It honestly breaks my heart that I'm even considering this. I've had two female guinea pigs for 3 years now when I bought them I wasn't fully aware of everything they needed. I did the typical thing of going to the pet shop and picking out a cage that was far too small. I rushed into it and I wish I had known. I bought them a new cage at the start of this year but it's only 105 cm by 60 which I know isn't really big enough, it's the biggest I could get with the space I have. They fight sometimes and over the past two days they've been fighting a lot. I share a bedroom and it's waking my sister up at night which I feel guilty about. I know it might not sound like it but I do love them, I just don't think I can provide good enough care for them, at the same time I can't imagine not having them and I don't know how I'm even going to cope with rehoming them if I do
Rehoming
- Thread starter K767
- Start date
I’m sorry to hear this.
You are right that the cage isn’t big enough, the minimum for two sows is 120cm x 60cm, and unfortunately lack of space can cause problems between them.
You are doing a lovely thing in considering their needs and what is best for them.
if you decide to give them up, then taking them to a rescue centre is best as they will ensure their new owners home has been checked
You are right that the cage isn’t big enough, the minimum for two sows is 120cm x 60cm, and unfortunately lack of space can cause problems between them.
You are doing a lovely thing in considering their needs and what is best for them.
if you decide to give them up, then taking them to a rescue centre is best as they will ensure their new owners home has been checked
Sweet Potato
Adult Guinea Pig
I did the same when I first got my boys but I was lucky enough that they never fought and I was always planning to get them a bigger cage and I was able to get them one just under the minimum after 1 year and upgrade to well over the minimum after 1.5 years. As sad as it may be I do feel that if you don't feel there's a way you could ever meet these standards finding a good rescue to give them to may be the kindest option
Welcome to the Forum
You sound like a very committed owner who is clearly doing their best.
Sadly the cage is too small and this may be the reason they are fighting.
However if they have been together for 3 years it could also be the sign of an underlying health issue too.
Sometimes it is better to be honest and admit that your pets may be better in another home of you can't meet their needs.
If you can give us a rough idea where in the UK you are located we can help you find a reputable rescue to have a chat with.
Calling a rescue and asking for advice does not mean you have to regime them but might help clarify what the best thing to do for your girls is.
You sound like a very committed owner who is clearly doing their best.
Sadly the cage is too small and this may be the reason they are fighting.
However if they have been together for 3 years it could also be the sign of an underlying health issue too.
Sometimes it is better to be honest and admit that your pets may be better in another home of you can't meet their needs.
If you can give us a rough idea where in the UK you are located we can help you find a reputable rescue to have a chat with.
Calling a rescue and asking for advice does not mean you have to regime them but might help clarify what the best thing to do for your girls is.
I had a thought, I have a play pen which is much bigger than their cage, it can't be out all the time because it takes up a lot of space but for some hours during the day and then back in the cage at night. I do give them time on the floor out of their cage but this would be easier and would give them more space to exercise than in their cage. It's not perfect but would this be a good solution for the time being? It's possible I might be able to provide them with a bigger cage at some point but not in the near future
It’s a good temporary solution and will give them a little more space but as you know, it’s not ideal as the cage they are going back into is below welfare standards.
do have them vet checked though In case their sudden fall out is caused by an illness