How to split cage.

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

Hi I currently have five guinea pigs.
If I make my cage into a 2x8 grid C and C cage how would I split it so I have four guinea pigs on one side and one or two the other.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m afraid you’d have to make your cage bigger. The one or two piggies need a 2x4 and the four would need a 2x6. So you’re cage would need to be a 2x10 at a minimum for them to have enough space.

If any of them is a pair of boars then you’d need their side to be a minimum of 2x5.

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

I’m afraid you’d have to make your cage bigger. The one or two piggies need a 2x4 and the four would need a 2x6. So you’re cage would need to be a 2x10 at a minimum for them to have enough space.

If any of them is a pair of boars then you’d need their side to be a minimum of 2x5.

Please could you tell me what is the minimum space is for three girls and a boar and what's the minimum space is for four girls and a boar.

 

[Siikibam]

Four need minimum 2x6 and five need minimum 2x7. But if you can go bigger it’s better. The space being a minimum doesn’t necessarily mean you should house that many piggies in it.

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

Four need minimum 2x6 and five need minimum 2x7. But if you can go bigger it’s better. The space being a minimum doesn’t necessarily mean you should house that many piggies in it.

Thanks I know I didn't seem to have the right information in the first place for how many pigs, let's put it this way I have been given miss leading information about cage size etc... so trying to get the information right this time. Can I ask would I be able to split a 3 X 6 better for four one side and one or two other? How many could live in split 3x6?

 

[Siikibam]

A 3x6 would provide under the minimum space by 0.5sq feet. If you split it half way to make two 3x3, then each could house 2 I think. The square footage would be 9sq feet. For two the minimum is 8 and for 3 the minimum is 10. So I’d say it would fit two.

To fit four on one side and 1 or 2 on the other you could do a 3x4 and split into 3x3 and 3x4.

Do your piggies not have enough space at the moment? Or are you looking to expand or rejig their pairings?

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

A 3x6 would provide under the minimum space by 0.5sq feet. If you split it half way to make two 3x3, then each could house 2 I think. The square footage would be 9sq feet. For two the minimum is 8 and for 3 the minimum is 10. So I’d say it would fit two.

To fit four on one side and 1 or 2 on the other you could do a 3x4 and split into 3x3 and 3x4.

Do your piggies not have enough space at the moment? Or are you looking to expand or rejig their pairings?

I have a 2x6 C and C cage and have a boar and four females, I need to either make cage bigger and hope that's enough space to help calm things down as that's seems to be causing problems with the bond or thats what I have been told, or have another option to split group and have a group of maybe four one side and two other so my female that I have split away from the group has someone to be with, like a baby sow. Hope this makes sense, I just don't know whats best, would it be best to have bigger cage so they can all live in group of five and if so how and what size is needed if it works of course or weather to split group and if so what size shape needed and should I add another female to be company for my split. Sow. I hope this all makes sense and sorry to confuse you if I have confused you.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I have a 2x6 C and C cage and have a boar and four females, I need to either make cage bigger and hope that's enough space to help calm things down as that's seems to be causing problems with the bond or thats what I have been told, or have another option to split group and have a group of maybe four one side and two other so my female that I have split away from the group has someone to be with, like a baby sow. Hope this makes sense, I just don't know whats best, would it be best to have bigger cage so they can all live in group of five and if so how and what size is needed if it works of course or weather to split group and if so what size shape needed and should I add another female to be company for my split. Sow. I hope this all makes sense and sorry to confuse you if I have confused you.

If Ive got the right person, you added the boar and then your top sow didn’t like him. That won’t necessarily be cured by giving more space. The top sow needs to accept any newcomer and if she doesn’t, then it won’t work as a group.

Extra Space won’t necessarily solve any problems in the relationship. If it is lack of space causing tensions, then it might help, but if it is a character compatibility issues, then no amount of space will solve that and only separating the group up will work. To have all five living together then you need a minimum of a 2x7.

