Which fleece liner would be better for my guinea pig cage?

Blazer

Blazer

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I’ve not seen those but think both would be suitable. Important thing is that any wetness is wicked away from the surface. How big is your cage and are they boars or sows?
 
Siikibam said:
I’ve not seen those but think both would be suitable. Important thing is that any wetness is wicked away from the surface. How big is your cage and are they boars or sows?
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My cage is 28in by 60in, what is a boar-sows?
 
Boars are boys and sows are girls. Your cage is a good size for both. When buying consider whether your washing machine can take the size of liner as well. I would also put a piece of fleece on top of those puppy pads as well. It would need to be wicked before use - washing repeatedly until it wicks water.

In terms of smell, cleaning them out regularly - especially wet hay - is the best way to keep the smell down. They shouldn't really smell unless you're not changing wet liners regularly.
 
Siikibam said:
Yes you can :)
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This is what I have planned for my 2 guinea pigs, will this all work? :roll:

Food-
KAYTEE Fiesta Gourmet Guinea Pig Diet
KAYTEE® Fiesta® Guinea Pig Gourmet Variety Diet | small pet Food | PetSmart $10.99
Amazon.com : Kaytee Fiesta Guinea Pig Food 4.5 pounds : Pet Food : Pet Supplies $10.99

KAYTEE Timothy Biscuit Treats
KAYTEE® Timothy Biscuits Treats | small pet Treats | PetSmart $1.69
Amazon.com: Kaytee Timothy Biscuits Baked Carrot Treat, 4-Oz Bag: Pet Supplies $1.80

Oxbow Orchard Grass
Oxbow Orchard Grass | small pet Hay | PetSmart $23.37
Amazon.com: Oxbow Animal Health Oxbow Hay Orchard Grass Hay - 9 lb. Bulk Size: Pet Supplies $26.81

Water-
Living World Eco + water bottle, 6 ounce $15.98-2 Pack
Amazon.com : Living World Eco + Water Bottle, 6-Ounce : Pet Water Bottles : Pet Supplies

Toys-
All loving Things Willow Bundle small pet chew $4.99
All Living Things® Willow Bundle Small Pet Chew | small pet Toys | PetSmart

Oxbow Natural small animal toy
Oxbow Natural Small Animal Toy | small pet Toys | PetSmart $6.99
Amazon.com : Oxbow Animal Health Timothy Club Timothy Carrot, Green (448009) : Small Animal Houses : Pet Supplies $8.97

eCOTRITION Snak Shak edible hideaway $10.99
Amazon.com : eCotrition Snak Shak Large Activity Log For Guinea Pigs And Rabbits : Pet Supplies

Hideouts-
Snaggle Pet Natural Tree Trunk Hideout Small animal toy $12.58-2 Pack
Super Pet® Natural Tree Trunk Hideout Small Animal Toy | small pet Tunnels & Hideouts | PetSmart

Bedding-
Pawtect Pads Washable Dog Pee Pads (2pack)
Amazon.com : Pet Parents Pawtect Pads Washable Dog Pee Pads (2pack) of 34x36 Premium Pee Pads for Dogs, Waterproof Training Pads for Dogs & Reusable Dog Pee Pads! Whelping & Modern Puppy Pads! : Pet Supplies
Guinea Pig-
Guinea Pig $59.98-2 Pack
Female Guinea Pig For Sale | Live Small Pets | PetSmart
 
The Kaytee gourmet food is a muesli so isn’t suitable for them. Ive looked at the list of ingredients in this particular one and it is entirely unsafe as it contains things such as peanuts and seeds which they must not eat. It also contains plenty of other ingredients which are not suitable and/or are unhealthy. They need a plain hay or grass based pellet. Pellets are the least important part od the diet at one tablespoon each per day only.

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Pellets Or Muesli / Dry Mix?
Nugget Comparison Chart

the Kaytee hay/carrot treat. I personally don’t buy commercial treats due to the sugars in them. As these contain carrot, then they will be sugary. Nice fresh herbs make a good treat for piggies rather than commercial treats.

i personally wouldn’t bother with chews as generally they aren’t interested in them. They need lots of hay For chewing (it’s their main food source, but essential for gut and dental health)

the hay is good.

I don’t think id use the the snack shack activity log because it contains honey from what I can see which isn’t suitable for piggies

the trunk hideaway - seeing as it only has one entrance I would avoid it. It’s the perfect place for a piggy to get cornered by the other and that can cause problems.

As for the piggies themselves, it is far better if at all possible, if you can adopt them from a rescue centre rather than buying from a pet shop. Adopting from a centre means that they are healthy, correctly sexed, not pregnant and properly bonded. I’m afraid buying from a pet shop means you can’t be sure of any of these things so you will be taking on a few risks - its not by any means a given, but we are contacted frequently vy people who bring home pet shop piggies to find their sows are already pregnant, they are mixed sexes, have health issues, or due to the fact pet shop piggies are largely just put together for sale, that the two piggies actually fall out because they don’t like each other.

