Cage: My cage is totally stressing me out!!

[JennG]

My piggies have plenty of zooming room but you have to remember that I have mostly sows and alot of senior/special needs piggies in my herds. Most don't zoom anymore.

Good luck w/ building your new cage. This is the longest I've had this set up in the past 4yrs. (And this is my 11th cage design. )

[Somanypets]

Originally Posted by Corinne

If they are confused as to what you're looking for, tell them it looks like plastic cardboard. There's usually an 'a-ha!' moment after that.

I just got back from Canadian Tire and Home Depot. I picked up another box of cubes from CT. I saw that 'a-ha' moment you mentioned at Home Depot. LOL. At least I have my corroplast now. They only had opaque and white at Home Depot but I don't care about the colour. I bought six sheets so I can screw up a couple of times.

The only problem is making the external ramp. I'm going to research that a bit more first.

Also I going to buy some of those piggy bedspreads. I know it is a lot more $$. I really believe that if you put the initial cost out it saves later and all that. I think that was my problem before. I tried to cheap out on some things.

JennG: That is sad to hear that your piggies don't "zoom" so much anymore. That is one of my fave parts of having piggies.

[JennG]

I've had zooming & popcorning piggies. I love my seniors/special needs piggies. They're all so sweet.

Can't wait to see your new cage!

[Somanypets]

Originally Posted by JennG

I've had zooming & popcorning piggies. I love my seniors/special needs piggies. They're all so sweet.

Can't wait to see your new cage!

I'm sorry if you thought that I insinuated that your pigs were any less of a joy. I bet they are all wonderful!

I'm building the cage now. I have a bit of a concern though. I'm creating the second level now and notice that the center is sagging some. Should I be reinforcing it some how? I'm using the regular grids and connectors.

[JennG]

SMP, No I didn't take it wrong. I do miss the popcorning but I wanted to share that the laid back piggies are what I enjoy. It's all good!

And the sagging is partly why I went w/ a shelving unit. Everytime I'd open my cage, the middle would sag. I was afraid of the cage falling apart. Plus it doesn't take up as much room but still gives everyone enough space.

[pigsmakemesmile]

I really hear your dilemma. I'm never satisfied with my pen set-up. I'm trying to enhance their well being and make pen cleaning a lot easier for myself.
I have terrible problems with my back and have to be careful with any activity.
I'm tired of washing the fleece and concerned about the extra water I'm using.
I'm concerned about the cost of shavings....aspen's not cheap and so is everything else not cheap.
I too have limited space...and why the heck do they have to poo so much???? God I love them so much though, they'd be the most perfect pet if they didn't poo and pee all over the place. I know it's not their fault, it's how nature created them....aside from making them so cute.
So if you or anyone develops a creative idea....let me know. At this point I'll try anything.

[Somanypets]

Originally Posted by pigsmakemesmile

So if you or anyone develops a creative idea....let me know. At this point I'll try anything.

I am actually going to try to copy this cage.Pixie and Zinnea's new Girly cage - Guinea Pig Cage Photos

I have ordered some of these too: link removed by moderator but I figure the ease of cleaning and washing will be worth it.

I'll post pictures once I'm done.

[cielo]

I love my cage! I have an L-shape 2 x 7 C&C cage. The base are grids and eventhought I thought that was not strong enough it hold my dogs paws pushings...WoW!!! I would have loved a wood base, since my weist will appreciate it more, but my handyman hasn't shown any interest on doing it...LoL!!! What I love the most is that I build it by myself...YaY!!!

My point, it took me several upgrades to get to what it was comfortable and I like. Just be patient you'll get there!

[Somanypets]

Thank you for the encouragement!

[pigsmakemesmile]

Thank you Somany for the links. I liked the girly cage but how do you clean the first level with the level over top?? Also, before you consider the piggy bed spreads...check out the page to the side under Assistedliving.com....they sell underpads ie"super soaker". I took a look at it and I think these would be comparable to the piggy bedspreads but way cheaper. I'm a nurse and have used these underpads for patients and if they work for patients...I think they'd work well for pigs. they may not be as decorative though...take a look and tell me what you think. Oh by the way...so howmany pets do you have?????

[Corinne]

Glad Home Depot worked out.

I my Piggie Bedspreads. Yes, they were pricey but the ease of care really makes it worth while.

I can get it 90% cleaned in the cage and then bat off the rest with a broom into my front garden. They wash like a dream in the washer too!

What patterns did you order?

[Somanypets]

Originally Posted by pigsmakemesmile

I liked the girly cage but how do you clean the first level with the level over top??

I am putting doors with carabiners for locks at both ends of the enclosed level. Then I'll be able to get at the pigs (and poops!) easily. To do a total change I'll be able to slid out the coroplast tray.