If you split the herd, then you need to ensure that you split out the pigs who get on best, and ensure that no piggy is left alone. Each section of the cage needs to be big enough. So if you have two sows in one side then you can house then in a minimum of a 2x4, and then two sows and the boar in the other side, then you will need a minimum of a 2x5 for them

If you were to make a 3x3 cage, then it can hold two piggies.

Do note I say minimum. It is always best to give them as much space as possible.

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

If Ive got the right person, you added the boar and then your top sow didn’t like him. That won’t necessarily be cured by giving more space. The top sow needs to accept any newcomer and if she doesn’t, then it won’t work as a group.

Extra Space won’t necessarily solve any problems in the relationship. If it is lack of space causing tensions, then it might help, but if it is a character compatibility issues, then no amount of space will solve that and only separating the group up will work. To have all five living together then you need a minimum of a 2x7.

If you split the herd, then you need to ensure that you split out the pigs who get on best, and ensure that no piggy is left alone. Each section of the cage needs to be big enough. So if you have two sows in one side then you can house then in a minimum of a 2x4, and then two sows and the boar in the other side, then you will need a minimum of a 2x5 for them

If you were to make a 3x3 cage, then it can hold two piggies.

Do note I say minimum. It is always best to give them as much space as possible.

Is a 3 X 3 the same as a 2 X 4 in square feet?
So a 2 X 6 is only o.k for four pigs am I correct?

 

[Piggies&buns]

A 2x6 is ok for four. With five pigs though, youll obviously need to have three pigs in one cage and two in another.

 

[Swissgreys]

Is a 3 X 3 the same as a 2 X 4 in square feet?
So a 2 X 6 is only o.k for four pigs am I correct?

The way to work it out is if you need a 4 x 2 C&C cage (minimum) for 2 guinea pigs, you count the number of grids this takes.
In total a 4x2 C&C needs 12 grids (2 at each end, and 4 along each side = 12).
So any cage shape made with 12 grids offers the same floor spaces as the traditional 4x2 layout.
Obviously you need to apply common sense - making a 10x1 C&C uses 12 grids, but it wouldn't be a good cage layout.

Equally a 2x6 C&C uses 16 grids so is the same as a 3x5 C&C.

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

The way to work it out is if you need a 4 x 2 C&C cage (minimum) for 2 guinea pigs, you count the number of grids this takes.
In total a 4x2 C&C needs 12 grids (2 at each end, and 4 along each side = 12).
So any cage shape made with 12 grids offers the same floor spaces as the traditional 4x2 layout.
Obviously you need to apply common sense - making a 10x1 C&C uses 12 grids, but it wouldn't be a good cage layout.

Equally a 2x6 C&C uses 16 grids so is the same as a 3x5 C&C.

So is this how you work out the square feet for each cage lay out then?

 

[Piggylove82]

If the grids are not a foot long, you can't measure the square footage that easily

 

[Swissgreys]

So is this how you work out the square feet for each cage lay out then?

No this does not give you the square footage - that would require you to use the actual grid measurements in cms or inches (depending on where you are based).
The above is just a very simplified method of knowing if your cage meets the size guidelines - often people use C&C grids to list a decent size - for example most people are aware that a 2x4 C&C is adequate for 2 guinea pigs.
Most people wouldn't actually know the square footage measurements of this cage (and it doesn't matter).
You asked if a 3 x 3 was the same as a 2 x 4 in square feet.
The answer is yes - the square footage is the same, but this does not calcualte the actual square footage - for that you would need the length of your grids.

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

No this does not give you the square footage - that would require you to use the actual grid measurements in cms or inches (depending on where you are based).
The above is just a very simplified method of knowing if your cage meets the size guidelines - often people use C&C grids to list a decent size - for example most people are aware that a 2x4 C&C is adequate for 2 guinea pigs.
Most people wouldn't actually know the square footage measurements of this cage (and it doesn't matter).
You asked if a 3 x 3 was the same as a 2 x 4 in square feet.
The answer is yes - the square footage is the same, but this does not calcualte the actual square footage - for that you would need the length of your grids.

