Putting two Ferplast cages on top of each other? Is it Safe?

[Lone-Star 57]

Hi I don't have a lot of room in my house so and I wanted to get a new piggie friend not just for me but Zee and I am favoured for one specific one at the RSPCA a male. And I was worried that Zee or the male would not get along or which ever piggie I got. Also I am not sure weither Zee's cage is big enough for two piggie.

Ferplast Cavie 80 Guinea Pig Cage is the second cage I was thinking of getting for my new comer pig. I can't remember what Zee's cage is all I know its a Ferplast aswell. I measured it and it's 72cm in lenght. Width about 46cm. Height 47-8 cm.
I was thinking about putting the cages on top of each other to save space and putting a board of wood to support the weight a bit.
I am really interested in the Guinea pig dating thing but I don't have the money to keep traveling back and forth to the Rspca which a good few miles away from where I live.


Ahh sorry I am rambleing I hope you understood all of what I wrote. My mind is so stired up and confusing at the moment.

Thanks for any help, its very much appreciated.

 

[Hanlou]

I'm not sure what cages you currently have or how many piggies you have in them - but the minimum sized cage for a pair of guinea pigs (or, indeed, for one guinea pig really!) as a permanent home is 120cm.

80cm is far too small for anything other than a temporary overnight cage for a poorly pig. My hamster's cage is 80cm

I have the Ferplast 140 for my two and it's a lovely sized cage. If you are struggling for space I'd invest in the guinea pigs you already have rather than taking on more piggles, tempting though it is.

ETA: To answer your question; I don't think there would be a problem with putting cages on top of each other though I would do as you suggested and use a piece of plywood or similar to support the top cage. I'd only do it as a last resort though as it will make accessing piggies and cleaning pretty difficult.

 

[Lone-Star 57]

I'm not sure what cages you currently have or how many piggies you have in them - but the minimum sized cage for a pair of guinea pigs (or, indeed, for one guinea pig really!) as a permanent home is 120cm.

80cm is far too small for anything other than a temporary overnight cage for a poorly pig. My hamster's cage is 80cm

I have the Ferplast 140 for my two and it's a lovely sized cage. If you are struggling for space I'd invest in the guinea pigs you already have rather than taking on more piggles, tempting though it is.

ETA: To answer your question; I don't think there would be a problem with putting cages on top of each other though I would do as you suggested and use a piece of plywood or similar to support the top cage. I'd only do it as a last resort though as it will make accessing piggies and cleaning pretty difficult.

Then I think I may have completely wrongly measured my cage dementions (I am a dope!)
Because when I am cleaning it out I struggle because of its size. It comes up to my waist round about, though I am short I am only 5"1 (And very ashamed)

As a side note I only own one Guinea pig who lives in this cage pictured below. Hope the picture can help shed light. Boy am I sorry to my poor Zee if she is in a cage far to small. 8...

 

[Hanlou]

I would say from that pic that your cage is a (( Ferplast 100 )) - but your measurements could be correct if you measured the base of the cage because of the way the plastic base slopes inwards. x

If Zee is a girly can I ask why you're looking at a boy companion? Or are you intended to neuter the boy pig? If I'm getting mixed up I apologise!

However; for Zee long-term or for a pair of guinea pigs the Ferplast 100 isn't big enough I'm afraid, no. 4ft (120cm) is the minimum. Watch out too for the size of a cage front-to-back too - one of the reasons I went for the Ferplast 140 is that not only is it a good size length-wise it is also a really good size front-to-back so it maximises the space available to the piggies within. x

Hang on and I'll find some links for you of reasonably priced larger cages!

 

[Lone-Star 57]

I had an outdoor hutch at first for a few years large enough for three piggies, then it started to rot and the staining from their wee drove me crazy with OCD I could never tell myself it was clean. So I got an indoor cage and with Zee being on her own now, since Kimmi passing 3 years ago I can get to her all the time so she has company.
Oh darn it I thought I brought a perfect cage for her...
Zee is a girl and of course I would have him neutered (At the RSPCA they are already neutered I believe, they are asking for a female companion for the male I am looking at so I asume they have neutered him) I thought by getting the opposite sex they would get alone better because of the attraction. I don't know.

Why do people sell cages saying they are big enough but they arent. Which is also why I wanted another cage because I thought it was only big enough for Zee and no other, so if I had two cages they would see each other when they are out for snuggles and floor time. And when the weathers nice, they can spend all the time together outside.

