Hi, there! I see that you have done your research and although I'm quite busy, I wanted to share my thoughts/ideas. I made my own cage--a 5x2 main level with a 2x2 offset overhang loft. It was constructed for two littermate males who were about two months old when they came to live with me (Rafi,the eldest) and Rascal, the runt of the litter) I disagree with the widely perpetuated "rule" that a loft
doesn't count toward overall space........especially a 2x2 which can accommodate two adult cavies plus litterbox, house, pellet bowl and water bottle. Yes, all that can be a bit cramped, but nevertheless it is extra usuable space. My guys probably got more exercise with running up and down the stairs than they did running laps.
You'll notice that I use both past and present tense when referring to "the boys" Rascal crossed the Rainbow Bridge about a year ago (respiratory issues). I now understand that is not uncommon for the "runt" of a litter to have such problems due to lack of space inutero and and everything not having room to develop.
I made all my cage liners, cozies, and most anything else I could fashion. I have repurposed some items rather than buy from higher-priced pet stores. I have some duplicates on the main level and in the loft--pellet dish, water bottle, house and litterbox.
Not a lot of people use litter boxes, but I'm a firm believer in them! I use what is called a "kitten" litterpan which should be of a size that an adult cavy can comfortably stretch out. I put a light layer of bedding to cover the bottom+ a layer of hay over that. My boys absolutely adore their litterbox and sometimes sleep in it.
The cage stays cleaner and the hay is somewhat contained. If that visual bothers you, yes, they will poop where they sleep and eat, but consider that cavies sometimes eat their own excrement in order to consume lost nutrients (sorta' like recycling).
A word about hay. The most-commonly used hay is timothy, but it is the MOST allergy-provoking. People often think that they are allergic to Gpigs, but it is really the spores from the hay. Substitutes are bluegrass (difficult to find) or orchard grass hay (I order online).
I realize that you really didn't ask me for all of the aforementioned information, but since you are apparently new to this world, I thought you might find it helpful. You'll have to forgive me for assuming that I need to build a foundation for this story......among other things, I'm also a university professor so I am one who provides the basics first........and then build on that.
On the subject of housekeeping, here's a condensed version. My cage liners are incontinence pads (sewn to cage size) which last a long time; then comes liners which are fleece encasing a middle absorptive layer (I use UHaul moving blankets) plus I make a good number of pads about 8x10 for high-traffic areas to extend the life of the liners and to avoid the necessity to have to do a complete cage change twice a week (highly variable). I often spray a cavy-safe deodorizer on the soiled areas, and turn the liners over during the week to get more time before the cage change is necessary. It is said that a single cavy is usually more neat and clean vs multiples. I find that to be true of Rafi as I sometimes totally clean his cage every two weeks, and weekly in the summer. Daily cage hygiene is to do a quick vac in the morning, and the basic hygiene when I/we go to bed. The evening tidy is to vacuum the entire cage, dump and refill litter box, replenish pellets if needed, fresh ice-cold water, and anything else that needs attention.
Now the
key secret to keep the room smelling normal so that one wouldn't know that there is a cavy cage with
sometimes smelly occupants--an air freshener/deodorizer. I have had one running 24/7 for about 10 years.
Probably one of the best investments I ever made. This is essential, especially in warmer weather. The cage sits alongside my desk in my small home office, and I don't want to breathe bad air most of the time.
If you haven't done so as yet, go back through the archives and you will probably find answers to most of your questions. Otherwise, the veterans on the
Forum are quite knowledgable and will offer their best advice as is convenient. We all have busy lives but also enjoy helping newbies, and will get to your questions ASAP.
Welcome to the Foum!
One additional comment. You said
"Or would it potentially stress them out to have me reconstructing their home each morning.
