Bedding

[Piggies&buns]

I'm really considering getting a c&c cage now as expensive as it is. My cage now the only way to make it bigger would be to add another

So would a 2x4 c&c cage be a good size for 2 boars? I'm really considering it. I can't really find any fleece liners that would fit a 2x5. C&c grids are pretty expensive. I can buy a 2x4 cage for about $100 including the $18 shipping fee but I think it would be worth it and I'd have a second cage to move the piggies into a cooler room when it gets hot out easier

It would be a good thing to do if you can. A Midwest cage isn’t considered big enough for boar pairs.
The recommended size for two boars is a 2x5 c&c (180x70cm).
A 2x4 c&c is the minimum size for two boars (150x70) - for some pairs it will be fine but for others it can still be a bit tight for them.

If you are going to get them a new cage, then ensure you move soiled bedding to the new cage. A new cage is a new territory and piggies need to reestablish their relationship in each new territory. Using soiled bedding in a new cage means it will have familiar smells so can help ease the transition easier for them

 

[nlkiser198343]

I don't have much experience sewing and don't know if I can dish out the couple hundred dollars for a sewing machine. I tried sewing 2 of my blankets together by hand but took way to long and I figured it would come apart in the wash anyway

It would be a good thing to do if you can. A Midwest cage isn’t considered big enough for boar pairs.
The recommended size for two boars is a 2x5 c&c (180x70cm).
A 2x4 c&c is the minimum size for two boars (150x70) - for some pairs it will be fine but for others it can still be a bit tight for them.

If you are going to get them a new cage, then ensure you move soiled bedding to the new cage. A new cage is a new territory and piggies need to reestablish their relationship in each new territory. Using soiled bedding in a new cage means it will have familiar smells so can help ease the transition easier for them

It would be a good thing to do if you can. A Midwest cage isn’t considered big enough for boar pairs.
The recommended size for two boars is a 2x5 c&c (180x70cm).
A 2x4 c&c is the minimum size for two boars (150x70) - for some pairs it will be fine but for others it can still be a bit tight for them.

If you are going to get them a new cage, then ensure you move soiled bedding to the new cage. A new cage is a new territory and piggies need to reestablish their relationship in each new territory. Using soiled bedding in a new cage means it will have familiar smells so can help ease the transition easier for them

How about a 2x4 cage with a 2x2

It would be a good thing to do if you can. A Midwest cage isn’t considered big enough for boar pairs.
The recommended size for two boars is a 2x5 c&c (180x70cm).
A 2x4 c&c is the minimum size for two boars (150x70) - for some pairs it will be fine but for others it can still be a bit tight for them.

If you are going to get them a new cage, then ensure you move soiled bedding to the new cage. A new cage is a new territory and piggies need to reestablish their relationship in each new territory. Using soiled bedding in a new cage means it will have familiar smells so can help ease the transition easier for them

should I get one with a loft? Idk loft might be to much work tho I would have to line that to

 

[Piggies&buns]

How about a 2x4 cage with a 2x2
should I get one with a loft? Idk loft might be to much work tho I would have to line that to

It’s only the ground floor level which counts towards the space, so a 2x4 cage with a 2x2 loft provides only the same living space as a 2x4 cage without a loft.
A loft provides just a bonus space for them to get away from each other but also consider that the ramp eats into the ground floor space and causes a block in movement. A ramp can also be a potential flash point for issues with teenage boars - only one can be on the ramp at a time. Some piggies also won’t use ramps as they are ground roaming creatures.
A 2x4 is fine though, dont feel it’s not, and it certainly is an upgrade from a Midwest and takes them to a much more suitable cage size for a boar pair.

 

[Lady Kelly]

I haven't used guineadad liners. My piggies were outside so fleece wasn't the best option. I do remember someone commenting on how thick they are and how long they take to dry so factor in drying space/time too. If you are looking to alternate for a bit then maybe get one and while it is being washed and dried then you can use disposable bedding just to see how you get on with it before spending too much on liners.

You may also find flea markets good for picking up cheap second hand blankets. Mattress toppers can also make a good absorbent layer underneath too

 

[nlkiser198343]

It’s only the ground floor level which counts towards the space, so a 2x4 cage with a 2x2 loft provides only the same living space as a 2x4 cage without a loft.
A loft provides just a bonus space for them to get away from each other but also consider that the ramp eats into the ground floor space and causes a block in movement. A ramp can also be a potential flash point for issues with teenage boars - only one can be on the ramp at a time. Some piggies also won’t use ramps as they are ground roaming creatures.
A 2x4 is fine though, dont feel it’s not, and it certainly is an upgrade from a Midwest and takes them to a much more suitable cage size for a boar pair.

