What cages should I get?

[vicky.]

I'm thinking about adopting 3 guinea pig sows, they're 1 years old, I want to have 2 cages for them, a c&c cage for when I'm home and a kind of commercial cage for them for when I'm sleeping or away. The cage that I've been thinking about for the nightime/when I'm not home is the ferplast 120 or ferplast 140. I've read online on a forum that the ferplast 120 would be enough for 2 boars or 3 sows, but on google it says that the minimum cage requirement for 3 guinea pigs is 10.5 square feet, I've calculated that the 140 is 10.6 square feet. Would the ferplast 120 be enough or do I need to buy the 140? I'd rather buy the right size first rather than buying the wrong size then having to buyy the bigger one

 

[Piggies&buns]

They need to stay in the same cage all the time - you really shouldn’t keep moving them from a c&c to a commercial at night. That would disrupt them too much.

I’m afraid neither a ferplast 120 or 140 is big enough for three sows at any point. Its only minimum for two sows and is never big enough for boars.

For three piggies you need a cage covering 12 square feet (which no commercial cage cover that), ideally 5x2 c&c cage which measures 180x70cm and is the recommended size for three piggies.
If you really need a commercial cage then the only one even near suitable for three is a ferplast plaza 160 but that is absolute minimum size for three piggies

 

[Piggies&buns]

This guide will help you as a prospective/new owner
New Owners' Essential Information and Practical Tips Starter Collection

 

[vicky.]

Are there any cages that are big enough for the 3 guinea pigs but have a top/roof so my cat can't jump onto the cage? My cat is very friendly and she wouldn't hurt them at all but she can be curious and I don't want her to jump into their cage if that makes sense

 

[Piggies&buns]

The ferplast plaza 160 is the only commercial cage which comes near to being big enough for three piggies. It measures 160x60 and covers 10.3 sq ft. This is only minimum and it’s always best to go to recommended - lack of space can cause fall outs.
You could however get two commercial cages and join them together with cable ties.

It’s also worth noting that lids can be added to c&c cages.

It’s good your cat is friendly but definitely don’t trust her, she is a predator after all!
Also consider that even if she isn’t bothered by the piggies, the piggies are likely to be scared by her.

 

[piggieminder]

Before spending money on a cage I would speak to the rescue you are thinking of adopting from. Good rescues these days have cage requirements and won't adopt out unless what you have complies to their requirements.
You can get or make lids for C&C cages.

 

[vicky.]

I totally forgot about that that's a really good point thanks so much

 

[vicky.]

@Piggies&buns thank you so much for the help I'll think about c&c cages with a top

 

[Wheekallweek]

A c and c with a lid would be great. Or as @Piggies&buns has said you could join two commercial cages together with cable ties to make a lovely big cage

 

[eileen]

I've a cage that is 150cm x77cm this equals 13 square feet.its the liberta cage ,you can buy it from pet planet(on line),or jolleys.


It's is a very sturdy commercial cage.it needs slight adjustments to the upper level.i house one neutered boar and two sows in this cage,it meets most rescues rehousing requirements.

 

[vicky.]

thanks @eileen