personal details/location.
 
If you like idea of c&c but don't want to make it you could get a midwest guinea pig habitat sold on cages world for about £35. Alternatively any shop bought 120cm cage is fine for 2 ie ferplast 120 or nero4 but these are pricier. Anything smaller is not suitable and does not comply with rspca guidelines
 
two piggies need 120cm long cage minimum and floortime.I personally wouldn't use storage boxes due to ventilation and them not being able to see out.C&c cages are great and can have lids if you need them but you would need some sort of waterproof floor.I have the plastic covered grids and ny floor is a ground sheet then fleece with litter trays.If you get them from rescue they will advise you on housing etc. And you can read up on everything else on here.Good luck and please research cost of day to day care as i was surprised at how much day to day needs cost
 
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome!

Personally, I would still worry about air flow/potential fungal problems in a plastic bin, as well as light levels and interaction; the same goes for fish tanks.

I know that some people on the Continent have pushed two Ikea bookcases or shelving units in front of each other for depth, fixed them together and use them as cages on different levels with a ledge of plexiglas or C&C grids in the front.


Thank you for your response, it was very helpful. I have also posted my location. I will not be using the plastic bin in fear that it will hurt them, but I did see some cages that I likes on the link that you sent. Would wood be okay for them or will it hurt them if they chew on it?
Click to expand...
 
madguinealady said:
two piggies need 120cm long cage minimum and floortime.I personally wouldn't use storage boxes due to ventilation and them not being able to see out.C&c cages are great and can have lids if you need them but you would need some sort of waterproof floor.I have the plastic covered grids and ny floor is a ground sheet then fleece with litter trays.If you get them from rescue they will advise you on housing etc. And you can read up on everything else on here.Good luck and please research cost of day to day care as i was surprised at how much day to day needs cost
Click to expand...

I have researched the cost for them and I have already started preparing for their arrival!
 
chuffed you are researching.You would be amazed how many people go into it without proper research.I must admit i took my first two on uninformed.Found this forum and never looked back
 
In my opinion, you can build C&C cage for a much better price per square foot than a Midwest Habitat cage.

Since you're in USA, C&C materials are easier to find than UK.

See these places for grids (cubes), most of them you can order online and they will ship to the local store for free. You can then pick up from the store.

Sears:
http://www.sears.com/stor-floor-sta...p-00913332000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Kmart:
http://www.kmart.com/stor-floor-sta...W435219990001P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Bed Bath & Beyond
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/sto...nd-Storage-Cubes/1016719773?_requestid=338643

Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Whitmor-White-Wire-Storage-Cubes-Four-Cubes-Interlocked/5005200

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-6071-...UTF8&coliid=I16SQ7SVSPM9UW&colid=NG9JBN4Z38SK

DON'T GET CUBES FROM TARGET. They have different bar spacing and can cause deaths if guinea pigs get their heads stuck in the grids.

Coroplast:

Home Depot (check store inventory before you head there, and print out a copy of the page with you. Most Home Depot staff won't know what you're asking for when you say coroplast)
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202771...stic&storeId=10051&N=25ecodZ5yc1v&R=202771364

Sabic Polymershapes. This place is a plastic warehouse. Call the location near you for prices. Most people I've heard of got quoted between $10 - $20 for 4x8 ft sheet.
http://www.sabicpolymershapes.com/polyshapes/PShapes/branchlocator/branchus.jsp
 
Thanks for all of the information! I was actually planning on getting the cubes from target if I did make a C&C cage. I'm not doing that anymore! I will look around at the stores and find the best option for me. Also, if I am unable to find the coroplast are there any alternatives?
 
If the cage is on the floor you could use lino or shower curtain then fleece. i use litter trays as well and they use them most of the time
 
For coroplast - have you looked at local sign shops? Coroplast is used in shop signs; you may get it cut to size from the shop. Prices will vary, so it's best to enquire. I did that with my first C&C cage.

For my big pen, I bought an offcut of lino from a carpet shop; it can be wiped down quickly during each clean. To keep it from sliding around on the floor, I recommend getting whatever they sell to keep carpets from sliding in shop you are getting your lino from. The disadvantage with flat flooring is that things like poos and hay tend to spill out, that is why I have stuck with coroplast for my C&C cages on top of a cheap Ikea table.

I have also used plastic non-stick cupboard liner from Ikea as underlay for a temporary C&C cage; especially when travelling with piggies.
 
Wiebke said:
For coroplast - have you looked at local sign shops? Coroplast is used in shop signs; you may get it cut to size from the shop. Prices will vary, so it's best to enquire. I did that with my first C&C cage.

For my big pen, I bought an offcut of lino from a carpet shop; it can be wiped down quickly during each clean. To keep it from sliding around on the floor, I recommend getting whatever they sell to keep carpets from sliding in shop you are getting your lino from. The disadvantage with flat flooring is that things like poos and hay tend to spill out, that is why I have stuck with coroplast for my C&C cages on top of a cheap Ikea table.

I have also used plastic non-stick cupboard liner from Ikea as underlay for a temporary C&C cage; especially when travelling with piggies.
Click to expand...

I will be sure to look at sign shops for the coroplast! Thank you for all of the information. Also, do guinea pigs get overly frightened while traveling?
 
PiggyPrincess said:
I will be sure to look at sign shops for the coroplast! Thank you for all of the information. Also, do guinea pigs get overly frightened while traveling?
Click to expand...
They can do but do withstand travelling quite well. It helps to have a friend with them plus nice things to eat.
 
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