IKEA Pax?

A

AnnaHeartsGuineaPigs

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Hello :)

After the recent loss of my sow, I have some extra space in my room from where her cage was.
Losing her made me realize that I should never take my pets for granted and give them the best life possible and so I am looking at upgrading the cage of my 2 boars.

My 2 boars are currently in a 2x6 C&C Cage which is approx. 16 sq ft and I'm looking for something at least 20 sq ft.

I was looking at my options and I don't want to do another C&C cage since that ended up being quite expensive with the 2x6 and a lot of work. Any store-bought cages are also of the table since I don't think there are any commercially available cages that are the size I am looking for.

The only other possibility is a wooden DIY/Hack thingy. This got me thinking about the IKEA Pax which has recently started ramping up for hamsters. I would get them the largest size which would give them 10 extra square feet which I'm sure they would appreciate. I would get the one that is 35 cm tall and just lay it on its back.

Any thoughts about this? I think it is made out of melamine so it would be waterproof - or in this case pee proof - and easily wipeable. Are there any factors that would make it unsuitable for them?

Here is the one I'm looking at: PAX Wardrobe frame, white, 100x35x236 cm - IKEA
 
The only thing I would suggest is to seal all the seams/corners with waterproof caulk (the stuff you use around baths) becuase if moisture from pee gets into the edges it may swell and then crumble as most furniture like this is not made of solid wood, but a wood conglomerate but the size will be fantastic
 
Another thing to think about is the height/depth. At only 35cm I would worry about them climbing onto hides and possibly getting out. I’m thinking about c&c grids and mine could have jumped out if they were so inclined. Is there a way you could add wood to the sides or even Perspex/glass/something similar? Someone please do correct me if I’m wrong.
 
Siikibam said:
Another thing to think about is the height/depth. At only 35cm I would worry about them climbing onto hides and possibly getting out. I’m thinking about c&c grids and mine could have jumped out if they were so inclined. Is there a way you could add wood to the sides or even Perspex/glass/something similar? Someone please do correct me if I’m wrong.
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:agr: It‘s definitely worth looking into making the sides taller. Pewter managed to get out of her cage via a hidey multiple times; even when I was 100% certain she wouldn’t be able to.
 
Siikibam said:
Another thing to think about is the height/depth. At only 35cm I would worry about them climbing onto hides and possibly getting out. I’m thinking about c&c grids and mine could have jumped out if they were so inclined. Is there a way you could add wood to the sides or even Perspex/glass/something similar? Someone please do correct me if I’m wrong.
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There is a version of the exact same pax except it is 58 cm instead of 35. Otherwise it has the same measurements. Would that one be more suitable? I just worry about it being too high.

Here is the link: PAX Wardrobe frame, white, 100x58x236 cm - IKEA
 
I suppose the frame would be big enough to place all the hides into the middle of the area and to regularly check they are not being moved to the sides. It very much depends on what type of piggies you have, some enjoy the drama of escape, others are very happy to stay where they consider is home and safe
 
stef.trg said:
:agr: It‘s definitely worth looking into making the sides taller. Pewter managed to get out of her cage via a hidey multiple times; even when I was 100% certain she wouldn’t be able to.
Click to expand...
I have an enclosure that's only 27cm and my boys have never yet attempted to climb out. But just in case, I take care not to put any hides near the edge so they don't have anything to climb on to. In any case, I wouldn't be too worried about the height.
 
The frame looks pretty good. The only reason I can think of a to why not, is that it's side are not see-through. Guinea pigs are very curious by nature so a see-through cage is a lot better for them. They'd also like to see what your doing outside their enclosure. Otherwise I think it'd make s great home for them!
 
That would be better. Could you replace one side with some Perspex or similar?
 
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