So why is it people say 2 pigs in a 2 X 4 but when it comes to 4 pigs they can go in a 2 X 6 min, I would have thought it would have to be 2x8 min, a 2x4 each?

 

[Piggies&buns]

So why is it people say 2 pigs in a 2 X 4 but when it comes to 4 pigs they can go in a 2 X 6 min, I would have thought it would have to be 2x8 min, a 2x4 each?

It’s because a 2x4 fits two piggies but the guide is that for each extra piggy you add to the herd, then you need to add a minimum of one more grid on the length of the cage

2x4 is the recommended size for two piggies, add an extra pig and you go to a 2x5, add another and you go to a 2x6 etc

Those are minimum sizes though and the more space beyond that you can give, the better.

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

It’s because a 2x4 fits two piggies but the guide is that for each extra piggy you add to the herd, then you need to add a minimum of one more grid on the length of the cage

2x4 is the recommended size for two piggies, add an extra pig and you go to a 2x5, add another and you go to a 2x6 etc

Those are minimum sizes though and the more space beyond that you can give, the better.

Thanks that's clear, why on the cavy cage website does it say 2 pigs can live in a 2 X 3 min, 3 pigs 2x4,4- 5 pigs in 2x5 and 5-6 pigs in 2x6? it's confusing.

 

[Piggies&buns]

;

Thanks that's clear, why on the cavy cage website does it say 2 pigs can live in a 2 X 3 min, 3 pigs 2x4,4- 5 pigs in 2x5 and 5-6 pigs in 2x6? it's confusing.

We can’t control what they put on their website. All you can do is your own research. What I will say though is that 3 grids measures just 110cm. The absolute smallest cage for two piggies as stated by the rspca for welfare standards is 120cm so there is no way a 2x3 would ever fit two piggies And give them quality of life.

From my own experience, it comes down greatly to the piggies. My own two boys were originally in a 2x4 within my shed. This should have been fine. However, It was apparent within a very short period that this simply was not enough for them, they bickered, jumped when the other walked by etc. It was uncomfortable to watch. I immediately expanded and they now have the entire shed (except one corner where I keep the hay boxes), they are spoiled I will admit! But their cage space now equates to roughly 6.5 grids by almost 6 grids (bar the box of hay). Yes, that is overdone but they are so happy to have such a lot of space.

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

;


We can’t control what they put on their website. All you can do is your own research. What I will say though is that 3 grids measures just 110cm. The absolute smallest cage for two piggies as stated by the rspca for welfare standards is 120cm so there is no way a 2x3 would ever fit two piggies And give them quality of life.

From my own experience, it comes down greatly to the piggies. My own two boys were originally in a 2x4 within my shed. This should have been fine. However, It was apparent within a very short period that this simply was not enough for them, they bickered, jumped when the other walked by etc. It was uncomfortable to watch. I immediately expanded and they now have the entire shed (except one corner where I keep the hay boxes), they are spoiled I will admit! But their cage space now equates to roughly 6.5 grids by almost 6 grids (bar the box of hay). Yes, that is overdone but they are so happy to have such a lot of space.

Yes I do understand that you can't control what companys put on the net, I just wish it was clear from the start. If I needed to separate my group and add a sow would you be able to give me the best cage size and shape for long term basis, and the same for keeping them all together plus one sow if I need to, the reason I say this is I don't want to keep changing my cage.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Shape is largely irrelevant. Use the guide swissgreys mentioned above above a 2x4 using the same number of grids as a 3x3 etc. It makes the same amount of floor space but the shape of it really comes down to the shape you can accommodate in your room.

For five piggies all living together,, you need a 2x7 cage.