Maybe....I should'nt get another one. I just feel so bad for Zee being on her own for years now.

 

[Hanlou]

Ok so the cheapest 120cm cage is the Skyline Maxi cage from Zooplus - (( Which you can see here )) x

Zooplus also sell the (( Ferplast 120 )) which is probably better quality but a little bit more expensive.

You could also look into C&C cages which are more adaptable as you can do 'strange' shapes like L-Shapes etc to fit the space you have available. There's more information and pictures of set-ups about these in one of the 'stickies' - they do require a little DIY and can be harder to 'source' in terms of supplies.

If you don't need a closed cage - i.e - if you don't have dogs or cats - there are various alternative options you could try because guinea pigs can't climb. Any small animal playpen / puppy pen can be used to enclose the piggies instead of the C&C grids together with Correx which can be easily sourced or bought on ebay. xx

There are lots of useful options and ideas in the 'Stickies' on this forum.

 

[Hanlou]

Getting a companion for Zee is a lovely idea - and the cage you have will always come in handy as a spare cage for illness etc.

If the boar at the Rspca is going to be neutered then I say 'go for it' as piggies are very sociable animals. Remember that boars are still fertile for some time (not sure exactly how long myself!) after being neutered though!

I would get a new cage (if you are struggling for funds maybe use some Christmas money?) and keep Zee in the cage she is in now for the time being. Then the new cage will be totally 'neutral' so when you get a companion you can pop them in the brand new cage together so neither will be territorial about it. xx

ETA: And I know how annoying it is when you think you've done the right thing space-wise but then find out that the cage is too small! I would think most of us have been in this position at some point. I know when I look back now at previous pets I cringe at the cages I kept them in - but I didn't know any better at the time! Now I'm a bit obsessive about space for my pets lol. Am looking into piggy cage options now because we will be ending up with more piggies soon....

 

[Lone-Star 57]

Thank you so much Hanlou. You been a great help.

I have read about the C&C cages before but I would have no idea where to buy the parts from. Also I do have a dog who is freindly towards Zee but she eats her food and steals her vege and fruit if she gets a chance so I could'nt have one of those sadly even though they are so creative.

 

[Hanlou]

Thank you so much Hanlou. You been a great help.

I have read about the C&C cages before but I would have no idea where to buy the parts from. Also I do have a dog who is freindly towards Zee but she eats her food and steals her vege and fruit if she gets a chance so I could'nt have one of those sadly even though they are so creative.

It's no problem at all! We have a dog ourselves who is friendly but as you say you need to be careful all the same. Commercial cages come in decent sizes these days anyway - it's just knowing where to look, that's all - as most pet shops don't sell them unfortunately. I really like the 150cm cages too which may be an option for me eventually. Looking into puppy pens that I can modify with Correx too lol.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Here's my two 140 ferplast cages...

I have no problem at all. I do check the frame now and again to ensure its holding up.

 

[Lone-Star 57]

Getting a companion for Zee is a lovely idea - and the cage you have will always come in handy as a spare cage for illness etc.

If the boar at the Rspca is going to be neutered then I say 'go for it' as piggies are very sociable animals. Remember that boars are still fertile for some time (not sure exactly how long myself!) after being neutered though!

I would get a new cage (if you are struggling for funds maybe use some Christmas money?) and keep Zee in the cage she is in now for the time being. Then the new cage will be totally 'neutral' so when you get a companion you can pop them in the brand new cage together so neither will be territorial about it. xx

ETA: And I know how annoying it is when you think you've done the right thing space-wise but then find out that the cage is too small! I would think most of us have been in this position at some point. I know when I look back now at previous pets I cringe at the cages I kept them in - but I didn't know any better at the time! Now I'm a bit obsessive about space for my pets lol. Am looking into piggy cage options now because we will be ending up with more piggies soon....

Yeah I would asume if they have Neutered him if they are so sure they want a female with him.
I am so frustrated with myself! I mean she is happier than ever and I think she is healther than before (she was very ill 2 months back to the point that the vet was going to put her to sleep on our next appointment if the medication didn't work.

So one of the two cages you sent me is large enough for two? But yeah what you said about keeping the newer cage as neutral ground is great!
Because I was going to house them seperatly and then they can meet up daily for play dates and such. I have plenty of funds for the cage and piggie its just traveling to a from places thats exspencive as I dont drive.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

I also meant to say they both now have a snuggle floor which the top cage has, but with Improved ramps. They have more space to zoom around on and get out of each others way when ones in a mood.