What cage do you have planned for them?

New Owners' Most Helpful How-To Guides and Information
 
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Piggies&buns said:
the trunk hideaway - seeing as it only has one entrance I would avoid it. It’s the perfect place for a piggy to get cornered by the other and that can cause problems.
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What Guinea pig hideout wood you suggest? Should I just make one out of cardboard?
 
Something with two exits - either wooden or fleece tunnels (if your piggies are living indoors) are commonly used.
Using cardboard is fine, but you’ll need a supply as they will chew them to pieces!
 
Piggies&buns said:
Something with two exits - either wooden or fleece tunnels (if your piggies are living indoors) are commonly used.
Using cardboard is fine, but you’ll need a supply as they will chew them to pieces!
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Okay! Are you sure it's okay for a Guinea pig to sleep in a tunnel of sorts?
 
Yes it’s absolutely fine. Tunnels are perfect as they cannot corner each other in them.

I use the bendy wooden log huts in the picture below. I stuff them with hay and/or put a fleece blanket underneath for them to sit on (I also put a fleece blanket over the top of them In winter to make them extra cosy inside) and they may great beds!

I use cardboard tunnels for them to play in and run through. They need replacing frequently though as they get chewed and they pee in them.
 

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Piggies&buns said:
Yes it’s absolutely fine. Tunnels are perfect as they cannot corner each other in them.

I use the bendy wooden log huts in the picture below. I stuff them with hay and/or put a fleece blanket underneath for them to sit on (I also put a fleece blanket over the top of them In winter to make them extra cosy inside) and they may great beds!

I use cardboard tunnels for them to play in and run through. They need replacing frequently though as they get chewed and they pee in them.
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I have built a new and improved Guinea pig list here.

Food-

Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Food $7.99
KAYTEE® Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Food | small pet Food | PetSmart
Amazon.com : Kaytee Timothy Complete Guinea Pig Food 5 Pounds : Pet Food : Pet Supplies

Oxbow Orchard Grass
Oxbow Orchard Grass | small pet Hay | PetSmart $23.37
Amazon.com: Oxbow Animal Health Oxbow Hay Orchard Grass Hay - 9 lb. Bulk Size: Pet Supplies $26.81

Water-
Living World Eco + water bottle, 6 ounce $15.98-2 Pack
Amazon.com : Living World Eco + Water Bottle, 6-Ounce : Pet Water Bottles : Pet Supplies

Toys-
All loving Things Willow Bundle small pet chew $4.99
All Living Things® Willow Bundle Small Pet Chew | small pet Toys | PetSmart

Hideouts-
Corner Fleece Forest Hideout for Guinea Pigs $17.90
Amazon.com : Corner Fleece Forest Hideout for Guinea Pigs, Ferrets, Chinchillas, Hedgehogs, Dwarf Rabbits and Other Small Pets - Accessories and Toys (Blue/Gray) : Pet Supplies

Bedding-
Pet Parents Pawtect Pads Washable Dog Pee Pads (2pack) $25.00
Amazon.com : Pet Parents Pawtect Pads Washable Dog Pee Pads (2pack) of 34x36 Premium Pee Pads for Dogs, Waterproof Training Pads for Dogs & Reusable Dog Pee Pads! Whelping & Modern Puppy Pads! : Pet Supplies

Guinea Pig-
Guinea Pig $59.98-2 Pack
Female Guinea Pig For Sale | Live Small Pets | PetSmart
 
Piggies&buns said:
As for the piggies themselves, it is far better if at all possible, if you can adopt them from a rescue centre rather than buying from a pet shop. Adopting from a centre means that they are healthy, correctly sexed, not pregnant and properly bonded. I’m afraid buying from a pet shop means you can’t be sure of any of these things so you will be taking on a few risks - its not by any means a given, but we are contacted frequently vy people who bring home pet shop piggies to find their sows are already pregnant, they are mixed sexes, have health issues, or due to the fact pet shop piggies are largely just put together for sale, that the two piggies actually fall out because they don’t like each other.
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All of the rescue centers near me are either 1- Not opened until only Saturday, or 2- Have no Guinea Pigs. :eek:
 
Blazer said:
All of the rescue centers near me are either 1- Not opened until only Saturday, or 2- Have no Guinea Pigs. :eek:
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it’s still best to wait until they have piggies available. It can take some time but it’s far better than taking the risk. The choice is obviously entirely yours but ensure you are prepared to check their sexes yourself before your bring them home as well as understanding the risks (illness, potential pregnancy risk, and risk in their bond) going forward. Ensure you have a vet fund saved up in advance as they can be expensive to keep.
 
Your list looks better.

But just so you know, the oxbow orchard grass bag, at 15oz/400 grams won’t last long as it is only a tiny bag

You will need more hides than just the one corner fleece forest. Tunnels, tubes etc as well. You need to have at least one hidey per piggy, so I’d add in two to four hidey items.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Your list looks better.

