What are your thoughts on ramps?

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xkellyx

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Pretty much as the title says... What do you think to guineas and ramps? I'm considering a 2 tier cage for my 3 boys due to space saving and also needing to upgrade their cage asap before they hit their teens

Thanks in advance
 
Well, as long as the ramps have good, defined footholds, then it should be good. I once got a plastic ramp that only had really no footholds at all, and that doesn't work. I had to start taping felt onto the ramp so they could get some traction on them with their nails. I eventually threw the ramp away because it just didn't work mallethead I recommend a wooden/plastic ramp with footholds that look almost like stairs that stick out of the actual ramp. As long as the pigs are able to get traction on the ramp it should work out for them. The cage sounds like a lovely piggy home, hope it works out for you!
 
I think if the ramp isn't very steep and has good grip it suits some guineas. I don't think alot take to ramps I personally don't think they are built to use them like other rodents. If they don't have sides they can fall off or jump down half way down. So the ramp woulddeffo need sides making.

I made a ramp ages ago for my cage but only one used it and even then the other one stopped so I took it away.

Well that's my thoughts.;)
 
It depends if its one of those ready made two tier cages the ramps are too steep but if its a C&C cage aslong as he ramp isn't overly steep and you have something for them to grip onto its fine, mine are made from wood and are covered in carpet which they whizz up and down, I have found with boys and especially with trios a second floor is a good idea. It means they can get away from each other and choose to be in an area they want away from the others giving each other space :)
 
I was looking at the two tier rabbit 100 from pets at home but I guess the ramps will be too steep- I was going to put aides and carpet on them but I guess it's the steepness.

If I did a 2x4 c&c but made it two tiers would that be sufficient space for them? I've only really see c&c cages with lofts- not with another tier?
 
I built a ramp for my 2 but they didn't use it simply decided they could just jump up and down!
 
I have two 10 week old guinea pigs in a wooden two tier cage and they don't seem to have any trouble with the ramp. However the wooden grips on the ramp were too far apart originally so I stuck took wooden pegs apart and attached them in between the grips to ensure there wasn't such a big space between them which really helped.
 
xkellyx said:
I was looking at the two tier rabbit 100 from pets at home but I guess the ramps will be too steep- I was going to put aides and carpet on them but I guess it's the steepness.

If I did a 2x4 c&c but made it two tiers would that be sufficient space for them? I've only really see c&c cages with lofts- not with another tier?
Click to expand...

The rabbit 100 wouldn't be big enough. Guinea pigs' need a minimum size of 120cm - and that rule applies whether it's a one tier or a two tier cage - the bottom floor needs to be a minimum of 120cm - bigger if possible.

ETA: If you can't find the correct sized cage you could use a two-tier hutch - I used to use a hutch as an indoor home for my boys at one point for safety reasons.
 
xkellyx said:
I was looking at the two tier rabbit 100 from pets at home but I guess the ramps will be too steep- I was going to put aides and carpet on them but I guess it's the steepness.

If I did a 2x4 c&c but made it two tiers would that be sufficient space for them? I've only really see c&c cages with lofts- not with another tier?
Click to expand...

Have a look at the housing section on photos of c and c cages for some ideas, that may help you make your mind up. if they don't like or use the upper part you can easily dismantle it.

s x
 
There is a 120cm two tier cage at Zooplus - (( Here for you )) - there are some reviews that may be useful too.

With C&C grids the only limit really is your imagination - but the main 'disadvantage that I would think of straight away with a two tier C&C is that access to the lower floor would be very difficult.
 
Our ramp is wooden which is covered in what looks like roofing felt with wooden sides to stop them from falling off, works fine and the three of them are running up and down it all day (and night!)
 
Hanlou said:
The rabbit 100 wouldn't be big enough. Guinea pigs' need a minimum size of 120cm - and that rule applies whether it's a one tier or a two tier cage - the bottom floor needs to be a minimum of 120cm - bigger if possible.

ETA: If you can't find the correct sized cage you could use a two-tier hutch - I used to use a hutch as an indoor home for my boys at one point for safety reasons.
Click to expand...


I've literally just said to my bf before reading this that I may look at using a hutch as indoor cage instead! Lol. My guineas are very skittish aswell (they are only 8 weeks mind) so maybe a hutch would provide them with more security? I have a dog who wouldn't hurt the guineas but I think with a c&c she may scare them quite a bit unless they were put on quite a high table.

Do you think the indoor cage would be okay with the ramps and shelves? If so, I may get that cage- the only thing I'm not keen on is the doors like quite small to get in and out- cleaning wouldn't be a problem as I'd just dismantle it. Another pro with a hutch- the whole door tends to open :)
 
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The hutch worked really well for us. I used Correx (you could use 'lino offcuts) to line it to make sure it was waterproof. xx

I used a hutch because I had rats that free-ranged in the same room at the time and I double-meshed the hutch door to ensure it was totally rat-proof.

Access-wise a hutch is by far the best option.

I would go for a minimum 5ft length-wise though - 6ft if at all possible. You have the option then of splitting the trio if something goes wrong too.
 
I agree, a hutch is a good idea, nice large doors to catch the boys and plenty of space if they get on each others nerves, As Hanlou suggested i would use correcx, Lino or lino tiles to line the hutch (and up the sides slighty) to protcet the hutch from urine stains etc. My "summer" outdoor piggie double 6 foot hutch is lined with lino off-cuts, they has lasted pretty well and if they get " too mucky" or "stained, they can be taken out and replaced at not a huge cost...i think i got mine in a cheap lino/place, but have also used lino tiles from b&q and they work well also. :) x
 
I think a hutch is going to be the one! Now to find a nice sized hutch! Can it be second hand or not? I know someone local who makes hutches so I may see if he can build me one quite cheap but I can have it built custom that way :)
 
I have a two tier hutch that is 4ft x 2ft and the ramp came with roofing felt on it. I made a tunnel out of fleece and wadding to fit the ramp and they love it! It is tied to the ramp so wont come off and means there is no risk of the pigs falling from the ramp. if you cant make one then there are websites with people selling fleece tunnels for guineas. I find my hutch really good as I have a dog who is a bit too excited by them and means they are safe and secure
 
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