Guinea Pig Cages

[jrmasm]

I've thinking about getting a pair of guinea pigs and from what I'm reading, they need a lot of space. How big and what types of cages are you using and what does the cage sit on?

Thanks!

 

[Hannathy]

Guinea Pigs need a solid bottom, it doesn't need to be very high. Our cage is 30 inches long and 18 inches wide and 16 inches high. It is solid plastic tray with a wire cage that attaches to this tray so you can take it off and clean the tray. Get the bins that attach to the side of the cage, keeps them from dumping everything over. This is for one guinea pig. Our cage sits on a plain brown sturdy cardboard box. Doesn't look as bad as it sounds 'cause it is plain brown and slightly smaller than the cage bottom so it looks like a stand,and this raises it off the floor by about a foot. G.pigs don't do well in drafts. We keep ours in the kitchen which is attached to our family room because with company they get very social! Our's gets very annoyed if he doesn't think he is getting enough attention.

Extra hint use white vinegar to clean the plastic tray, works the best without worrying about harming the pig.

 

[ckay87]

It's tricky because I truly don't think any pet store sells a cage large enough for 2 piggies. However, there is a really cool solution that just takes a little work on your part.

Very good directions are here:
http://www.guineapigcages.com/howto.htm

...but I'll share with you my experience as well.

First you need to track something down called corrogated plastic. I was surprised at how easy this was. It is just like cardboard from a box, but it is plastic rather than paper. It can be found at any sign-making company. I simply called one and asked if they were willing to sell me a piece. They did so happily. I want to say it was about $25.

You'll also need to find wire storage cubes. They are those things that provide storage in like dorm rooms, etc. It's a bunch of wire squares and connectors that you would fasten together to make stacking cubes. Well, in our case, we'll connect them to make a wall of your piggie cage.

You then simply score the piece of corrogated plastic so that it folds up to make a tray, only about 6 inches deep. I just fastened the sides with boxing tape - it has held for 2 years now. Then, connect the wire squares to make a wall around the inside of the tray. I had wire squares and connectors left over so that I was able to make a stand and a hayloft as well.

Piggies aren't very adventurous - they don't climb and they will not escape. There is no need whatsoever to have a lid, I promise.

Check out the website above for exact dimensions, tricks and good examples. Your piggies will end up with lots of leg room AND a lot less stink.

ETA: I see the picture here has the wire on the outside. I screwed up my measurements and could only fit the wire on the inside, but it works just as well and piggie can't chew on the plastic.