Can I Use A Ferret Cage?

[aleasha]

Ok, first off, I've never owned a Guinea Pig before, but have always liked them. I've located a rescue in California and am now beginning the process of getting everything ready for my guinea pigs (haven't yet applied to adopt). I want a BIG and ROOMY cage for my piggies (preferably 2). I don't have the room for a really wide cage, or an open cage (have 8 dogs and 4 cats). I found this really great cage on drsfostersmith.com. (I would buy from here, but I'm not very handy and wouldn't be able to put one together and must have a closed cage.) The only thing is that it is a ferret cage, and not a guinea pig cage. I'm thinking I could replace the little latters and tubes with carpeted ramps. It says the cage can be used for guinea pigs, but I'm not exactly sure. I don't want to spend so much money on an enclosure if they're not going to use 3/4 of it! My questions are; would this be an acceptable cage? Would the height bother them? Would they willingly go through the little holes to get to the next level? Would they climb the plastic latters? Thank you very much, I'm so new at this, and only want the best for my piggies. I'm including a link to the cage at the bottom! Thanks Again,
Aleasha

https://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=6332&N=2007+113918

 

[Slap Maxwell]

That cage will NOT work for pigs. For a ton less money, build a C&C cage.

https://www.guineapigcages.com

 

[PiggieMom]

Guinea pigs need lots of space to run. Check out the home page Slap gave you.
https://www.guineapigcages.com/cubes.htm
https://www.guineapigcages.com/howto.htm
https://www.guineapigcages.com/where.htm

You should also get at least two guinea pigs. They are social animals and perfer to live in at least pairs. For two pigs I suggest building at least at 2x4, a 2x5 if you have the room.

Also you should start looking into proper care information. This thread is a great place to start:https://www.guineapigcages.com/threads/17032/

Congrats on adopting! It's a wonderful experience.

 

[jackie158]

You can also buy all the supplies you need to make a c and c cage, I am not sure where you are from, but this may eliminate the shipping costs. I got my grids (the body of the cage) from Bed, Bath and Beyond. You can also get the coroplast (the part that the piggies sleep in) from a sign store. Also, clips come with the grids. But, I have cats and so I have to keep my cage closed. So, I found these clips where that that steady, since I had to keep pulling them off to open the cage. I am using zip ties from Home Depot. The total cost for my cage, which is 10.5 square feet for two pigs was $62.00. Plus gas. Anyways, it's fun to build it to!

 

[jackie158]

Mods, I am going to post this, I am not trying to sell anything. Just showing this person what the grids look like. These grids are simular to mine, except mine have square holes. I got mine from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Here is the link.

(broken link removed)

 

[C&K]

When you contact the rescue, they may be able to help you assemble the cage, as many of the California rescues actually use them themselves!

If you are tight on space, I would definately go with sows, as they require as little as 7.5 square feet, or a 2x3 C and C cage. More space is better, for two sows a 2x4 or 10.5 square feet is much better, some rescues will not adopt out to people who provide less then the 10.5.

They will use the space. No need to worry there! Bigger is always better. It will also help with odour control too, which is always a good thing. I would strongly suggest that if you cannot provide a minimum of 7.5 square feet, then you really need to look at getting a different kind of pet.

Honestly, the C&C may look complicated, but it is not. They are very easy to make, and closet shelving makes an excellent lid! Take a look in the gallaries for Closed Cages.

 

[aleasha]

Thank you everyone! I really appreciate it. I'm definately going to order the supplies to make my own GIANT cage! I'm so excited. I don't mind the shipping costs, money isn't a problem. I just want what is best for my piggies. I've also got to somehow make a top for the cage. Any suggestions? I have cats and they would be after them in a New York miniute! Unfortunately I don't have enough room in my bedroom for extra large enclosure, so it's going to have to go in the back room (converted garage/now just another room in the house) on a large desk area. Again, I must say thank you! I'm also going to go look at what they have at bed & bath.

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

What part of CA are you in?

GPs usually are not climbers and not very coordinated. They could slip and fall off the levels in a ferret cage. They mostly need a flat space to run laps in. You can build a lid to C&Cs. Look through the gallery for help.

 

[C&K]

Wire Closet shelving is used most often for a lid. You will see it in the gallaries. It can be cut to size.

If you have dogs and are worried about them, I would suggest securing the bottom of the cage to the desk surface, so they cannot knock it to the ground. It is not fool proof, but should help. Or, you could use a 1/2 door or full door as a barrier.

Most cats don't go after pigs, they are out of their pray scope. Better safe then sorry until you know for sure though.

