Broken legs?

Status
Not open for further replies.
deeandnick

deeandnick

Joined
Aug 1, 2011
Messages
264
Reaction score
7
Points
0
Location
Newquay, Cornwall
I have read that Guinea pigs can break their legs very easily, and this is really worrying me!

The cage I have for my two has a platform - which came with it and the pet shop recommended it for guinea pigs. They struggled to get up on it, so I built a ramp although they can get up their now without it.

One of my piggies is very very scared of me still, I've only had them for a few days! Whenever I walk into the room or close by the cage he runs away. Which is totally fine, I know they are happy as they are jumping up and down and playing together. But when he is on the platform he bolts off of it and this scares me incase he does hurt his legs. I have 1 inch think floor covering....but I'm still worried!

Can anyone help?
 
Hey,

I don't think your piggy is going to break his legs from that kind of a jump. Piggy legs are more prone to getting broken if they get stuck in something and then move around.
 
It's unlikely he would from that kind of jump, and there is nothing inherently wrong with having a platform. What cage is it do you know? Incidentally I wouldn't believe anything anyone tells you in a pet shop. rolleyes
 
I shouldn't imagine it would be high enough and I'm assuming it's soft at the bottom ( a good layer of bedding ) to break his fall anyway. How big is it? If the pet shop advised you on cages it may not be big enough for two. if you're really worried you could probably take the platform out.
 
Not wanting to be mean but that cage is very small for two guinea pigs. Before I built one out of grids I had mine in the Ferplast 140 which is a lot bigger then the 100.
 
Oh no! Thanks. I thought they were ok, as thy are still quite small and I let them out a lot.

I'll have to look into getting something bigger!
 
Problem is they do need a lot of space to play and explore and also to exercise. I wish places would not even allow small cages to be sold. I am selling my Ferplast 140 with stand if you are interested. If not you can always make one out of grids. Then you can make them any size and design you like.
 
Its annoying, as I did specifically ask if they cage was ok for them! They should think less about losing out on money and tell people the truth.

My boyfriend was talking about building them a run, maybe I'll get him on hutch building duty instead!
 
It really annoys me the way pet shops are like this! They never give proper advice and just seem to want to sell anything at all.mallethead I took in two guinea pigs who were going to be homeless and nearly cried as they are fully grown and in a cage 36 inches! I got them out of that right away.
 
The guy spent more time selling expensive extras to me, than discussing the cage. Urgh!

I don't understand how someone could have fully grown piggies in a cage that size - I mean it must be obvious that was too small?

My little guys are getting an upgrade - and perhaps pets at home will be receiving an angry customer and a returned cage!
 
Do you still have the receipt? I do not see why you cannot exchange it or get your money back. They should not have sold them. What extras did you buy? I hope they did not sell you things you did not need!
 
Yeah I still have the receipt and all the documents - will try returning it tomorrow.

I bought some powder that goes in their water bottle, a mineral stone and some corn treats. I said I wanted to start them off basic, so they wouldn't be overwhelmed and the sales guy backed off.

Thanks for all your help and advice :)
 
Oh no! They do not need any powder in their water unless it is vitamin C in which it is better to have a tablet and crush it and put on food to ensure they will eat it. I find mineral stones useless myself and would not use one. Mine never liked the corn but maybe yours will. Stupid sales person is clueless!

You are very welcome. :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top