This the cage big enough?

[Tea2018]

Hi there!

I have a 6x2 c and c cage with a ramp and loft and was wondering if this big enough for 4 Guinea pigs? One is 3 months old so small and others are adults.

I put two my new females with two exsisting sows last night and all seems ok except lots of rumbling and squealing etc. is this normal? The younger one is popcorning around happily so I know she’s ok.

Anything I should be looking out for? I have made sure all hideys have 2 exits etc so no bullying etc.

Thanks

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yes a 6x2 is big enough for four piggies.

Did you introduce them all in neutral territory bonding pen first, before moving them to the thoroughly cleaned out cage after a few hours in a bonding pen?
Yes, rumbling and squeaking is normal. It will take around two weeks for them to fully form their hierarchy and relationship.

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[Tea2018]

Yes a 6x2 is big enough for four piggies.

Did you introduce them all in neutral territory bonding pen first, before moving them to the thoroughly cleaned out cage after a few hours in a bonding pen?
Yes, rumbling and squeaking is normal. It will take around two weeks for them to fully form their hierarchy and relationship.

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

Thanks for your response. Yes, they all met in a large area I set up for them on the floor and it was clear who is boss haha. They all seem ok this morning apart from the rumbling etc. I’m glad the cage is big enough so don’t have to make any modifications. Thanks for the link. I have a few tubes and bridges in there but wonder if less if more so they have more room?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yes, you are going to see a lot of dominance behaviours over the coming weeks while they sort things out!

You will need four of every item in the cage so they don’t have to share anything - four bottles, four (two exit) hides, hay spread around multiple areas etc
It can be useful to scatter feed veg and pellets rather than use bowls when you have so many piggies, as that way there is no risk of the dominant piggy preventing anyone else from eating.

 

[Tea2018]

Yes, you are going to see a lot of dominance behaviours over the coming weeks while they sort things out!

You will need four of every item in the cage so they don’t have to share anything - four bottles, four (two exit) hides, hay spread around multiple areas etc
It can be useful to scatter feed veg and pellets rather than use bowls when you have so many piggies, as that way there is no risk of the dominant piggy preventing anyone else from eating.