Introductions: Getting my Guniea Pigs tomorrow~~~

[Rose11]

Hi everyone,
Guess what... I'm getting my guinea pigs tomorrow so I was wondering if you guys could give me any tips about what fruits and veggies to feed them, how often and good wyas to clean their cage, ect. I really want to be a great owner but in order to be the best owner possible I need to know how to be a great one!
Please give me some tips!!!

[wheekers01]

Are you using a C&C cage?

[Rose11]

Yes, I built a C&C cage, but we are worried about the dogs and cats getting in, so when I'm not home we will have them in a storebought cage.

[vicky2]

You could just elevate the cage and make a top for it.

[Ly&Pigs]

Go to the Diet and Nutrition forum and read all the sticky threads (the ones at the top of the forum).

You can get info on cleaning from the About Cages forum. If you do some searches you will find the answers to your questions.

[Rose11]

I did make a lid, but my dogs have killed my hamsters before and I am worried, another question is if you use the cubes for the top too, it kind of wobbily and how do you support it?

[vicky2]

You can use shelving units for the top.
Look through this:
Safety - Guinea Pig Cage Photos

[angiekay]

Congrats on getting your new additions, can't wait to see pics.

[Paula]

Originally Posted by Rose11

I did make a lid, but my dogs have killed my hamsters before and I am worried, another question is if you use the cubes for the top too, it kind of wobbily and how do you support it?

You can use zip/cable ties to make it sturdy.

Since you have a dog you know has a strong prey drive, is there a way you can make sure the pigs are behind a closed door at all times and never left unsupervised with the dog? Just having the pigs in a pet store cage while you aren't home might not be enough depending on how persistent and/or strong the dog is.

Good luck to you and your new additions.

[blackarrow]

I would definitely recommend using the shelving units for the top, like Vicky mentioned. They are wider than the grids are and the overlap helps keep the cage from being able to collapse in on itself. Use a TON of cable ties, everywhere. And WATCH THAT DOG.

Good luck.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Were you able to find a rescue or shelter?

Shelving unit cut to size works well.

[pigsforlife]

What about putting the cage on a table? I have two dogs that although I doubt would harm a fly, are super curious. One of them in particular is just facinated by the pigs and would sit and watch them for hours if I let him. I brought a table from Bunnings (hardware store) for $60 that easily fits a 2x4 (it will fit a 2x5 if you overlap the very last square). It was the longest table I could find at the time but does a brilliant job as it is very sturdy. I have a 2x4 on it at the moment, with a 2x3 stacked on top.

The pigs do have their own room, with the door shut, but if the dogs were to be let in there by accident, I know that the pigs will be safe as they are well and truly elevated off the ground on a sturdy table.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

A store bought cage isn't really all that much safer. It can be knocked over pretty easily and fall apart.

[SamanthaK]

My advice would be to let them chill in the cage in a quiet space for a bit. Then make sure to handle them regularly once they become used to you and your home. Start short when first handling, it takes them awhile to get used to everything. My Daisy Pig is now so well adjusted even a classroom of third graders don't scare her, in fact on visit days she gets so excited. I'm working on my new one, her friend Lillian, Lily for short, it seems to be working.

Good luck! Beleive me, eventually you'll be cavy crazy.