Originally Posted by pigsmakemesmile

Oh by the way...so howmany pets do you have?????

I have nine at the moment. 3 firebelly newts, 3 apple snails and then my 3 boars. I know that isn't as many as some, but for me it's a lot.

I'll look into those pads, but I've already ordered the bedspreads. Thanks

Originally Posted by Corinne

Glad Home Depot worked out.

I my Piggie Bedspreads. Yes, they were pricey but the ease of care really makes it worth while.

I can get it 90% cleaned in the cage and then bat off the rest with a broom into my front garden. They wash like a dream in the washer too!

What patterns did you order?

I ordered the Dolphin camo w/black and the Daisy w/purple. I can't wait for them to arrive. What I think I'll like most about them is the fact that they are one piece.

Does anyone have any easy ideas on making an external ramp that is a breeze to clean? I still have not been able to come up with a plan.

[pigsmakemesmile]

for ramps, I've tried pvc piping and used bungy cords to attach it to the pen. Pvc piping...you can get it hard or flexible and is inexpensive, can purchase at a hardware store or lowes or homedepot. I like the flexible because you can work with better. Another way I've made ramps is taking one or 2 grids and bending them to the shape I want then zip-tied it to the pen. If it's external, then maybe pvc pipe would be better because it's enclosed and you wouldn't need to worry about them falling off. with a good pair of wire cutters you can cut a circle out of the grid, pvc also comes ribbed which I like too as I found it easier in getting it to fit. You can even get Y-connectors for the tube, then you can manipulate the ramp to go in different directions. I must have re-designed it a least a dozen times. Too me it's just fun. To see how I did my bent ramps, see my gallery (click on the camera).

[Somanypets]

Originally Posted by pigsmakemesmile

I've tried pvc piping and used bungy cords to attach it to the pen. Pvc piping...you can get it hard or flexible and is inexpensive, can purchase at a hardware store or lowes or homedepot. I like the flexible because you can work with better.

I had considered the piping. I'm concerned that it will be difficult to remove and clean. I've even thought of scrapping the ramp completly and taking this opportunity to seperate the two of my boars who don't get on to well. Then adopt another boar so there will be 2 boars per level. I am a bit concerned that these two will start to fight if they are both on the same level and one of them cant get to the ramp to get away.

Originally Posted by pigsmakemesmile

To see how I did my bent ramps, see my gallery (click on the camera).

I always wondered what the camera was for!

[Somanypets]

I'm finally done updating my cage. It hasn't turned out like I planned. So at first I made this:



I liked it but the lower level was too hard to get to and it was impossible to get the pigs out.

So now I have this:



I took the upper level off and it is in the kitchen with Gizmo in it. Yes, Gizmo is on his own at the moment but he has a friend on the way.

It's amazing how a little looking turns pigs up. It so happens that my mom works with a lady who has to rehome her lone pig. She as a dog, rabbit and pig. When I first heard about her my thought was 'aahh get that pig away from that rabbit!' Turns out that she needs to rehome because the dog got at the pig! I'm so disgusted that she had the pig in a situation that the dog could get at it! Anyway, they are in another city (3 hours away) so will be bringing the pig soon. A vet looked at it and she says its fine, just missing some hair (and must have a few shot nerves!)

Edit: I tried to make the pictures bigger but cant seem to resize them. If you want a close look they are in my gallery.

[Deb's4Pigs]

Poor pig. I have a large exercise pen around both my pigs and my cockatiel. The only time there is almost an accident is when I clean the cage.

I am interested in the piggie breadspreads but it looks like it might cost almost $200.00. My cage is 2x7.

[lissie]

Your new cage looks great. I'm glad it all works out for you. Don't forget to quarantine the new guy. Poor thing. I hope he's ok.

[ShainaBee]

What does a shelving unit cage look like?
I'm so confused trying to picture it in my head.

Could someone please post a photo?

[Somanypets]

Originally Posted by Deb's4Pigs

I am interested in the piggie breadspreads but it looks like it might cost almost $200.00. My cage is 2x7.

Yes they are a bit expensive. Here I am whinning about spending soo much on their cage and I drop $320 (after the exchange rate) on Piggie Bedspreads. I'm hoping that the ease of cleaning, less laundry and $$ saved on puppy pads will be worth it.

Lissie: I am planning on doing the quarantine . It's going to be interesting having pigs in almost every room in my apartment! 2 in the living room, 1 in the kitchen, and 1 will be in my bedroom. I think he is coming this weekend.

[lissie]

Originally Posted by ShainaBee

What does a shelving unit cage look like?
I'm so confused trying to picture it in my head.

Could someone please post a photo?

My 10th cage-holds 14piggies - Guinea Pig Cage Photos

GP Mansion - Guinea Pig Cage Photos