baby-proof cage?

[beccapooka]

Hello, All. I have a quick question.

Our two GPs are about 1 1/2 months old. When we weighed them on Thursday (weekly weig-in day) they were 11.3 ounces and 12 ounces. They are in their 2x4 C&C cage, and we have extra grids fastened around the outside to make the holes smaller. We don't have enough to babyproof the upper level (1x3) so we just haven't put the ramp in yet.

I'm sure it varies, but could anyone tell me an approximate age when they will be big enough to remove the extra grids and open up the top? They look like they are probably getting close, but we don't want to do it too early and risk injury to our girls. Is there a good rule of thumb for this. Also, is there an easy way to tell 100% for sure?

Thanks.

Rebecca

 

[kennethlhm]

You can make the coroplast wall higher on the upper level to make it baby-proof.

 

[beccapooka]

You can make the coroplast wall higher on the upper level to make it baby-proof.

Unfortunately, I can't do that. I have exactly enough coroplast left to complete the upper level of the cage. Spending the extra $15 for another sheet just to open the upper level sooner just isn't worth it to me.

Rebecca

 

[ChadWPB]

If you can't spend an extra $15 for coroplast, what are you going to do if (heaven forbid it!) one gets sick and needs veterinary care? That's a lot more than $15.

Just my $1.76, adjusted for inflation.

 

[beccapooka]

If you can't spend an extra $15 for coroplast, what are you going to do if (heaven forbid it!) one gets sick and needs veterinary care? That's a lot more than $15.

Just my $1.76, adjusted for inflation.

Chad,

Don't you think that's a little out of line? I have already purchased the amount of coroplast I need for both levels of the cage. My 2 GPs are already in a 2x4 C&C cage, so not having the upper level open yet is in no way harming them. I don't see how not spending money for Coroplast that isn't *needed* in the long run is in any way equivocal to not spending needed money to take them to the vet.

One of the very first things I did after I got my GPs (within the first week) was take them to the vet for just a well check-up and to verify that they were both healthy. I chose a vet 45 minutes away instead of the one 2 1/2 blocks away because she has a lot of experience with GPs and didn't think it was odd that I would bring them in when there wasn't an actual problem. I spent more that $15 to buy a scale so that I can weigh them weekly. I buy them quality hay and pellets, and their bedding is a combination of cloth diapers and Carefresh so that they can have the best but it is still affordable.

I don't know why I'm explaining any of this to you. *I* know that I am a good and responsible pet owner, and I guess it really doesn't matter if you somehow feel differently. I really don't appreciate your implying that I'm not taking good care of my GPs because they may have to wait a month or so to have a ramp!

Rebecca

 

[mncavylover]

I think you should just wait till they're big enough that they will not possibly be able to wriggle through the grids. Best of luck to you and your pigs! =)