Storage Bins?

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Tyanna

Tyanna

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi everyone!

I got my guinea pig on Saturday. Currently she is in a Christmas tree storage bin (52.32" x 20.31" x 14.30")

http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/750245-iris-usa-christmas-tree-storage-box.html#.VL6DH9TnaHs

The width is 4 inches short of the recommended size for guinea pigs. I have her on fleece and plan to wash that 2x a week. I also plan to disinfect and clean the actual bin 3x a week. I plan to connect another bin to make my cage sort of an "L" shaped cage.

Has anyone used storage bins? I know that piggies need ventilation. I keep the cover off, as the walls are short in my bin. I have seen something where someone cut out a section and replaced with some type of wire/mesh cover, but those where for taller type bins with lids on. Right now, C&C cages are in my mind, but currently we are making do with what we have.

If anyone has done something similar, I'd love to see.
 
I know ventilation is an issue, but from my view I see people who build custom cages with wood walls that are as high as my bin walls. I'm open to hear opinions and advice. :)
 
Bins are plastic though which is different. Personally, I would not use that but try to get a c and c cage. They are perfect for when you find your little one a friend.
 
What makes bins different from wood walls, when both are covered with fleece? Inquiring only because in all honest I'm curious, I like to learn.

I would think the bin walls would need more cleaning, obviously.

Like I stated, I'm looking into C&C cages but I like my bin, and I just want to learn before I go out and buy C&C which is clearly the most used type cage.

Basically what I'm trying to get to is why are bins looked down on, when a bookshelf/wood cage is pretty equivalent. Not fighting, just like learning!
 
I think you'd be better with c&c. That way your piggie will be able to look out into the room and in a more open environment. Piggies will be able to see you approaching rather the just seeing you coming from above.
 
Plastic harbours bacteria as it does not have anywhere to go. I have never heard of a storage bin being used for a guinea pig before.
 
aimzer said:
I think you'd be better with c&c. That way your piggie will be able to look out into the room and in a more open environment. Piggies will be able to see you approaching rather the just seeing you coming from above.
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That's the cool thing about my bin, it being a Christmas tree storage bin. It is clear, with very low walls. When I say bin, I think people think large Rubbermaid totes with tall walls. That's not what my bin is.

I just want everyone to be aware I'm not arguing, I cannot stress enough, I just have a curious mind.
 
piggyfan said:
Plastic harbours bacteria as it does not have anywhere to go. I have never heard of a storage bin being used for a guinea pig before.
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Please, don't get upset or offended. I'm not trying to make that happen, I'm just asking questions because like I said, I like to learn reasons why or why not.
 
Tyanna said:
That's the cool thing about my bin, it being a Christmas tree storage bin. It is clear, with very low walls. When I say bin, I think people think large Rubbermaid totes with tall walls. That's not what my bin is.

I just want everyone to be aware I'm not arguing, I cannot stress enough, I just have a curious mind.
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Don't worry I know you're not arguing. It is ok to ask questions etc. it's just that the storage bin on the link looked like it was white plastic rather than clear. Just wasn't sure how easy it would be to see through as piggies sight is not that great.
 
I keep tortoises, and it's always a learning experience. We are not the animal, we have to choose for them what is best. It's constantly changing as we learn more needs or "easier" ways to do things. I feel the guinea pig world is the same way. Care has evolved over the years and I'm just looking into why bins (CERTAIN, good bins) have not been looked to. Which is why I wonder if anyone has ever experienced problems or what was their major downfall of using a bin?

aimzer said:
Don't worry I know you're not arguing. It is ok to ask questions etc. it's just that the storage bin on the link looked like it was white plastic rather than clear. Just wasn't sure how easy it would be to see through as piggies sight is not that great.
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It is a clear plastic, kept on the floor. Walls are very very short, and she can even see me from my bed. She's at bedside. Being on the floor, makes me come to my hands and knees at level with Nugget. She can also peek over and see through the bin, just like I can, even with my glasses off.

With more cleaning to make sure bacteria stays at bay, I think there's potential in bins. (of adequate size, etc.) Unless, other's have actually experienced problems with them.

I don't want to step on anyone's toes or upset anyone. I'm just trying to figure out why a bin with perfect space and clear short walls would be an issue. I also don't want to feel like people are talking down on me for what I would call "thinking out of the box" or going somewhere no one else has gone, unless I was harming my piggy.
 