I'll get it without the loft then probably and then see later if I need more space.

 

[nlkiser198343]

I got a new bigger fleece blanket that fits the cage that was a lot cheaper than guinea dad. It was to high tho with the layer of towels I had in so I took them out? Do you think I need newspaper or something underneath? I have absorbent pads under the main pee spots to? I'm going to work so I hope this liners ok when I get home. It has a pocket at the end to I kinda worry about them getting stuck in but my gram will be there watching them most of the time.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I got a new bigger fleece blanket that fits the cage that was a lot cheaper than guinea dad. It was to high tho with the layer of towels I had in so I took them out? Do you think I need newspaper or something underneath? I have absorbent pads under the main pee spots to? I'm going to work so I hope this liners ok when I get home. It has a pocket at the end to I kinda worry about them getting stuck in but my gram will be there watching them most of the time.

with fleece bedding there always has to be an absorbent layer underneath to wick the urine through and keep it locked in. Newspaper will not do that.

 

[nlkiser198343]

with fleece bedding there always has to be an absorbent layer underneath to wick the urine through and keep it locked in. Newspaper will not do that.

Damn

with fleece bedding there always has to be an absorbent layer underneath to wick the urine through and keep it locked in. Newspaper will not do that.

I worry I'm doing wrong all the time but I guess I'm doing ok because I barely feel pee. Even on the absorbent pads but I know they pee often. I only change out the top layer every 2-3 days mostly because they get dirty and the layers underneath once a week and it's mostly all dry. The new one I just got from PetSmart is pretty thick and has a big pocket at the end. That says to wash once a week. I guess if they weren't wicking properly then they would puddle up on top right? My cage hasn't gotten smelly at all yet really either. I'm always cleaning it.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Damn

I worry I'm doing wrong all the time but I guess I'm doing ok because I barely feel pee. Even on the absorbent pads but I know they pee often. I only change out the top layer every 2-3 days mostly because they get dirty and the layers underneath once a week and it's mostly all dry. The new one I just got from PetSmart is pretty thick and has a big pocket at the end. That says to wash once a week. I guess if they weren't wicking properly then they would puddle up on top right? My cage hasn't gotten smelly at all yet really either. I'm always cleaning it.

Yes if it isn’t wicking properly then the fleece will remain wet - it may pool on top or just remain wet.

I don’t think you can go by ‘it says wash once a week’ as there are going to be a lot of varying factors.
For example, a small cage will need changing more often.
The issue with changing too often with boars is that it can make things worse - the more you clean, the more boars scent mark, and the worse smells get for example

A Detailed Guide For Fleece Bedding

 

[Cheekypigs]

Is the fleece liner you've bought just a blanket - a single layer of fleece - or is it a cage liner with an absorbent layer built in? I ask because you say you got it at Petsmart and it's got a pocket, so it doesn't sound like it's just a blanket. If it's got an absorbent layer built in then it should be fine.

 

[nlkiser198343]

Yes if it isn’t wicking properly then the fleece will remain wet - it may pool on top or just remain wet.

I don’t think you can go by ‘it says wash once a week’ as there are going to be a lot of varying factors.
For example, a small cage will need changing more often.
The issue with changing too often with boars is that it can make things worse - the more you clean, the more boars scent mark, and the worse smells get for example

A Detailed Guide For Fleece Bedding

I've been getting antislip guinea pig pee pads. I have quite a bit of them. It says there absorbent and the bottoms leak proof and machine washable. That should be the only layer I need then under the fleece right?

 

[nlkiser198343]

I've been getting antislip guinea pig pee pads. I have quite a bit of them. It says there absorbent and the bottoms leak proof and machine washable. That should be the only layer I need then under the fleece right?

Yes if it isn’t wicking properly then the fleece will remain wet - it may pool on top or just remain wet.

