Hi, we have just got 2 new Guinea pigs who are just settling in. I'm looking for a playpen to use indoors for floor time and have seen the pop-up style on amazon. Which appeals for ease and storage. Has anyone used these? Also as a alternative would a child's pop up ball pool (minus the balls) work? Thanks
Playpen Suggestions
- Thread starter lynnied77
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Tiny
Teenage Guinea Pig
I had a pop up ball pool, but now have a more permanent indoor run set up. Pros and cons, as I found them:
BALL POOL
Pros: Easy to set up and take down, inexpensive compared to proper animal runs (mine was £10 from Argos), easy to fold up and store, as the pool has an inner 'lip' it's secure even for climber piggies, inner floor means everything's 'contained' (i.e. no hay, etc kicked out everywhere). Also good as a temporary/ emergency/ quarantine space.
Cons: Need to line the ball pool which can be an issue as it's circular and piggies may burrow/move fleece etc, the floor isn't pee-proof so you do need to be careful about lining/spot cleaning as it's not gonna go in a washing machine! Also piggies need to be lifted in and out, they can't roam from the cage as and when they please (though you can get proper dog/small animal ones that have a side opening).
This is my ball pool:
INDOOR RUN
I made this indoor space using small animal enclosure fencing and lined the floor with a shower curtain with fleece or old duvet covers on top.
Pros: More space, can come and go between the cage as they please (depends on your cage - mine has flip ramps), with the duvet covers I can just pick the whole lot up to change/clean it.
Cons: kinda big and more permanent than the ball pool, not as quick/easy to clear up, need to make sure you've blocked off all escape routes for inquisitive piggies, can't put anything of height (i.e. carrot cottage etc) near the enclosure fencing in case of escapees.
This is my indoor run space:
BALL POOL
Pros: Easy to set up and take down, inexpensive compared to proper animal runs (mine was £10 from Argos), easy to fold up and store, as the pool has an inner 'lip' it's secure even for climber piggies, inner floor means everything's 'contained' (i.e. no hay, etc kicked out everywhere). Also good as a temporary/ emergency/ quarantine space.
Cons: Need to line the ball pool which can be an issue as it's circular and piggies may burrow/move fleece etc, the floor isn't pee-proof so you do need to be careful about lining/spot cleaning as it's not gonna go in a washing machine! Also piggies need to be lifted in and out, they can't roam from the cage as and when they please (though you can get proper dog/small animal ones that have a side opening).
This is my ball pool:
INDOOR RUN
I made this indoor space using small animal enclosure fencing and lined the floor with a shower curtain with fleece or old duvet covers on top.
Pros: More space, can come and go between the cage as they please (depends on your cage - mine has flip ramps), with the duvet covers I can just pick the whole lot up to change/clean it.
Cons: kinda big and more permanent than the ball pool, not as quick/easy to clear up, need to make sure you've blocked off all escape routes for inquisitive piggies, can't put anything of height (i.e. carrot cottage etc) near the enclosure fencing in case of escapees.
This is my indoor run space:
Cavy Kung-Fu
Adult Guinea Pig
I got a pet pen which is a hexagon shape from Amazon, pretty inexpensive I think it was £17-£19? It's quite big and folds up. It has a water proof and wipeable base (but my naughty piggy nibbled a hole). I don't really use it now as it's too small for 4 piggies but it was very good.
Mhairi
Junior Guinea Pig
Whatever you do don't buy the Trixie Joy playpen from Amazon. It comes in 8 individual panels which are a reall faff to put together and just falls to bits when the piggies run around and bump into the side! A complete waste of money in my view. Recently replaced it with a Me and My Pet Playpen (think that's what's it's called) from Amazon and it's so much better to put up and fold away again, and much more sturdy. It's not that big though, probably about the size of a big hula hoop, but I'm thinking you could probably buy 2 and l link them together. I just put a large bath towel under it which can be put straight in the washing machine.
flowerfairy
Senior Guinea Pig
I have a shoe storage rack from ebay that i cable tie together. Getting piggies in february so not tried it yet. Same kind of height as c and c grids. Less than twenty quid.
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