Multi Level Housing Question

[Logiebear]

When we were looking at the piggies we are re-homing we mentioned that we are going to build a c&c house and give them a hay loft to use and both the RSPCA lady and the owner of the boarding house said that they don't like multi levels and will probably not use it.

Most of the pics I have seen of your houses have multi levels so are they wrong?

 

[Lisajazz]

I have a multi level c&c and they LOVE it. It's safe and lined with vet bed, no way of falling off as it has sides. My guineas tear round the cage in circles, up the ramps and back down again. ALL of them. It took the 2 oldest a couple of days to get the hang of it but all the others got it in an hour or so.

Outside we have a hutch with a ramp to a run and the 2 foster girls understand and use the ramp no problem at all - up and down. Again it's enclosed, no way of tumbling off.

That's my experience. I've also heard guineas don't like them but I don't know why.

 

[Abby'sMom]

I believe Most piggies do enjoy ramps and multi levels...mine chase each other all over...up and down the ramp. I cant imagine them being in a single level ever again. They would miss it i believe, when i am cleaning the top...i block the ramp...and they wonder....why cant i go up there mommy? lol

 

[lizzie_71]

I have a 2 storey hutch in the garden which the boys use in summer. They are happy to go up and down the ramp, but they don't chase up and down like some others have described. In the winter they have a single storey cage inside, which they seem perfectly happy with too.

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

I'm not a fan of multi level and from what i have been told they are better without it,
The rescue i rehomed from told me that a second level means a ramp or something that takes up space on the bottom level they dont like it because piggies prefer to have space to run and play rather than less room and having to climb,
i dont know if its that bad but i prefer mine to have a full 2 x 4 to run around rather than another level although i have contemplated putting a second level in for more cage space but taking up less room.

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

Guinea pigs are not natural climbers like rats, hamsters - they are ground dwellers. Their spines are not really adapted to climbing.

Some WILL learn to use a ramp, others will never do so - I've got some hutches with ramps here and I have to say they are my least favourite, the ramp as Bonnie mentioned takes up floor space on both levels.

With C&C I guess you need to make the main living area and adequate size for the pigs (you're getting 3 aren't you? So 5' x 2' at least) and if you make a hay loft and then use it then it's a bonus.

There are all sorts of ways of making the ramps safer or easier to use, such as lining them with rubber matting, carpet or a fleecy tunnel, Ryli on here has got a great tunnel down her ramp and they use it now - take a look in the cage and hutch gallery.

As long as you're aware they might not use it, there's no harm in trying as long as the main part of the cage is big enough if they choose not to

Sophie
x

 

[lovelygirl]

My girls used their upper level of their c&c cage within 1/2 an hour, and they chase up and down the ramps they also like hanging out under the ramps using them as hideyholes. I think aslong as the ramps are not too steep and have non slip flooring and no steep drops off the sides. Also if you can keep the ramp away from the edges so as not to cut into the lap running space on the bottom level. Furby also likes to be at the same height as me when i am sitting on the floor.

 

[xjennax]

I think people sometimes get it wrong, Piggies love space and will be so much happier with that extra bit of room its just the height - piggies get scared in huge open spaces which is why people assume they need small cages maybe ? Hmm . . . I'm thinking about ways to make a second level for my piggies !1 Its a fab idea, especially if you have limited room xx

 

[Briony_S]

I have four piggies and three of those have been in my C&C at some point. All three loved going upstairs & went up within minutes of being put into the cage without any need for persuasion! (very nosey piggies). At first they tend to climb up slower but after a while they run up and down at a very high pace!