I don’t think you can go by ‘it says wash once a week’ as there are going to be a lot of varying factors.
For example, a small cage will need changing more often.
The issue with changing too often with boars is that it can make things worse - the more you clean, the more boars scent mark, and the worse smells get for example

A Detailed Guide For Fleece Bedding

I'm looking at 2 cage websites. I already ordered 9 square grid from guineapigcagestore and they have a 5x2 cage with 9 squares but it would come to about $240 with shipping kaveecagres.com has them alot cheaper but the grids look more rectangular and I count 11 going down? Is kaveecages.com ok or should I go with guineapigcagestore even tho it costs a lot more

 

[nlkiser198343]

Is the fleece liner you've bought just a blanket - a single layer of fleece - or is it a cage liner with an absorbent layer built in? I ask because you say you got it at Petsmart and it's got a pocket, so it doesn't sound like it's just a blanket. If it's got an absorbent layer built in then it should be fine.

It

Is the fleece liner you've bought just a blanket - a single layer of fleece - or is it a cage liner with an absorbent layer built in? I ask because you say you got it at Petsmart and it's got a pocket, so it doesn't sound like it's just a blanket. If it's got an absorbent layer built in then it should be fine.

It's called the full cheeks guinea pig fleece cage liner. It's proportioned to fit a Midwest cage. That's the only size it's in except for smaller rodents

 

[nlkiser198343]

Can I just buy corrugated plastic from home Depot for like $30 and cut it to size and buy c&c shelves for $30 and disassemble and assemble into a cage? Would that be the same as buying from them?

 

[nlkiser198343]

Wow I'm really thinking of building my own now after seeing videos online. Anybody got any tips? Can I just buy like c&c shelves from Lowes and take them apart and rearrange them into a cage and a stand. Then I gotta find where to get a big enough sheet of coroplast to fit a 2x4. I watched a video on how to fold it into a box and put it inside. Then for the lid I can buy a support bar on Amazon or something? Is this all I would need?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I'm looking at 2 cage websites. I already ordered 9 square grid from guineapigcagestore and they have a 5x2 cage with 9 squares but it would come to about $240 with shipping kaveecagres.com has them alot cheaper but the grids look more rectangular and I count 11 going down? Is kaveecages.com ok or should I go with guineapigcagestore even tho it costs a lot more

The grids from kavee are fine - the holes are just a different shape.

It

It's called the full cheeks guinea pig fleece cage liner. It's proportioned to fit a Midwest cage. That's the only size it's in except for smaller rodents

That’s an actual cage liner then. A liner doesn’t need anything else - you just use that.

Can I just buy corrugated plastic from home Depot for like $30 and cut it to size and buy c&c shelves for $30 and disassemble and assemble into a cage? Would that be the same as buying from them?

Only if the holes in the shelves are correct - it must be 9 holes.

Wow I'm really thinking of building my own now after seeing videos online. Anybody got any tips? Can I just buy like c&c shelves from Lowes and take them apart and rearrange them into a cage and a stand. Then I gotta find where to get a big enough sheet of coroplast to fit a 2x4. I watched a video on how to fold it into a box and put it inside. Then for the lid I can buy a support bar on Amazon or something? Is this all I would need?

what you are looking for is something to protect the floor - it doesn’t have to be correx. When my boys come indoors and I set up the c&c cage, I don’t have correx, I just lay a shower curtain on the floor, then the puppy pads, then my fleece.

 

[Cheekypigs]

Building a cage yourself from grid shelves and some sort of waterproof base is what a lot of people do. Our cage is built like that. I considered the Kavee grids, as they look really good quality, but I couldn't stretch to that price, so I got some grids from Amazon. They are really good.

 

[nlkiser198343]

I can't get any big sheets of coroplast sent to my house without getting hit with $75 delivery fee. Cage at guinea pig store I was looking at with a kitchen and bathroom area and a stand and lid cost just about $300 US that's a lot for me but I was considering it but now I see I can buy a shelf with 23 grids that are nine square and all connectors I regret paying $75 for a 16 grid pack when they appear to me to be the same thing

 

[nlkiser198343]

I can't get any big sheets of coroplast sent to my house without getting hit with $75 delivery fee. Cage at guinea pig store I was looking at with a kitchen and bathroom area and a stand and lid cost just about $300 US that's a lot for me but I was considering it but now I see I can buy a shelf with 23 grids that are nine square and all connectors I regret paying $75 for a 16 grid pack when they appear to me to be the same thing

I'm thinking of getting the 23 grid shelf and buying the 2x4 corobase off either guinea store or kavee cage. I just need to figure out what to use for a support bar then for the lid and a litter tray I kinda want one for both of them to use. As long as kavee cage is real and won't scam me I might go with them for corobase because they don't have the huge shipping fee

 

