Jenni85
Teenage Guinea Pig
Cage help.
- Thread starter Jenni85
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Claire W
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Hi, are your piggies males or females? A 120cm on one level is the minimum size for a pair of females but floors don’t count and a pair of males require a cage of at least 160cm on one level so if females it’s fine but sadly not for a pair of males
As it’s a 120 cage and your piggies are sows, it does meet minimum RSPCA sizing. Therefore, it is fine.
It is better to go bigger where you can though. We recommend upsizing for sows and going for a cage of 150x60cm or a 2x4 c&c cage (which measures approx 150x77cm), on a single level. Upper levels do not count towards the floor space and the ramp is eating into floor space on both levels. Obviously a ramp will always eat into floor space but it is more noticeable in a cage with less floor space to begin with.
Cage Size Guide
It is better to go bigger where you can though. We recommend upsizing for sows and going for a cage of 150x60cm or a 2x4 c&c cage (which measures approx 150x77cm), on a single level. Upper levels do not count towards the floor space and the ramp is eating into floor space on both levels. Obviously a ramp will always eat into floor space but it is more noticeable in a cage with less floor space to begin with.
Cage Size Guide
Jenni85
Teenage Guinea Pig
Thank you. They're females and only 11-13 weeks old at present. I think I'll upgrade to a C&C cage when they're bigger.
Jenni85
Teenage Guinea Pig
I read its fine but visually it doesn't seem it, if that makes sense. I think I will upgrade to a C&C cage when they're bigger.
Yes it does make sense!
If and when you change their cage, ensure you used soiled bedding in the new cage. A new cage will be a new territory and piggies have to reestablish their relationship in a new territory - you may see an increase in dominance for uo to two weeks upon changing territory. Using soiled bedding means the cage will come with familiar smells and it can help ease the transition into a new space.
Jenni85
Teenage Guinea Pig
Thank you for that advice, I'd have automatically thought "New cage, clean bedding"
I'll have to subtly drop hints to the OH, get him prepared
Thank you for that advice, I'd have automatically thought "New cage, clean bedding"
I'll have to subtly drop hints to the OH, get him prepared
Territory smells etc tends to be more important with boars but it’s not worth risking upsetting sows when using soiled bedding is an easy way to assist them
Jenni85
Teenage Guinea Pig
It's a great idea and makes total sense. Thanks again. It's quite a mine field when you're a new pig mum
It's wonderful you are thinking of upgrading when you can.
Honestly we have all been there - my first cage also only got used for a fairly short time before I upgraded to a C&C, and the difference in their behaviour was really noticeable - far more animated and lively.
You clearly are going to be a great pig Mum.
i just wanted to let you know you are not the only one who found it quite a steep learning curve at the beginning!
Wheekallweek
Adult Guinea Pig
You'll find a c and c so much easier to clean out too, you haven't got to squeeze in through those little doors to lift them out either
Jenni85
Teenage Guinea Pig
They're quite high maintenance but I honestly wouldn't be without them now, love the little divas
I think I'm deffo going to upgrade to a C&C, got a few birthdays in March so maybe april/May time.
Yes it is
That's a great size for 2 girls.
And you only need a lid if you have other pets or young children who might try and get into the cage.
Jenni85
Teenage Guinea Pig
You'll find a c and c so much easier to clean out too, you haven't got to squeeze in through those little doors to lift them out either
Because they're new babies and still semi skittish I have to take the whole top floor off to get them out for floor time. It's a right nuisance haha.
Wheekallweek
Adult Guinea Pig
What a faff