General C&C Cage Tape Question

[Zuidy]

OK, so I am looking into getting 2 Tricolor Abyssinian Guinea Pigs from Petco shortly after Christmas. I have pre-built a 2x4 (in grids) C&C cage. Everything went PERFECT. Everything fits and is going good.

The only problem is, I had to tape same of the edges where we scored the Coroplast to make the flaps, because we cut all the way through and the box was about to fall apart.

So, now, we have a fair amount of tape showing on the inside of the cage. There are about 12 small pieces of tape showing on the inside of the Coroplast box.

#1 Concern at this point: Will the Guinea Pigs attempt to eat the tape
#2: What could I do to reduce the showing of the tape, like what could I use to cover it that maintains a professional look?

 

[bpatters]

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, the guinea pigs will eat the tape -- all the tape needs to be on the outside of the coroplast. You can use wide clear tape on the outside and the cuts won't be so noticeable.

Please don't buy your pigs from Petco -- they are bred and kept in absolutely horrible conditions. Many of them are sick when the customers purchase them, and the people either wind up with big vet bills or take them back to the store where they are put to sleep. The big pet stores are the main reasons for the horrible pet mills that exist, where sows are kept continually pregnant and get no medical care. If you want to read more about it, google *Petco Petsmart "pet mills"* (just like that except without the asterisks) and you'll find plenty of information.

If you'll publish the name of the city you're in or close to, we'll help you find guinea pigs at a rescue or shelter or from a private owner.

 

[kirsty91]

I have to agree with what BP said about buying from Petco. I didn't know better at the time and got mine from them they say vet certified but they are lying. Even if your pig is sick they just give you a different pig and most likely kill the one you returned. Mine had a URI and not too long after had a fungal infection but I can't say for sure if she got if from there or not but I keep my cage very clean. Also the guy told me how they have jumped from the cage when they would try to take them out! Which is very high and dangerous for them but he didn't seem to care. He also didn't know much of anything about them when I was asking questions. I agree adopt and they are healthy as the people there actually care about the pigs and they are usually more tame.

 

[Kimberly713]

To start off, wanted to second the notion of not buying from petstores. Rescue is ALWAYS a better choice, and you wont be supporting the mill breeding of these animals.

You can keep the tape where it is if you use fleece bedding and can cover the sides with the fleece. That way the pigs won't be able to reach the tape. Just a tip, if there is exposed tape near the base of the coroplast, the urine and such will wear it out in a few months. So expect to have to entirely replace it in about 4 months or so.

 

[nicholelynne]

Just an idea here, but maybe you could use some silicone caulking, or that silicone they used to seal fishtanks to hold it together instead of tape. Or maybe just taping from the outside would hold it together enough...

And I know those petstore piggies are cute, but have you browsed petfinder? A lot of times, there are piggies on there who need a home, and they are healthy, usually already bonded, (so you know your pair will get along), AND the adoption fee is usually much lower than buying from the store. I know petstores around here charge $40 per piggy, but recently in my area, I found a trio of piggies for adoption, for $35 for all 3.

Just a thought, hope it helps!

 

[bpatters]

If you use silicone caulking, be sure to caulk from the outside -- it's definitely not good for pigs.

 

[nicholelynne]

Sorry all, didnt realize that was considered profanity...:eye-poppi

 

[nicholelynne]

https://www.guineapigcages.com/threads/41918/
Here's a link to another thread, this person ended up using hot glue, and it worked for them, but I think only on the outside as well.

 

[Zuidy]

Thanks for your input everyone!

Woah....... the whole Petco thing phases me.......

All of the pigs that I have seen I have actually inspected, and all look to be fine to me. They weren't scared much at all when I held them....... but I am no expert. I will take everyone else's advice but as of yet I don't know what to do. It is hard to believe the story about the mills........

I will use some of the ideas to cover up the tape. Thanks for everyone's advice! I appreciate it.

 

[bpatters]

Thanks for reading the stuff about the pet stores. I assure you it's true. It hasn't been too long since a huge supplier was closed down in north Texas -- thousands of animals were dead, living on top of each others' bodies, no food. It was awful. And that company was one of the main suppliers to Petco and Petsmart. If you want the really gruesome store, read PetSmart Cruelty.

If you'll let us know what city you're close to, we'll help you find pigs.

 

[Zuidy]

Thanks for reading the stuff about the pet stores. I assure you it's true. It hasn't been too long since a huge supplier was closed down in north Texas -- thousands of animals were dead, living on top of each others' bodies, no food. It was awful. And that company was one of the main suppliers to Petco and Petsmart. If you want the really gruesome store, read PetSmart Cruelty.

If you'll let us know what city you're close to, we'll help you find pigs.

I am familiar with how to find some pets around me with PetFinder.

My C&C cage is also complete now. It is fool proof and safe. It is hot-glued where we went all the way through on the Coroplast. Also, I removed all tape from the inside of the cage and only taped the base of the cage, since it was already hot-glued, to give the cage some design.

It looks great. The whole Petco/smart story is terrifying. I will LOOK INTO adoption. Thanks for warning me.

 

[sewlittle]

They make duct tape in a lot of different colors. I got royal blue and red for my cage and unless you look really close, you can't see them from the outside where i have them at. It's a good idea about the hotglue, never thought of that. will put that one in the back of my brain for the next remodel.

 

[Zuidy]

They make duct tape in a lot of different colors. I got royal blue and red for my cage and unless you look really close, you can't see them from the outside where i have them at. It's a good idea about the hotglue, never thought of that. will put that one in the back of my brain for the next remodel.

Works like a charm really. Because it dries so fast and holds so well, it really is very convenient because you do not have to worry about aligning tape just the way you want it. Also, unlike having tape on the inside of the cage, the hot glue is at the bottom of the cage where bedding and the like will be.

 

[pinky]

Your best bet is to contact your local rescue and set up an appointment to go and visit and spend some time holding different guinea pigs and seeing which appeal to you. Until you've handled them, you won't realize how different each one is and how unique its personality is. The other good thing about adopting from a reputable rescue is that they screen for illnesses and socialize them. You never know what you'll get from Petco, Petsmart or any pet store. They're in it for the money and there's a good chance you'll end up with a sick guinea pig or one with issues from inbreeding. Browse around on some of the forums on here and you'll read about a lot of guinea pigs that were sick or died shortly after being bought at pet stores. The other plus is, rescues have guinea pigs of all ages and breeds.