[nlkiser198343]

I'll probly need more grids then that tho I didn't do the math yet. Would I need to buy zip ties then to? I think the cage said it would come with those?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I can't get any big sheets of coroplast sent to my house without getting hit with $75 delivery fee. Cage at guinea pig store I was looking at with a kitchen and bathroom area and a stand and lid cost just about $300 US that's a lot for me but I was considering it but now I see I can buy a shelf with 23 grids that are nine square and all connectors I regret paying $75 for a 16 grid pack when they appear to me to be the same thing

You can Look for alternatives - as I say a shower curtain, sheet of plastic, piece of vinyl flooring.
Coroplast is useful if you’re going to use disposable bedding because the upstand up the side of the cage means the bedding stays in but with fleece it’s less of an issue (you’re probably going to get a bit of hay coming out though).

They most likely are the same thing.
I bought a proper cage kit from a UK company but then just bought additional grids from Amazon so I can configure in multiple ways.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I'm thinking of getting the 23 grid shelf and buying the 2x4 corobase off either guinea store or kavee cage. I just need to figure out what to use for a support bar then for the lid and a litter tray I kinda want one for both of them to use. As long as kavee cage is real and won't scam me I might go with them for corobase because they don't have the huge shipping fee

When you make a lid, you overlap multiple grids but it should also overlap the edges of the cage. It is pretty strong to be honest but adding some supports across the short side is always a good idea. I think when I had a lid on mine it had two supports

I'll probly need more grids then that tho I didn't do the math yet. Would I need to buy zip ties then to? I think the cage said it would come with those?

Yes, Having the grids zip tied together gives extra security. With you having a cat it would be a good idea for them to be tied

 

[nlkiser198343]

Would a tarp be good replacement for coroplast bottom. I have one of those. Would that work long term?

 

[nlkiser198343]

When you make a lid, you overlap multiple grids but it should also overlap the edges of the cage. It is pretty strong to be honest but adding some supports across the short side is always a good idea. I think when I had a lid on mine it had two supports


Yes, Having the grids zip tied together gives extra security. With you having a cat it would be a good idea for them to be tied

I found one on Walmart for much much cheaper that said it was 30 inches by 59 inches and each panel was 13.8 inches. I know the other panels said they were 14 inches. Will this still be ok and should they still snap together?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I found one on Walmart for much much cheaper that said it was 30 inches by 59 inches and each panel was 13.8 inches. I know the other panels said they were 14 inches. Will this still be ok and should they still snap together?

If you are buying a whole unit of the same type of grids then there isn’t a problem with it.
If you then try to buy grids and connectors from somewhere else and want to join it to this Walmart one then we can’t know. Sometimes the connectors and grid thickness are different

 

[nlkiser198343]

I think they are the same size panels anyway. Maybe the connectors make the extra .2 inches of space. I might get it for $126 and a $33 shelf I can turn into a stand. Then I would just need a new cage liner.

 

[nlkiser198343]

I think they are the same size panels anyway. Maybe the connectors make the extra .2 inches of space. I might get it for $126 and a $33 shelf I can turn into a stand. Then I would just need a new cage liner.

What should I do for a litter tray area instead of paying $80 for the website one. It had a covered area and a tray with a feeding rack and a few other things.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I think they are the same size panels anyway. Maybe the connectors make the extra .2 inches of space. I might get it for $126 and a $33 shelf I can turn into a stand. Then I would just need a new cage liner.

Yes the connectors make a space difference but you don’t need to worry because the size is fine.

What should I do for a litter tray area instead of paying $80 for the website one. It had a covered area and a tray with a feeding rack and a few other things.

Just buy cat litter trays (as long as they are quite shallow so the piggies can get in) from a pet shop and fill them with hay.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Plastic storage boxes or garden potting trays also work

 

[anyar.dris]

I have one 2x2 Guinea Dad fleece that I bought from Amazon UK. I liked it at first but after a couple times of washing it, the shape changed. Well the top layer looked like it shrunk a bit or the bottom layer stretched. Either way, I didn't like how it was on the C&C cage. I use it now just for lap pad when I put the piggies on the sofa. It is very absorbent though.

Have you tried looking at Etsy. Loads of fleece liners sellers there in America and loads of pretty designs too, compared to the ones in the UK. Also, have you tried the bubble bath mats? Go to IKEA website and look for TOFTBO bath mats. A lot of us use them because it's absorbent and it's easy to wash too.