New guinea pigs coming tomorrow!

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

Daisypig

Joined
Jun 23, 2012
Messages
55
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Scarborough
Hi, I am picking up two girl guinea pigs tomorrow and have just set up their cage. We originally bought a 3 foot cage which has two levels and a ramp. The bottom goes straight on to the patio. I felt the indoor bit at the top was a bit small so bought another cage. My husband has put legs on the second cage, has cut a hole through and screwed them together. So basically it goes cage, bedroom bit, little hole through to next bedroom bit then cage again.
I have used the extension bit as bedroom and have put newspaper all through with sawdust on top. In the enclosed bit I've put hay and in the more open bit I've put 2 cosy cup snuggle bed things. In the other half the floor is plastic so i've put newspaper and sawdust with their food bowl, water bottle and licky stone thing.
Does that all sound ok? Can anyone think of anything else I need to do or a better way to set it up?
I had to leave the rampy bit of cage just with the plastic as it was too small for newspaper, should I cover it with saw dust?
Final question is, when they arrive should I have the ramp bit open or leave it closed for a day or two?
We are getting a run so they can go on grass too.
Sorry for such a long rambling message. Thanks if you managed to read to the end without dying of boredom!;)
 
Sounds like quite an elaborate set up! Any chance of some pictures to see how it looks?

Amy
x
 
pics of new set up.

DSCF0414.jpg

DSCF0413.jpg

DSCF0412.jpg

So they can get through from one cage to the other through a hole in the bedroom door!
Does that look okay for 2 piggies?
 
Wow that looks amazing! My girls didn't use their ramp until I got a ramp tunnel to cover it because it was too steep and slippy so you may need to cover it with something. I use newspaper and fleece in my outdoor hutch its soo much easier than changing sawdust, but just see how you go. They are very lucky piggies!
 
Wondered about getting one of those fleece tunnel things, but wondered if it would get soggy with it going on to the ground. Would you leave the door closed to the ramp for a bit til they get used to the place?
 
I blocked mine off till I got ramp tunnel as I was frightened they might fall. I put them upstairs at tea time, and back down at breakfast. Looks like they have massive space upstairs so would be fine to block off till they settle in.
 
That looks amazing. I won't let my boys see it or they'll be getting the I wants!

Amy
x
 
Looks good, do they also get a full run in front? Piggies like doing laps :)

You said you had salt licks but guinea pigs don't need this and I think they can even be harmful to them. Hopefully somone more experienced can confirm this but pretty sure I read this on here recently.
 
jamarcham said:
Looks good, do they also get a full run in front? Piggies like doing laps :)

You said you had salt licks but guinea pigs don't need this and I think they can even be harmful to them. Hopefully somone more experienced can confirm this but pretty sure I read this on here recently.
Click to expand...

That's true. Guinea pigs do not need salt licks. They should get all the vitamins and minerals they require from their veggies
 
Hi & welcome to the forum :)

Just bear in mind that the bars to the bottom part are wide enough that other small rodents cab squeeze through, especially mice & even a small rat could get into your piggies through that bottom part :( It's safe whilst the ramp doors are shut. I would reinforce the bars using a small square wire as well, it can be attached to the inside with staples. Be very careful with ramps, piggies can get injuries from jumping off them halfway up/down. If you can put sides on the ramp or a ramp tunnel then that would be much safer. Enjoy your piggies :)
 
Thanks poppysmum, I'll look for some wire to make the bottom part of the cage safer. Don't want any little squatters!
 
i have a hutch like that at the bottom
and it was a nightmare
though me and hubby got some pluwood cut it to size and screwed it to the bottom and its been fantastic
and now they are raised us on bricks off the ground

but its amazing the amount of slugs that go through the bars
its quite annoying
but i put all their food up the top in the hope that other little crittes wont go up there
: /
 
amberannielola said:
i have a hutch like that at the bottom
and it was a nightmare
though me and hubby got some pluwood cut it to size and screwed it to the bottom and its been fantastic
and now they are raised us on bricks off the ground

but its amazing the amount of slugs that go through the bars
its quite annoying
but i put all their food up the top in the hope that other little crittes wont go up there
: /
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice. What made the bottom part a nightmare?
 
Hi,

I use carpet tiles (about £2.50 in B&Q) and cut them to size for the ramp. I secure it down with some double sided carpet tape. If it gets soiled i just take it up and replace it (my piggies don't seem to wee on it though thankfully ;)). If you don't get a ramp tunnel, you could make a side to your ramp with plywood (this is what i have done). I also have a plywood rail at around the trap door to stop my piggies falling/jumping down.
I would also advise that you shut the trapdoor at night time, for added security and also to keep the cold out (and the slugs!)
Good luck with your new piggies, will be great to see some pictures when you get them!
Helen x
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top