If you split your current herd into a trio of pigs and a pair of pigs, then you will need a 2x5 for the trio. You will also need a 2x4 for the pair.

If you keep four of your current piggies together then they can live in a 2x6. And then the piggy that remains single will need a new friend to be bonded with and they can live in a 2x4.

As we have said, these are the minimums, while five pigs can technically fit in a 2x7 if you can give them bigger than that then that is great, the same goes for all the other sizes I’ve mentioned

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

Hello everyone.

So today I decided to put make two pairs of sows, so one of my sows can spend some time away from the problem sow for a while, the pairs are next door to each other and the pairs are in a 2 x 3 at the moment is this big enough? or would I have to extend it. I have now put the boar on his own again as things were not settling down, I am not sure how or what to do with the boar? I do have limited space, could you guys please give me some ideas.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Hello everyone.

So today I decided to put make two pairs of sows, so one of my sows can spend some time away from the problem sow for a while, the pairs are next door to each other and the pairs are in a 2 x 3 at the moment is this big enough? or would I have to extend it. I have now put the boar on his own again as things were not settling down, I am not sure how or what to do with the boar? I do have limited space, could you guys please give me some ideas.

A 2x3 is not big enough for a pair. The minimum size for two piggies is a 2x4

The boar cannot be left on his own indefinitely. You will need to find a way to keep him happy. If he can’t be bonded with one of the sows pairs, then he will need a new separate friend of his own - and if they are all in the same room, it would have to be another sow he is bonded wifh. You could not bond him with another boar as he has been with sows and he would likely not bond with another boar and be able to live in the same room (boars bonds tend to fail when near sows).

C&c Cages can be stacked on top of each other to save space

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

A 2x3 is not big enough for a pair. The minimum size for two piggies is a 2x4

The boar cannot be left on his own indefinitely. You will need to find a way to keep him happy. If he can’t be bonded with one of the sows pairs, then he will need a new separate friend of his own - and if they are all in the same room, it would have to be another sow he is bonded wifh. You could not bond him with another boar as he has been with sows and he would likely not bond with another boar and be able to live in the same room (boars bonds tend to fail when near sows).

C&c Cages can be stacked on top of each other to save space

I had a idea that you would say that a 2x3 isn't big enough for a pair, it's silly because on the c and c website it says that this is big enough like it says a 2 X 5 is big enough for 4 to 5 pigs. Anyway is a 2 X 3 big enough for one pig? What would you recommend for the boar in cage size if he lives with a baby sow? But if I decided to pair him with another boar what size would the cage have to be?

 

[Swissgreys]

I had a idea that you would say that a 2x3 isn't big enough for a pair, it's silly because on the c and c website it says that this is big enough like it says a 2 X 5 is big enough for 4 to 5 pigs. Anyway is a 2 X 3 big enough for one pig? What would you recommend for the boar in cage size if he lives with a baby sow? But if I decided to pair him with another boar what size would the cage have to be?

@Piggies&buns actually answered your questions - if someone takes the time to post an in depth reply please read it properly.

2 x 3 is simply too small for a pair which has clearly been stated many, many times.
I can link to many inappropriate cages listed as suitable for guinea pigs but it doesn't make it ok.
The minimum recommended space is not 'silly' it's necessary for the health and well being of your pets.

No guinea pig should be kept alone, so no size cage is appropriate for a single piggy - they need more space and a companion.

It has already been stated that it is unlikely you will be able to pair your boar with another boar as he has lived with sows. Pairing him with a baby sow does not mean they need less space. Babies quickly become adults, so the minimum cage guidelines still apply. It doesn't sound like taking on more guinea pigs right now would be a good idea.

To be honest it sounds like you have more piggies that you can really accommodate in good sized cages with proper companionship.
Sometimes it is better to admit you can't meet everyone's needs and consider surrendering an animal (or pair) to a good rescue. This will ensure it is re-homed responsibly with people who can adequately meet it's need and leave you free to enjoy the pets you have.

