How Long Is Acceptable In A Small Home

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Claire W

Claire W

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My four piggies usually live free range in a 6ft by 3ft by 3ft shed which includes two small hunches either end that they come and go from.

However, because Eliza is having issues with her eye area again (plus due to this recent bad weather) the piggies are currently indoors in a room where I leave the window slightly open so the temperature in there isn't too warm for them due to them going back to their shed at some point.

Anyway, their indoor accommodation is only for temporary use it is far too small for perminant accommodation but as I can't have them living indoors all the time due to lack of space and other circumstances, I figured that it is better than nothing.

Basically it is a large dog crate which is ideal as it folds down easily for storage and due to its shape, at least I can put domes in there which they also like to lay on top of if I put a crash pad on top.

Obviously I know that this isn't the greatest for four guinea pigs but like I say, it is the best I can do.

They do have regular lap and floor time daily and when supervised, I do leave the front of the cage open so they can come and go (although they prefer to just sit in the cage).

My question is, how long is it acceptable to keep piggies in a smaller home than they are used to? They are a bonded group of 3 sows and a neutered boar.

The longest time they have lived in there for was for 5 days over New Year.
 
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Well....do you think they are ok in there? Are they bar chewing or squabbling? Do they have room to do piggie laps and popcorn? X
 
Eliza doesn't run round and popcorn but she's my elderly lady. The other 3 manage to run and popcorn and there's been no bar chewing or squabbling apart from the usual dominant behaviour.
 
I have what looks like a slightly larger crate than that which used to house my free range house rabbit at night (lost her some time ago) and at times of real space shortage (house party at New Year) I've put my 2 piggies into it. They really didn't like it (they usually live in a 5 x 2 C and C so it really cramped their style) but no harm came to them - they just sulked a lot and were grumpy with me. It's not like it's forever, and as long as they get plenty of floor time each day and aren't fighting I'd say it's ok as a short term measure while the weather is vile and you are having to deal with health issues. There are many piggies in the world who do not live in the luxurious accommodation ours are clearly accustomed to.
 
Thank you for the replies :) They seem happy enough.

I know it isn't the best, but I hope it does the job under the circumstances.

I could have Eliza in there by herself but I would rather her be with her friends having being separated from her friends for 8 weeks last year x
 
XL is usually 42 inch which provides 8 sq ft which is more than the 6.5 sq ft provided by a ferplast 120 (base slopes so its not close the 8 sq ft it would provide if was actually 120x60) that is fine for 2 pigs so whilst i know you have more pigs I dont think its that bad housing I know 4 need more space than 2 but temporarily I dont think its bad especially if they have time out as well! Loads of pigs live their entire lives in 80cm cages and live to a healthy age I dont feel that keeping them in that crate is cruel if there is a reason like there is :-)
 
Claire W said:
Thank you, I feel a little better now.

They usually choose a place to chill out separately so I'm happy they have the space to do that x
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I think your piggies would tell you if there was a real problem with their accommodation x
 
I'm sure they'd squabble if they felt ontop of each other it may be an issue to use long term as less space would probably mean less exercise but aa its temporary I'm sure itll be fine. You'd know if they were unhappy x
 
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