Two storey Vs. Single advice

[Jemima]

Hello.
We are nearly 100% decided on getting Guinea Pigs. I am in talks with my localGP rescue, who are being very helpful, and do C&C set ups, but I am waiting to hear back from them if the lids on the C%C cages are strong enough to withhold a small cat jumping on it. I do NOT plan to let my cat do that, obviously! But for peace of mind, I need to know. I also worry slightly that he may be able to get a claw through the spaces in the mesh... He is a tiny, young boy cat, who likes to chase mice.

My husband is a carpenter, and might, just might, agree to make a hutch for the GPs. He's very good at this kind of thing. Now, the rescue place suggested that a two storey hutch would be better suited to babies/youngsters. Also, if we do keep them indoors - well, we will have to from Oct-April at the very least, we don't have a massive amount of room, so a two storey like this might be suitable? The dimensions are

• External dimensions: Length 120cm, Width 60cm, Total height of each tier 40cm plus 2cm for roof (max height 82cm)
• Internal dimensions: Length 116cm, Width 56cm, Height of each tier 38cm

Two Tier Stackable Guinea Pig Cage - High quality - Made in the UK.

I'd think we'd have to make it a bit bigger.

Or, do we go for a C&C set up on the floor, single story.

Or, do we try to replicate something like this.

Extra Large Indoor Guinea Pig Cage with Optional Roof

What are your views and experience with younger GPs and whether they handle slopes? How could we save space otherwise?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m afraid you can’t save space at all. They need their cage to be big enough on a single level as they are ground roaming creatures, and upper levels don’t count towards the cage size. A two storey space can mean they have somewhere else to go but it doesn’t make their cage bigger.
The internal measurements of that first cage make it too small for even two piggies.

They aren’t natural climbers, some are fine with ramps, some aren’t. The ramp needs to be at a gradual incline and have sides on it. Piggies will be scared to use it if it is too steep and open.

 

[Jemima]

I’m afraid you can’t save space at all. They need their cage to be big enough on a single level as they are ground roaming creatures, and upper levels don’t count towards the cage size. A two storey space can mean they have somewhere else to go but it doesn’t make their cage bigger.
The internal measurements of that first cage make it too small for even two piggies.

They aren’t natural climbers, some are fine with ramps, some aren’t. The ramp needs to be at a gradual incline and have sides on it. Piggies will be scared to use it if it is too steep and open.

Thanks! That's really helpful. There is more space in my daughters room than in my office, but I think they would keep her awake!

When I had rabbits as a child, they had a huge enclosure at the bottom of our garden and I am all for giving animals and much space as possible. If we don't have the space to have a big enough home for them, we won't get them.

I will continue my conversation with the lovely woman at the rescue.

 

[rp1993]

We have a cage like your third option and the boys love it ours is 180x70cm as we have two boys. We used to have a C&C cage with a loft and our boys loved running up and down but I know that’s not always the cage and they are absolutely fine without one, Pepper just jumps on-top of the wooden house and stick bridge instead!

 

[CV26]

I've posted pics of my set up in the other thread you quoted me on.

I can recommend the Ferplast Plaza 160 from Zooplus. It's certainly ok for two sows...I think it might be borderline for boars. You get a 120cm portion and then a 40cm section which works well for a hay/kitchen area...quite a few forum members have that cage.

Worth looking online for decent second hand ones too although new they're not overly expensive new. When the boys fell out and I needed another cage, I found one on Facebook for £30...it was new and never used.

I have mine on a table and my cat has never tried to jump on top of it. I guess he can't tell if it's solid enough so he hasn't attempted...he can see the piggies from the sofa anyway. He can squeeze his paws through the bars if he tried I think...but usually he just watches and if he shows more interest we distract him or encourage him away.

 

[CV26]

Just checked the forum recommendations and the Plaza 160 should be fine for boars too. Thought it was but couldn't quite remember!

 

[Jemima]

We have a cage like your third option and the boys love it ours is 180x70cm as we have two boys. We used to have a C&C cage with a loft and our boys loved running up and down but I know that’s not always the cage and they are absolutely fine without one, Pepper just jumps on-top of the wooden house and stick bridge instead!
View attachment 167749

That looks lovely! I have to make sure whatever we have has a roof, to protect them from my cat! But it's good to see how much space we would need to allow for. I am going to measure up my office now!