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I guess if the walls of the bin are quite low it is similar to an indoor piggie cage (not C&C), like I have some of mine in at the moment. Plastic is very easy to keep super clean too. I do have some in outdoor wooden hutches but these need regular drying (difficult in winter!) otherwise the wood is damp and smells. There are always variations on right and wrong ways for keeping animals, as long as your guinea pig is happy and healthy, it won't know any different. :)
 
Hannah Boyd said:
I guess if the walls of the bin are quite low it is similar to an indoor piggie cage (not C&C), like I have some of mine in at the moment. Plastic is very easy to keep super clean too. I do have some in outdoor wooden hutches but these need regular drying (difficult in winter!) otherwise the wood is damp and smells. There are always variations on right and wrong ways for keeping animals, as long as your guinea pig is happy and healthy, it won't know any different. :)
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Thank you Hannah, that is sort of what I was trying to get at. Maybe a little more cleaning work for me to make sure piggy doesn't get sick, but it is basically the equivalent to a homemade cage that isn't C&C.

I was just thinking different than the "norm" and was puzzled since no one has done it, but it doesn't seem as if there's a big reason as to "Why not?". :) If someone comes around and says from experience the bin is a no-no, of course, I would change it right away.

Of course, if piggy would get sick, my first assuming thought would be maybe my plastic bin idea failed. But keeping animals is always "an experiment" with lack of better words on best ways to care for them and keep them. How are you going to learn if you don't try and ask questions!
 
Tyanna said:
I keep tortoises, and it's always a learning experience. We are not the animal, we have to choose for them what is best. It's constantly changing as we learn more needs or "easier" ways to do things. I feel the guinea pig world is the same way. Care has evolved over the years and I'm just looking into why bins (CERTAIN, good bins) have not been looked to. Which is why I wonder if anyone has ever experienced problems or what was their major downfall of using a bin?



It is a clear plastic, kept on the floor. Walls are very very short, and she can even see me from my bed. She's at bedside. Being on the floor, makes me come to my hands and knees at level with Nugget. She can also peek over and see through the bin, just like I can, even with my glasses off.

With more cleaning to make sure bacteria stays at bay, I think there's potential in bins. (of adequate size, etc.) Unless, other's have actually experienced problems with them.

I don't want to step on anyone's toes or upset anyone. I'm just trying to figure out why a bin with perfect space and clear short walls would be an issue. I also don't want to feel like people are talking down on me for what I would call "thinking out of the box" or going somewhere no one else has gone, unless I was harming my piggy.
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No-one is talking down on you so don't think that. People are just giving their opinions. If the piggy has plenty space and the area is well ventilated then I can't see an issue with it.
 
aimzer said:
No-one is talking down on you so don't think that. People are just giving their opinions. If the piggy has plenty space and the area is well ventilated then I can't see an issue with it.
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I don't, just mentioning it as I hope to be an active part of this forum and don't want that in the future! I'm liking the opinions, but I felt maybe my drilling questions would get some people upset. Definitely not my intentions. :) Thank you for your input, it is REALLY appreciated!
 
piggyfan said:
I hope you did not think I was talking down to you.
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No, not at all! I was just hoping my different ways of keeping wouldn't lead to that. :) I'm very glad you came here to voice your opinion to help me think of possibilities it might be a bad idea!
 
The base of my cage is plastic, not clear as it's grey, the only difference to the bin is it has bars as well. Handy for attaching a water bottle and hay bag. I would be interested to see a picture of your set up if you don't mind.
(White vinegar is also really good at cleaning wee off plastic) oh and :wel:
 
I would say as a temporary measure it is ok, as long as the lid is off, but keep an eye out for any condensation and make sure the room isn't too hot.
 
