I don't know what to do. (C+C Cage)

[Lizzie smith]

Hi, I have been a guinea pig momma for over 4 years now ha. I 'recently' adopted a new guinea pig (Jonty) who will be 3 this year. I also have a rabbit. They both have been living together for over a year now. I read earlier this week that rabbits are TOXIC to guinea pigs so I have made the decision to purchase my first C+C cage. which is something i have always wanted. it has two different floors so the rabbit and guinea pig will be separate. however this would now mean that my guinea pig would be alone. so i have decided to adopt another guinea pig to keep him company. I have spent days researching how to intergrade them together and I have everything prepared other than the new cage. the only bit that is confusing me is the floor part as the c+c cage I have brought is mostly wired I am really confused about how I am meant to put sawdust in the cage without some sort of tray? i know your meant to use corrugated plastic but its all so expensive and confusing so I wondered if any body new any information or alternatives that could help me?
p.s. the new adoption is taking part on Sunday and the cage will be built on Saturday

-thank you x

Edited by moderator

 

[Piggies&buns]

Well done for separating them And well done for getting your piggy his own new friend. Will the rabbit be getting a friend too? It’s not just the risk of illness which is the reason they shouldn’t be together, it’s the different dietary needs, the fact they don’t speak the same language and the fact rabbits can injure piggies.

It’s best if rabbits and piggies are kept in entirely separate rooms if at all possible. I keep both species and never let them share air space (they are never anywhere near each other), no equipment is ever shared, hands are washed between handling with the piggies always being handled first as the risk of cross contamination is too great.

Two male guinea pigs need a cage which is 5 grids by 2 grids - this measures 180x77cm.

A rabbit will need a cage measuring the same (5 grids by 2 grids) but also needs plenty of extra attached area to get out of the cage regularly (rabbits require a total of 60 square feet of space).

For a base, then yes most often correx is used, but alternatives such as plastic sheeting or shower curtains can also be used. A lot of people who use c&c cages, particularly if you aren’t having a correx base, use fleece as bedding rather than disposable beddings given there isn’t anything to hold the disposable bedding in.
If youre having stacked c&c cages then the bottom of the top cage needs a solid base as rabbits and piggies won’t be able to walk on the wire of the grids. So for the top cage, plastic sheeting wont be sufficient if its bottom is made using grids , it needs something more substantial such as the correx so any grids used to form the base of the top cage can’t be felt.

Member Gallery: C&C cages/homemade cages
Cage Size Guide

Guinea Pigs And Rabbits - Why Not

Is the new piggy coming from a rescue centre or bought from a pet shop?
If you are buying the new piggy, then do check the sex yourself to ensure it is also male.

The guide below will help you if you are carrying out the bonding yourself.

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

 

[VickiA]

I’ve edited the original post for safeguarding reasons. I am afraid that your account will need to be closed in accordance with the forum’s rules as membership is limited to members over the age of 18 years.