 

[Hanlou]

Any 120cm cage will be fine for two guinea pigs, yes.

I would definitely introduce them to each other in the new cage and leave them to it (watching them closely of course!) rather than do short 'bursts' of meeting each other and then taking them away again as it could make introductions harder than just 'going for it' and letting them sort out what's what in terms of the 'pecking order' etc.

When I recently introduced my two (it's a long story as to why I got them separately etc!) there was a fair bit of chasing and rumble-strutting for a day or two but they soon settled down beautifully and get on really well now xx

When one of my boys (now sadly both at Rainbow Bridge) lost his brother he nearly died from grief - luckily he was already neutered - as soon as I got him a girly companion he brightened up and started eating properly again etc. Piggies are really sociable little things - I don't think we'd realised how bonded they were until we lost Ronnie.

I'm glad Zee is now fully recovered anyway, bless her xx

 

[Hanlou]

I also meant to say they both now have a snuggle floor which the top cage has, but with Improved ramps. They have more space to zoom around on and get out of each others way when ones in a mood.

Good to see you can stack the 140's as it gives me more options lol! Do you have a close-up pic of the ramp? I haven't done a second floor yet in mine. xx

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Sure I'll go grab the camera and upload it in a bit.

 

[Hanlou]

Sure I'll go grab the camera and upload it in a bit.

Thanks! x

 

[Lone-Star 57]

Seriously everyone thank you so much, I cannot express how helpful you have all been.
I am going have some serious thinking to myself and see what I think is best for me, Zee and any other new piggie that might come along.

Thanks so much again everyone.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Sorry for the delay, had a water leak.

So here's some photos...I'm rubbish with the camera so bear with me.

Close up.
More to follow...

 

[Mother Hubbard]

And more

This is the other cage. it's a bit dark this one.
And jack very happy snoozing in the comfy / snuggle area.

 

[Hanlou]

Thank you! I have a Jack too lol - but he's a cheeky rabbit xx

 

[Lone-Star 57]

lil that ramp looks great, I was always unsure as too whether Guinea pigs could use ramps I dunno why. Ha haa.
I see also that its recycled to, which is a plus!

Also I have been in contact now with the Rspca since yesterday throwing many questions at them and found that the male is neutered and I am going to visit him on Wednesday sadly though I can't bring Zee because he was only recently neutered so he is still fertile. So that's a shame.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

The second level was easy to construct. Mesh floor, cardboard, newspaper and whatever bedding you prefer. I use cable ties to secure the floor to the side of the cage, then a piece of off cut square guttering which my dad had laying around. Drilled two holes into it. Cut carpet to size, pierce with two holes then put the cable tie through the carpet and holes in the guttering and then fix onto the mesh floor. The cardboard is slightly longer and covers the floor. I also have a piece of hard plastic that clips to the mesh floor which has a slight upturn on it where they could jump from which I don't want them too, so no accidents there.

I think Amanda shows a photo of two ramps side by side, which I'm thinking of doing and shortening the length of the ramp. Mine had no problems with them, even my eldest piggie Buttercup. The carpet makes it easy, the contrast of colours of the two flooring may have helped and I gradually increased the height of the snuggle floor to the right height. Also a bit of food on the ramp soon got them climbing. Jack and Flossie zoom up and down at such a speed, I do worry sometimes!

Dafty furries! rolleyes

 

[Lone-Star 57]

The second level was easy to construct. Mesh floor, cardboard, newspaper and whatever bedding you prefer. I use cable ties to secure the floor to the side of the cage, then a piece of off cut square guttering which my dad had laying around. Drilled two holes into it. Cut carpet to size, pierce with two holes then put the cable tie through the carpet and holes in the guttering and then fix onto the mesh floor. The cardboard is slightly longer and covers the floor. I also have a piece of hard plastic that clips to the mesh floor which has a slight upturn on it where they could jump from which I don't want them too, so no accidents there.

I think Amanda shows a photo of two ramps side by side, which I'm thinking of doing and shortening the length of the ramp. Mine had no problems with them, even my eldest piggie Buttercup. The carpet makes it easy, the contrast of colours of the two flooring may have helped and I gradually increased the height of the snuggle floor to the right height. Also a bit of food on the ramp soon got them climbing. Jack and Flossie zoom up and down at such a speed, I do worry sometimes!

Dafty furries! rolleyes

I am amazed at how fast that Guinea pigs can run and still be on target, it's crazy!