The difference between plastic and wood is . wood is breathable making it more health for pigs. Plastic isn't breathable. There are 3 problems with use something that isn't breathable
1 moisture with not dry. It will get very wet with pee in there.
2 when its cold weather plastic will hold the cold so it will be colder in there.
3 when its warm plastic holds the heat. I will get too hot in there.
Hope this helps
 
maxdawn said:
The difference between plastic and wood is . wood is breathable making it more health for pigs. Plastic isn't breathable. There are 3 problems with use something that isn't breathable
1 moisture with not dry. It will get very wet with pee in there.
2 when its cold weather plastic will hold the cold so it will be colder in there.
3 when its warm plastic holds the heat. I will get too hot in there.
Hope this helps
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Great points, thank you! With the warm/hot, there's ways to help that, as my room has the same temp (fluctuating 1 or 2 degrees here and there), so by using a temp gun I can always assure temps are not that different inside the plastic, especially since the bin walls are so short.

Moisture will not dry, but just like it wouldn't dry in a C&C cage, or am I reading your point wrong? The moisture will be soaked up by the fleece and towels underneath the fleece, to be washed like we would wash fleece.
 
helen105281 said:
I would say as a temporary measure it is ok, as long as the lid is off, but keep an eye out for any condensation and make sure the room isn't too hot.
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Lid will ALWAYS be off, and room is in the basement. With my tortoises heat lamps and the "cooler" temps in the basement we stay at about 68-70 degrees. No condensation at all.
 
Harry&lloyd said:
The base of my cage is plastic, not clear as it's grey, the only difference to the bin is it has bars as well. Handy for attaching a water bottle and hay bag. I would be interested to see a picture of your set up if you don't mind.
(White vinegar is also really good at cleaning wee off plastic) oh and :wel:
Click to expand...

I'll post a picture as soon as I'm home. It's quite handy, actually. I get creative with these sorts of things and sets up, because well, when you have tortoises you would understand the creativity you have to endure to make enclosures work!

Keep in mind I jut got my piggy Saturday so I don't have anything to amazing, yet!
 
I'm so glad everyone is talking to me nicely about a topic that is different and not heard of often! I love discussing and hearing ideas and thoughts from others, especially people that know what "issues" could be caused because they know piggies!
 
So it not breathable and the box is very narrow at 20 wide and very night at 14 high. How do be intend to get the air to circulate. As air flow will be restricted in such a small box with high sides. The 50 x 20 is way to small for a guinea pig sorry
 
The guinea pig sounds like it is very well cared for, the shortage of a few cm recommended space will not matter (especially if it is only temporary if you are adding another bin on). And I'm sure if condensation becomes a massive problem, then I'm sure @Tyranna will look at other options. My cage is plastic (although not as tall) and I have had no problems. With wood, I am constantly fighting a fungal infection or damp - there are pros and cons to everything.

We must remember all the guinea pigs (and other smalls) who are forgotten about/live in small cages/are neglected. A happy guinea pig in a slightly smaller than recommended cage will not become unhappy because of this. Especially if plenty of floor/exercise time. My piggies are probably in smaller than recommended cages (I've never felt the need to measure), but they are happy. In winter, they sacrifice lots of space outdoors to stay cosy indoors. In summer they are outdoors with as much run time as they want. If you think of all the people who do not live in recommended size/quality houses, it will remind you of the insignificance of some pet care specifications - it is a very unfair world. Do not get hung up on specifications - happiness is THE most important factor and we must remember if we can give them a happy life, then that is all that matters.

We all know our individual piggies - what works and what doesn't, so take all the advice and help from here you need (people are extremely helpful!), but ultimately, you have to decide what is best. :)
 
interesting topic as I use a skyline maxi xxl cage (which has a plastic base) and extended this with a shallow underbed storage box for their hay tray (and to lengthen their housing) - cleaning is not a problem with a plastic base - I lift and turn/change my liner twice daily to shake off poops) as its easier than sweeping poops from liner to dustpan) and it cleans easily.

The only thing I query about your great idea would be the height - my base is only 6 inches tall and the storage box the same height .
My piggies are able to climb out at this height if not fenced in (they are though), and they also perch with their paws on the edge of the base to demand for food, and also to just have a nosy over. Even while munching hay they still can eyeball everything going on in the room.

At 14 inches they would only really be able to view upwards, so that wouldn't be as good in my opinion :) and I do think they need cross flowing air circulation at their head level too, as some smells in the air will sink rather than rise and any way to move the air is a bonus.

Great you are looking at alternatives though - maybe this box cut down to size would be a great start and then you could C&C a fence around it and attached with cable ties, so you can still do the wheely thing with it? :bronco:and welcome!:D
 
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