Hello, I'm new here.

[MCR_Rox]

Hello, My name is Angela. I got my guinea pig in August. He doesn't have a big enough cage . I got him from a neighbor who didn't want him. He is REALLY sweet. His name is Pretzel. There are pictures of him at this link. I think when I measured his cage, it was 20"x10" or something like that.

What is a good petstore cage?

[wickedrodent]

Welcome! Your little one is such a cutie!

There is not any petstore cages that are big enough, the minimum square footage is 7sqft. Plus petstore cages are WAY too expensive.

The best cage is a C&C cage made from organization cubes and coroplast. You can see more info about it here Cubes and Coroplast

[MCR_Rox]

Well, I don't know if my mom would actually make one. I haven't asked her yet, but I don't know if she actually would. Do you know if there are any guinea pig cages in pet stores that are suitable for 1 guinea pig? I'll have to show my mom the page on making a guinea pig cage, and see what she says.

[standuprookie]

No, petstore cages are just not big enough. Your pig would really enjoy having room to romp and play. And you can build one really cheap. Be sure to mention to your mom how much cheaper it would be make your own cage then to buy one.

[MCR_Rox]

I'll try my best to convince her to build one. I don't know if it's going to work, though, because I don't think she wants him to have a bigger cage.

[fashion victim]

Well. Honestly, I think if they have more space they have more exercise, therefore they do not get obese nor do they get diseases that stem from obesity, which means less money spent on vets. Also, you don't have to clean the whole cage as much, which means less money spent on wood shavings since when I had a "very large" petstore cage I had to completely clean it out every 2 days. And with bigger cages you can go with fleece and towels underneath, which means you don't have to spend money on shavings at all!

[Slave to the Wheek]

Hi! You'll hear a lot about these kinds of cages here, because we ALL use them! hehe. Not only are they better for the pig, but if you are old enough to type, you could probably build it yourself. It's easy enough for an 8 year old to do. Seriously. In fact, you could make it a family project.

We did!

The point that will hit home with your mom is this:

Petstore cage: 60 dollars minimum

Cubes and Coroplast cage?
15 bucks for the cubes from Target
10 bucks for the coroplast from a sign store
2 bucks for the zip ties from the hardware store

Keep reading on our site until you have a good understanding of what we are talking about, so that you can present to your mom in a way that makes sense. Most adults think the cages are too flimsy at first. But my cage is sturdy enough for a 230lb person to lay down and sleep in

[MCR_Rox]

Well, I asked her if I could get him a new cage, and it turned out just as I expected. She said that he should run around instead, and that there isn't enough room. I'll keep trying. I also told her that he's probably bored when I'm at school, and she said he probably sleeps.

[standuprookie]

Originally Posted by landhermie

I also told her that he's probably bored when I'm at school, and she said he probably sleeps.

Tell her when people get depressed they tend to lay around and not do much.

[pixswirl]

I got a cat carrier for my two, that works great! Cheaper too! If you put lots of bedding and hay, food and veggies down, he might like that! I don't know if I am much help,, but cat carriers are around $20-40 better then the cages, my husband & I found out!

[ferndalezoo]

A cat carrier isn't nearly big enough for a single cavy, let alone 2. We made a large dog crate work as a temporary measure when Phil unexpected joined our family but I wouldn't recommend it as a permanent setup. Right now Phil is is an 8sq' open-topped enclosure, but we'll be building his permanent home over the next week-- bug enough so we can get him a friend.

[MCR_Rox]

I printed out the home page so she could actually look at it. She never looks at the stuff. Maybe she'll read it and think about making a cage or at least getting one that's bigger from the pet store. I hope she makes one.

[this_lil_piggy]

I got a cat carrier for my two, that works great! Cheaper too! If you put lots of bedding and hay, food and veggies down, he might like that! I don't know if I am much help,, but cat carriers are around $20-40 better then the cages, my husband & I found out!

A cat carrier? Are you kidding me? I've never seen a cat carrier that was big enough for a pig to turn circles in, much less accommodate a hidey house.
For 25.00 you can build a cage that is much more humane, providing them with the adequate space they need to exercise and stay healthy. Not to leave out, how much happier they are because they aren't bored into submission.


UGH.

Landhermie, I don't know your age or circumstances...but do you get any sort of an allowance? I would ask mom if there are some chores you can do to earn the money to build your own cage. If you really show her your desire and dedication to providing a nicer space for Pretzel, she may can be swayed

[cookie_gal]

Originally Posted by pixswirl

I got a cat carrier for my two, that works great! Cheaper too! If you put lots of bedding and hay, food and veggies down, he might like that! I don't know if I am much help,, but cat carriers are around $20-40 better then the cages, my husband & I found out!

Can we see a picture of this?!!? I find it very hard to believe such a thing would provide enough space for 1 piggy!

[MCR_Rox]

My mom says she is going to build one. I had to tell her some of the stuff ON the website instead of her reading the paper herself, but at least it worked. She said that she was going to read what she needs to make one tonight.

[Susan9608]

Congrats and good for you. It pays to be persistent with parents.