Upper Levels: Should I add an upper level?

[couchon]

Currently, I have two female piggies in a 2x3. I know that's the absolute minimum, and I will definitely expand as soon as I move to a different place. Currently, I have an apartment that's 150 sq feet of space, including the bathroom and the "kitchen area" (since this is a studio, everything except for the bathroom is in the same room). I physically do not have enough space for a 2x4 unless I get rid of my bed. I didn't know how much space piggies needed before I moved to this apartment.

Given that, should I add on a level? I know that the ramp will take up space, but my piggies don't really run laps. They do run around but not in a circle, usually. I think if I make a 1x2 and zip-tie it, I won't need to use a grid in the middle to support it, so it's just the question of the space take up by the ramp. Someone on Guinea Lynx suggested that I should do this, so my piggies can run up and down the ramp and get exercise (this is how I started considering the idea), but I wanted more opinions.

[1frankie7]

How do your pigs get exercise?

[couchon]

Inside or outside the cage? Inside the cage, they run around a bit. Outside, floor time in my apartment. One likes to explore during floor time, and the other is not terribly active (she has never been).

[akstrohm]

I would say no, unless you can make the ramp outside of the main part of the cage or have it land on top of a hidey (or anything else that does not take up room). If your pigs don't run laps, they are unlikely to run up and down a ramp, especially if it is steep or doesn't have a great grip.

Instead, just give them plenty of floor time. They'll be fine in a 2x3 if they're getting an hour or more of floor time per day.

[JD In Van]

You can get some cool little hidies that have steps built into them and a little platform top. Since I have an open cage I figured these were a rescipe for escape BUT if you wanted to build a second level with out taking up additional space you could maybe replace one of your hidies with one of these?

[couchon]

JD, could you tell me where you got those? I have never seen anything like that!

[JD In Van]

Originally Posted by couchon

JD, could you tell me where you got those? I have never seen anything like that!

I saw them at Bosley's Pet Foods Plus recently. Unfortunitely they don't seem to have an online store. I'll snap a picture with my phone next time I'm there though.

[JD In Van]

I found a picture. They have several sizes from guinea pig up to large rabbit.

Amazon.com: JW Pet Walk Up Barn Small Animal Toy: Kitchen & Dining