 

[PIGGIES FOREVER]

@Piggies&buns actually answered your questions - if someone takes the time to post an in depth reply please read it properly.

2 x 3 is simply too small for a pair which has clearly been stated many, many times.
I can link to many inappropriate cages listed as suitable for guinea pigs but it doesn't make it ok.
The minimum recommended space is not 'silly' it's necessary for the health and well being of your pets.

No guinea pig should be kept alone, so no size cage is appropriate for a single piggy - they need more space and a companion.

It has already been stated that it is unlikely you will be able to pair your boar with another boar as he has lived with sows. Pairing him with a baby sow does not mean they need less space. Babies quickly become adults, so the minimum cage guidelines still apply. It doesn't sound like taking on more guinea pigs right now would be a good idea.

To be honest it sounds like you have more piggies that you can really accommodate in good sized cages with proper companionship.
Sometimes it is better to admit you can't meet everyone's needs and consider surrendering an animal (or pair) to a good rescue. This will ensure it is re-homed responsibly with people who can adequately meet it's need and leave you free to enjoy the pets you have.

I didn't mean that what you say the minimum cage size should be, I ment the companys giving wrong information about cage size is silly because it's confusing, I am only trying to get my cage/s size right without having to keep changing it, that's how I ended up in the situation I have now because I was going on the information on the website and couldn't get an straight clear answers. The trouble is I tried to bond a boar with my four girls with the hope of making things better. I read that boars can work to make things better in a group.I read that a boar can live with another boar but not in the same room as sows. Why wouldn't a boar work after being with sow it won't work why? What even in a different room? but if I did it they would be kept in a room away from the girls, I most likely would go with a baby sow in the right size cage or have to split the cage some how, it's just working out what would be best. I am seeking as much information as I can so I don't get it wrong again, I hope you understand this. I know that they have to have the right size cage, I know no guinea pigs should live on there own, either in a split cage next for to a pig or paired, but in this case my boar has a mirror and a safe cuddly toy, this is only for a small while, I not sure what's going to work at the moment, I am trying my best for all my pigs and if I need to re-home one or two I will do that. I may need to get a new guinea pig/s for the boar or maybe for one my other pigs it does depend on what the pigs are happy with. I also appreciate everyone's help and I do always read it carefully. I am sorry that I am being a pain I don't mean to be. But I hope you can understand now. Sorry again just trying to get it right without making things worse. Sorry again.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Boars can live with other boars but once a boar has been with sows it’s not likely he will accept another boar as a companion. Your boar can only be kept with a sow from now onwards.

if there were problems in the relationship between your sows, then adding a boar is not ever going to solve that. The sows needed to be dealt with in their own right without adding more pigs.

If you have got two pairs of sows that are now happy in their pairings, then don’t add any more pigs to those pairs.

The only piggy who needs a new companion is the boar. Again though, you cannot just go out and get another piggy as there is no guarantee of a successful bond and then you’ve got two single piggies.

For now, the boar needs to be kept nearby to the sows so that he has some companionship through the bars. I don’t mean to be blunt, but a mirror and teddy bear is not going to do anything for him.

It is difficult when the information on cage size isn’t consistent, but we have given you the recommended cage sizes now.

 

[Siikibam]

Is there any way you could stack the paired sows’ cages so that your boy is living next to the pair at the bottom? Really sorry but I agree that a mirror (they don’t have the greatest eye sight anyway) and cuddly toy won’t keep him company, however short term it may be. Piggies communicate through scent and body language as well.

Also, the best way to get your boar a friend would be to take him to a rescue where they can let him pick his own sow. That’s the best bonding as they choose who they’d get on with. Teenage months are very difficult for a boar so you really have to be careful. And babies grow up, the main thing you want is a compatible sow who is healthy and not pregnant when you bring her home.

If you need help with cage layout etc you can always post a diagram of what space you have to use. Then we can help you with a layout that would work.