Size Yet another cage question, this one about size... - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**Heady** · #1 10-28-09, 02:53 pm

I don't know if I should have posted this question in my other thread about whether or not the cage has to be a rectangle, and if so, I'm really sorry! I figured it would be safe to make another thread since it's a different question.

As most of you know, I have two pigs, Santino and Barney, and they live in a 3 grids by 4 grids cage. After everyone helped me with the question about cage shape, I now am wondering if making the cage a 2 grid by 4 grid cage would be cruel to the pigs? I figured out that making the cage into a 2X4 would be a lot easier on my back, but at the same time, the happiness and health of my pigs is my first priority.

If I am allowed to change it to this size, I would like to use the extra grids to make a loft...but I'm not wanting to change the size for this purpose. It was just an extra thought.

**2pigs2kids** · #2 10-28-09, 03:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heady

I now am wondering if making the cage a 2 grid by 4 grid cage would be cruel to the pigs?

Actually a 2x4 is the recommended size for 2 pigs so it shouldn't be a problem. I have my two boars in a 2x4 and it works out great. I don't have a loft area yet but one of these days will get around to making it!

**Heady** · #3 10-28-09, 03:10 pm

Oh good! I haven't done it yet because I want to make sure I'm not making a huge mistake, so thank you for letting me breathe!

I figured instead of making an "L" shaped cage, I can just take away a row and it will make the cutting foam core and linoleum process much easier!

**akstrohm** · #4 10-28-09, 03:49 pm

A lot of boars get along fine in a 2x4, but a 2x5 is better for some. Just keep an eye on your pigs and make sure they are getting along okay with less space.

Keep in mind that a loft does not count toward space requirements as the ramp actually takes away space from running.

**Heady** · #5 10-28-09, 03:59 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by akstrohm

A lot of boars get along fine in a 2x4, but a 2x5 is better for some. Just keep an eye on your pigs and make sure they are getting along okay with less space.

Keep in mind that a loft does not count toward space requirements as the ramp actually takes away space from running.

I didn't even consider a 2X5!! That's a good idea!

I knew about the loft not counting and the ramp taking space away, so that idea was more of a spur of the moment thought than an actual consideration, I suppose! I would like to eventually to that for them, but I would rather do it with a larger cage. A larger, yet accessible cage, I should say!!

Once I hit up Bed, Bath and Beyond again and find a coroplast dealer around here, I'm planning to make something fun for them!!!

**princesspoppy** · #6 10-28-09, 04:00 pm

I started out with free range and then went to a 2x4 cage . To be honest it was easy for me to clean but the 2 pigs were not happy. So i made a 3x4 and right away they loved it. I have no problem in cleaning it. I actually sit inside the cage and play with them and clean up the tossed hay and scattered poop. No problems at all. Happy pigs and happy mama.

**lissie** · #7 10-28-09, 04:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heady

... and find a coroplast dealer around here, I'm planning to make something fun for them!!!

Have you check: GE Polymershapes, Branch Locator ?
I got coroplast for $10 from the branch near me.

**Peggysu** · #8 10-28-09, 04:29 pm

I had a 2x4 originally with my sows, but they had a lot of little tiffs. Now that they have been in a 3x4 they are much happier. This cage is raised one grid high.

Have you thought about raising the cage? This might help your back. The 3x3 that I have on the floor is a pain to bend over and clean and I don't have back problems.

**Heady** · #9 10-28-09, 04:44 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by princesspoppy

I started out with free range and then went to a 2x4 cage . To be honest it was easy for me to clean but the 2 pigs were not happy. So i made a 3x4 and right away they loved it. I have no problem in cleaning it. I actually sit inside the cage and play with them and clean up the tossed hay and scattered poop. No problems at all. Happy pigs and happy mama.

This is good to know! The problem I have about cleaning is that I had a spinal fusion (for scoliosis) so bending and what not is sometimes painful and flat out difficult to do. That's why my cage doesn't sit on the floor, so I can't sit in it. Plus, it's better for it to be off the floor because of the cats. As much as they would like to hang with the pigs, it's a huge no-no unless during supervised play time in the art room.

Since they're frequently out of the cage during the day, I don't think a 2X4 would be an issue. However, I really appreciate you telling me how your pigs reacted, so I can take that into consideration.

I haven't started the remodel yet because I would like to get as much advice and personal experiences that I can before I decide.

Now, in another thread I created about making the cage a different shape than rectangular, a few people helped me with design ideas to keep the same number of wall grids that I have, but change the shape.

Upon reading your story, I may do that instead of making it a boring 2X4. So, I suppose, the way it looks in my head, it will be an "L" shape. Still the same amount of grids and floor space...just more accessible!

Thank you again for sharing your experience with me!!

**Heady** · #10 10-28-09, 04:48 pm

Thank you lissie for the information on coroplast! I'm going to call them tomorrow and see if they deliver.

And thank you Peggysu! I'm sorry I didn't see your post before I replied to the other one!! That is also good to know about your sow's reaction! I don't actually have the cage raised on grids...I used these shelves I got from Wal Mart to hold my art supplies, but then decided to use them to support the cage...they're probably about 1 1/2 grids high.

**lissie** · #11 10-28-09, 05:12 pm

I don't think they will deliver. It's a warehouse type place.

**Heady** · #12 10-28-09, 05:47 pm

Oh, good to know! I used Mapquest and it's about 30 minutes away, so I know the husband will say no because our car is having some problems.

I don't know a lot about coroplast,, but from what people have said on here, they get in in sheets, like 4ft. by 8ft...and I wonder, is it even possible for it to be delivered? I see companies that do deliver it, but...I can't figure out how that works. Can it be folded and boxed? Or will it kind of snap where it's folded?

Sorry for all the questions! I just like to be informed

**lissie** · #13 10-28-09, 06:14 pm

Standard size is 4'x8' (4mm thick).
It can be rolled, there's a picture in the gallery.

**Heady** · #14 10-28-09, 06:56 pm

Great to know!! Thank you lissie!

"Thank you, 2pigs2kids, for this useful post," says:
Heady (10-28-09)

"Thank you, princesspoppy, for this useful post," says:
Heady (10-28-09)

"Thank you, lissie, for this useful post," says:
Heady (10-28-09)

"Thank you, Peggysu, for this useful post," says:
Heady (10-28-09)