Room For A 3rd Pig?

[HeatherW]

Hello there,

I have a 2x3 stacked C&C cage (so 2x3 on the bottom with another 2x3 on the top which is connected by a 1x2 loft with a ramp on either side, if that makes sense). I currently have two sows (mother and daughter): Jasmine is 10.5 months and Pickle is 3.5 months. I'm considering adding a third piggy, but before I go any further, I first wanted to ask if I would have enough space.

Whilst the cage *technically* would be big enough, I've read elsewhere that you should only take the ground floor into account as piggies are ground-dwelling. Is that the case? If so, then I know I definitely don't have room!

Note: I've read through some of the guides on here already, so even if I have space for an extra piggle and decide to go ahead with it, I won't do it by myself and I'll get the help of a rescue which offers bonding as a service.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Guineapigfeet]

I think you’ve answered your own question really. 2x3 is defiantly not big enough for three pigs. Could you change the layout to make the bottom layer bigger and reduce the loft size? The recomended size for three girls is 2x5

 

[Swissgreys]

I tend to agree with @Guineapigfeet - even with the additional levels, the small space on each floor provides lots of 'stress points' - narrow areas where they are forced to be in close contact with no open backing off area.
If you are unable to reconfigure the cage to offer a large ground floor, with possible a loft, then I would stick with the 2 piggies you currently have.

 

[Wiebke]

Hello there,

I have a 2x3 stacked C&C cage (so 2x3 on the bottom with another 2x3 on the top which is connected by a 1x2 loft with a ramp on either side, if that makes sense). I currently have two sows (mother and daughter): Jasmine is 10.5 months and Pickle is 3.5 months. I'm considering adding a third piggy, but before I go any further, I first wanted to ask if I would have enough space.

Whilst the cage *technically* would be big enough, I've read elsewhere that you should only take the ground floor into account as piggies are ground-dwelling. Is that the case? If so, then I know I definitely don't have room!

Note: I've read through some of the guides on here already, so even if I have space for an extra piggle and decide to go ahead with it, I won't do it by myself and I'll get the help of a rescue which offers bonding as a service.

Thank you for your help!

Here is our cage size guide which includes minimal and recommended cages sizes: Cage Size Guide

Whether a rescue is OK with a trio in a 2x3 grid double decker depends on the individual rescue.

I would strongly recommend to look for a neutered boar that you can date at one of our good standard recommended rescues, so you come home with a new piggy only if acceptance has happened but you can at the same time be sure that any newbie is quarantined/healthy and has had some human interaction. While rescues ask a higher donation for neutered boars, this does not reflect the full operation cost and rescue care.

Trios are the most difficult constellation to get right as they are most prone to outsider problems. as long as your two sows are getting on well, a 'husboar' is the best bet for a successful trio as he is not part of the sow hierarchy and is therefore a natural outsider. Cross gender bondings are generally the most stable of all, so well worth any extra effort.
The Potteries Guinea Pig Rescue in Kidsgrove have just put up a newly neutered boar that has passed his post-op safety wait up for adoption, so you may want to enquire into that.
They are on our list of rescues we can guarantee that you are in safe hands: Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator

 

[HeatherW]

Thank you for your replies! My two piggies have no squabbles. The only time I've seen any sign of disgruntlement is on the ramps when one is quite happily blocking the way up/down and the other wants to get past. So yes, I see what you mean about stress points!

I was mainly considering an extra pig after I saw so many needing homes at the rescue. I guess I'll stick with donations for now as I don't have the space for an extra piggle at this time. Hopefully I can make some more room in my house and then expand in future.

Again, thanks for your help!