Newbie! Advice on C&C

[CookieAndWaffle]

Hi there! Newbie here hope I'm posting in the right place! I haven't owned piggies since I was a little girl but have now decided to add 2 baby sows to the family. They're due to come to us in 3 weeks! Originally the plan was to house them outside in a hutch but after research we've decided to give the girls their very own bedroom. This is the current set up we're working on - the Eurgad panels are 180cm x 90xm with correx base and we have a Ferplast 100 for bedtimes/while they're still babies. We are planning on using Carefresh bedding for the cage then fleece with puppy pads for base of c&c. We also have a large grass run outside for sunny days. We still have litter/hay trays to add and a perhaps a few toys, but really I wanted to ask how this set up sounds to you pros? Whether they'll have enough space or if there's something were forgetting? Myself and my 10 year old are super excited! Thanks!

 

[Siikibam]

I would take out the ferplast and just put in some hides for them. Make sure to have two of everything - hides, bowls (for pellets and veg), bottles and hay trays. See below for the link to some important threads for you to read through.
Quick Information Bundle For Wannabe Owners

Once they arrive do give them a week to settle in. In that time you can clean out the cage and top up their hay/put in veg. But leave them alone as in no handling. Also, you may want to cover their cage, or at least part of it so they feel safe. After that week you can start the guinea pig whispering.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

 

[Robin_]

I agree-- I would take out the Ferplast. A 100cm is too small for a pair of piggies, even just at night or if they're young. Is there any reason why they would need to stay in there at night? Is the pen not secure?

 

[CookieAndWaffle]

I agree-- I would take out the Ferplast. A 100cm is too small for a pair of piggies, even just at night or if they're young. Is there any reason why they would need to stay in there at night? Is the pen not secure?

The pen is secure, I just thought if I covered it with a blanket at night they'd feel a bit more secure while they were young or even just settling in? During the day they'll probably have run of the entire room when were home/playing with them, then I thought c&c for when we're not there to keep an eye then just the cage for bedtime or if we need to move them to clean etc. I just thought it would be a snug for them, as it comes with a hidey too plus somewhere to put their hay. If it's no good I can take it out though!

 

[CookieAndWaffle]

I would take out the ferplast and just put in some hides for them. Make sure to have two of everything - hides, bowls (for pellets and veg), bottles and hay trays. See below for the link to some important threads for you to read through.
Quick Information Bundle For Wannabe Owners

Once they arrive do give them a week to settle in. In that time you can clean out the cage and top up their hay/put in veg. But leave them alone as in no handling. Also, you may want to cover their cage, or at least part of it so they feel safe. After that week you can start the guinea pig whispering.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

Thank you - I haven't seen anywhere about not handling for a week so that's valuable info - obviously I would have let them settle for a while but probably not that long! Will definitely take note and have a read through

 

[Siikibam]

Thank you - I haven't seen anywhere about not handling for a week so that's valuable info - obviously I would have let them settle for a while but probably not that long! Will definitely take note and have a read through

It’s usually five days to let them settle in but I think a week doesn’t do any harm.

If you put hides in the c&c that should be enough for them.

 

[Alisa3114]

You could also modify it so the cage was on the outside connected onto the C&C so they would have the lovely big area of the C&C and the option to go in the cage if they wanted to.