The Guinea Pig Housing Project

Status
Not open for further replies.
TommoN

TommoN

Adult Guinea Pig
Joined
Jul 25, 2011
Messages
1,096
Reaction score
0
Points
360
Guinea Pig Housing Project

I was appalled by some of the cage sizes I saw on the net so I thought ’ why not make a project on how big the cages are ’ then fill it with some essential items and see what the sizes are like.

So I thought id start of somewhere with England & USA where most of our members come from.

I have a cage size recommended by one animal welfare group for each country and a bad pet shop from each country so without further ado lets get started.

England

RSPCA Guidelines recommend 120 x 60 cm for 2 guinea pigs. I feel this is acceptable for temporary accommodation but maybe not brilliant in the long run.

RSPCA.jpg


Pets At Home Recommend at least 100 x 50 as a caring forum I’m sure we all feel that pets at home cages are to small and its not a good idea to keep them caged up in here.

Petsathome.jpg


USA

The ASPCA Recommend at least 130 x 75 which I feel is acceptable for two sows , maybe a little small for two boars but its big compared to most store bought cages.

ASPCA.jpg


Pets mart Recommend a minimum of 60 x 30 cage space. Any respected guinea pig owner would be appalled to see 2 pigs in this as its nothing short of animal cruelty.
I wouldn’t keep a hamster in something this small so guinea pigs have no chance of a happy life in this.

Petsmart.jpg



I May add some more countries guidelines to the post but for now that’s all , id love to hear your opinions on this.
 
60x30 is obscene!! You are right I would find that a bit small for a decent sized syrian hamster or pair of gerbils! That definately needs some re-education!

I suppose I can't comment as my boys don't live in fantastically huge cages but they have plenty of space and to be honest they spend as much time out of their cages on the sofa or the floor as they do in them!

Excellent diagrams though. A great way to compare sizes easily. A very useful thread.
 
Think this is a really good way of showing the sizes:) Pictures / diagrams always so good for making a point.:)
One idea - Black electrical tape might show up better than green string for the edges?

What do you plan to do with the 'research' - send it to the shops?
A bad pet shop near me recommended a 4ft Apex run (yes a run) as a permanent home for 2 sows mallethead for my neighbour
 
It is shocking to hear how small the cages are that they recommend! I even think the one by the RSPCA is too small. You should never have a minimum. Well done for all your research.:)
 
Wow....I think this is very interesting.
As I am passionate about cages and cage sizes...and a bit OTT with c&c... mmmm..

*goes away to podder*
 
I have some bigger ideas for the future maybe making a long letter to pets at home and doing some more research and spending some more tiime on in it maybe.

Ill consider getting some better tape etc.

Any other ideas welcome , thanks for the response guys :)
 
Ive had a brianstorm

Making a begginers cavy guide to housing !

Explaning why size matters , what pet shops wont say , correct hutch and c&c cage sizes and when to bring them in etc.

Also things with bedding etc and add ons you can make to your cage ( eg upper kitchen level and how to make the ramp etc )

And finally benefits of bigger cages.

Hope its a good idea.
 
I think this is a fantastic idea! Great diagrams, makes everything so clear and let's you actually see how cramped the small sizes are. Often when you are given a sizing it's difficult to translate it in your mind (well it is for me) so something likes this shows you exactly what it's like. Really good having the essential items in there as well so you see how much floor space there is!

Just one thing, how about putting in two of everything for a pair. I always have 2 of everything as my girls often squabble :(|)

Well done, an awesome idea :))

Gemma, Ginny and Saffy
 
Gemma McD said:
I think this is a fantastic idea! Great diagrams, makes everything so clear and let's you actually see how cramped the small sizes are. Often when you are given a sizing it's difficult to translate it in your mind (well it is for me) so something likes this shows you exactly what it's like. Really good having the essential items in there as well so you see how much floor space there is!

Just one thing, how about putting in two of everything for a pair. I always have 2 of everything as my girls often squabble :(|)

Well done, an awesome idea :))

Gemma, Ginny and Saffy
Click to expand...

this and also perhaps either 2 real piggies or toy piggies just to show how big they get? as when they are little you dont quite realise how big they will get. plus its more things to put in and show how cramped it is :)
 
I'm going to be making a big project soon :)
 
Its also to be noted that for instance when buying a commercial cage i.e the ferplast 120, it does not give a living space of 4ft by 2ft which is the recommended minimum rspca size for 2 piggies.
The actual living space is 110cm (3ft 7inch) by 50cm (1ft 8inch)
This is measured from the base rather than the largest part of the cage - the same goes for hutches.... measure the inside living space. Yes space does matter, and it makes a big difference!
:)
 
Good god that last one is the worst size I have ever seen to be accepted as a guinea pig cage! Thats just cruel :( No popcorning or running room at all
 
Also just to let you know I love the idea of the diagrams :) lots of internet pictures can be misleading for those inexperienced with how big guinea pigs can grow etc as they dont show a piggy inside or they are photoshoped in to look smaller. And I personally have always had trouble imaging the size of cages from just measurements lol :)
 
Ive done it in better visible tape and I'm half way through my guide, may even be done tonight.
 
That is a fantastic idea. I like the fact you have put in recommended items, it helps to visualise the size of the cage better. 8;)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top