But just so you know, the oxbow orchard grass bag, at 15oz/400 grams won’t last long as it is only a tiny bag

You will need more hides than just the one corner fleece forest. Tunnels, tubes etc as well. You need to have at least one hidey per piggy, so I’d add in two to four hidey items.
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The oxbow orchard grass is a 9lb bag.:roll: I will buy another corner fleece and some tubes. Thank You for the help!
 
4kg still won't last you very long. You're better off buying something twice that size.
 
Blazer said:
Will 9lbs not last 2 Guinea Pigs a month?
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Siikibam is right - 9lbs is 4kg.
I buy 20kg (so that’s 44lbs) a month, i get through one 5kg (11lb) box a week (just for eating - I use additional hay for bedding) between five animals, so roughly calculated my two piggies get through 2.5kg (5lbs) per week.
(kg to lb conversion via google becsusd I don’t work in lbs!)
 
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Piggies&buns said:
Siikibam is right - 9lbs is 4kg.
I buy 20kg (so that’s 44lbs) a month, i get through one 5kg (11lb) box a week (just for eating - I use additional hay for bedding) between five animals, so roughly calculated my two piggies get through 2.5kg (5lbs) per week.
(kg to lb conversion via google becsusd I don’t work in lbs!)
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Do Guinea pigs 3 months old "NEED" Alfalfa hay?
 
Blazer said:
Do Guinea pigs 3 months old "NEED" Alfalfa hay?
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No, they don’t. Normal grass hay is fine. Alfalfa should only be given to pregnant sows and nursing pups.
Alfalfa isn’t a grass hay, it is high in calcium and too much calcium (which is in pellets as well as unfiltered drinking water as well as some veg) can lead to health problems
 
Piggies&buns said:
No, they don’t. Normal grass hay is fine. Alfalfa isn’t a grass hay, it is high in calcium and too much calcium (which is in pellets as well as unfiltered drinking water as well as some veg) can lead to health problems
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Okay, Thank You!
 
Piggies&buns said:
No, they don’t. Normal grass hay is fine. Alfalfa should only be given to pregnant sows and nursing pups.
Alfalfa isn’t a grass hay, it is high in calcium and too much calcium (which is in pellets as well as unfiltered drinking water as well as some veg) can lead to health problems
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How long do you think 40oz of Orchard Grass will last 2 3-month-old guinea pigs?
 
It’s good that you’re preparing yourself. But I would hold off buying some things such as pellets and toys. Sometimes they eat a particular pellet and if you want to change them over to another then you need to do so gradually rather than in one go. The only exception is if they’re being fed a muesli mix.

With regards cage, be aware that boars need minimum 150x60cm (although 180x60 is what we recommend). Depending on which rescue you get them from, some may have size recommendations. I assume that’s how it works there as well but not sure at all.
 
@Siikibam
How long will it take for 2 baby Guinea Pigs to trust me? I have had 2 baby Guinea Pigs for 3 days now and they have been hiding out in their hideouts for 90% of the day.
 
3 days is a very short time. You need to leave them be for a week. Only poo pick, top up/change hay and give them their veggies and pellets. You could help them feel even safer by covering their cage with a blanket. When you’re coming near where they are, start speaking softly - a predator wouldn’t make known his presence.

It could take 3 months or it could take years. You’ll have to work at their pace. As long as you know they may never be lap pigs or enjoy being stroked then you’ll do just fine.

Please double check their sexes to make sure they’re the same. And make sure they have the space they need (bars in particular).
 
Blazer said:
How long will it take for 2 baby Guinea Pigs to trust me? I have had 2 baby Guinea Pigs for 3 days now and they have been hiding out in their hideouts for 90% of the day.
Click to expand...

its most often takes several weeks, perhaps going towards months. For the first week you need to cover their cage with a blanket so they feel safe and leave them alone, only feeding and spot cleaning their cage. After the first week, start by sitting by the cage and talking to them, then slowly start offering food to them from your hand. Once they take food from you, you are gaining their trust. Remember, to take everything at their pace and that as prey animals, the default mode is terrified,
One of mine was confident and taking food after six weeks, the other took 18 months before he would take food from me.

Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
 
Piggies&buns said:
its most often takes several weeks, perhaps going towards months. For the first week you need to cover their cage with a blanket so they feel safe and leave them alone, only feeding and spot cleaning their cage. After the first week, start by sitting by the cage and talking to them, then slowly start offering food to them from your hand. Once they take food from you, you are gaining their trust. Remember, to take everything at their pace and that as prey animals, the default mode is terrified,
One of mine was confident and taking food after six weeks, the other took 18 months before he would take food from me.

Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Click to expand...
Is 1/2 cup of vegetables each enough for 2 3-month-old Guinea pigs? If so, should I feed them that daily?
 
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