Concrete

[Beemz]

We are building a large guinea pig shed and I wanted to run something by you all.
The base will be concrete but in the sleeping area we will put in a wooden raised floor and line it with vinyl. The play area I thought I could leave as smooth concrete to keep their nails down- they will have access to a 70m2 run.
Would it be too much on their feet to walk on concrete if they were shut in due to weather?
Would their nails wear down simply by being out on grass?
I would have a dusting of shavings on top of the concrete.
Thanks for reading!

 

[Sophie B]

I don’t think their nails would wear down with just grass, it is too cushioning instead of rough...

 

[Beemz]

I don’t think their nails would wear down with just grass, it is too cushioning instead of rough...

That’s what I was wondering- the run area has moss as well so even softer.

 

[Sophie B]

I think concrete would okay... If you were very worried you could sand it down to be more even

 

[Sophie B]

I can’t sleep and I always browse the forum when I can’t sleep, unfortunately guinea pig people still need sleep so not many people are awake

 

[Sophie B]

Your plans look great, very lucky piggies moving in there!
Concrete would be find if it had bedding on top.

 

[Beemz]

I can’t sleep and I always browse the forum when I can’t sleep, unfortunately guinea pig people still need sleep so not many people are awake

just realised the time!
Husband says he can make it really smooth - I said not tooooo smooth!

 

[Sophie B]

My piggies are just munching their hay, we have a bit of a housing predicament too

 

[Beemz]

My piggies are just munching their hay, we have a bit of a housing predicament too

I think I saw that- hope it all works out!

 

[Sophie B]

I’m going to try to get some (much needed) beauty sleep now

 

[Beemz]

You’re from Scotland too! Anywhere near the Borders?

 

[Sophie B]

I’m in Fife, I was literally about to say I noticed you were in Scotland

 

[Sophie B]

I’m never sure wether or not to add it to my location, I did at one point then got uncomfortable with people knowing a close proximity to where I am, but it’s a guinea pig forum, not exactly flooding with creeps and murderers

 

[Piggies&buns]

I personally wouldn’t have them walk on the concrete not even with a dusting Of shavings. If my pigs go in their run on my patio (when the grass is wet), I always Cover the concrete with a plastic layer (don’t want them on wet concrete, also concrete is cold when in the shade), something absorbent and then cover with either hay or a fleece so it is thick and they are walking on soft flooring. Their feet are so sensitive and the risk of Bumblefoot on abrasive surfaces will be present.

 

[Beemz]

I’m never sure wether or not to add it to my location, I did at one point then got uncomfortable with people knowing a close proximity to where I am, but it’s a guinea pig forum, not exactly flooding with creeps and murderers

Hahahahaha! Who knows!

 

[Beemz]

I personally wouldn’t have them walk on the concrete not even with a dusting Of shavings. If my pigs go in their run on my patio (when the grass is wet), I always Cover the concrete with a plastic layer (don’t want them on wet concrete, also concrete is cold when in the shade), something absorbent and then cover with either hay or a fleece so it is thick and they are walking on soft flooring. Their feet are so sensitive and the risk of Bumblefoot on abrasive surfaces will be present.

Thanks for your reply/ that is my gut feeling too-
In that case we could do a wooden floor throughout and line it with vinyl.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thanks for your reply/ that is my gut feeling too-
In that case we could do a wooden floor throughout and line it with vinyl.

Sounds like an excellent idea