 

[evilnumberlady]

I'd also like to point out that you can buy a CC kit on this site too. That's how I made my first cage.

https://www.guineapigcages.com/buycc.htm

It comes with instructions, including what to ask for and how to make a top.

 

[jackie158]

You know evilnumber lady, now that I think of it, I wish I would have done that also. Only because it would have saved me allot of trips and I would have had instructions, but my boyfriend made the cage for me. He is very nice and treats me like a queen.

 

[aleasha]

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it. I'm having trouble finding room for such a big cage though. :sad: Where on earth can you put the extra large one? I definately want it though, I want the guinea pigs to be as happy and as safe as possible. I'm thinking of just taking all the the junk (c**p) off of the large desk in the back room, including important files and the fax machine. lol I'm glad to hear that the cats wont be after them. I'm thinking of putting something very heavy in the cage, like a paper weight. The last thing I want is eaten piggies! Would it be ok if I put a paper weight or two in the cage, so that my 111 lb. lab mix (also rescue) could not knock it over. He's the only dog I'm worried about. The rest are too small to reach the top of the desk. I love that dog with all my heart but he's a real pain in the but at times! lol He's killed (and brought me) a wild rabbit and bird. Just wondering what I could do about that problem. One of my cats (the stupid one) is the only cat I'm worried about. She is such a little b***h! lol Not to be mean, but she's knocked over and almost killed my birds twice! I've got horror stories to share about that, but at another time. I think I could just drill screws through the cage and into the desk so that it would be secure. Actually, that would probably be a lot better. Geez, I'm sorry about going on and on, but I'm very new at all this, plus I'm just blabber mouth.
Thanks,
Aleasha

 

[fourbwabbys]

To make sure your cage is dog/cat proof, try putting a lock on it to make it extra secure.

 

[aleasha]

That's a good idea! Thanks. I wouldn't have even thought of that. Would the locks for parrot cages work? They're made for cages and birds who have learned to open their cage, so I'm pretty sure it will work on the dogs and cats. Is there a repellent that I can spray about the cage or something just to make sure to keep them away from it? I've seen them for sale online, but I'm not sure if it would be safe around the piggies.

 

[PinkGrass]

Is there a way to put the guinea pigs is a room the dogs are not allowed in?
We have a Siberian Husky that gets curious about the pigs from time to time.. if the door to the pig's room is left open, she'll go in the room and bark. I get worried about it though, so we make sure the door is always closed.

About space: perhaps you could go with a smaller cage for now (one that still meets the requirements) and then add a second level later on your own. That way, it doesn't take up as much area, because you can build up and still give them lots of room!

 

[aleasha]

What online store do you suggest I go to to buy the food, supplies, bedding, ect...? I like to shop online, it's easier than running around in this heat. Ugh! Do you know it's 102F where I live!?! Ahhhh! lol

 

[aleasha]

PinkGrass, that to is a great idea. I can fit the cage in my bedroom if I do that. But, getting a bigger one, I'd have to keep it in the back room and the dogs and cats are always in there. I know I couldn't keep that door closed. But the thing is, even in my bedroom, I have a cat. She lives in there because she is FIV+ and I don't want her to spread it to the other cats. The pound was going to put her to sleep because of that and nobody wanted her. Also how I aquired many of my animals, tell you all that another time. lol Lots of stories! haha Someone stated that the cats wont really go after the piggies. But I really want a large cage with a lot of ground room. I'm confused on what I should do. Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate it.

 

[PinkGrass]

What online store do you suggest I go to to buy the food, supplies, bedding, ect...? I like to shop online, it's easier than running around in this heat. Ugh! Do you know it's 102F where I live!?! Ahhhh! lol

Wow! I'd be staying indoors all day if it were that hot.. It feels like a 100 with the humidity here, though.

Lots of members here buy food from (broken link removed) or (broken link removed) . As for bedding and other accessories, I've heard of (broken link removed) or www.bunnybytes.com. I have a pet supply store near by that I go to, so another member who orders online might be able to give you better ideas.

It's good to hear about you rescuing that cat! I, personally, am a cat lover. My cat likes to watch the guinea pigs, but at least I know she isn't strong enough to break into the cage! My dog, however, could probably knock it over if she tried.

 

[Coopdog]

Believe it or not, there are lots of C&C cage kits for sale on E-bay. If you could find the right size, this might be an easier method for you since everything is already measured and cut. But I have to tell you, it is alot of fun designing your own cage, and it's really not that hard to do. Just remember the carpenter's rule: "measure twice and cut once"! And don't forget, if you design it yourself, you can have it bend around a corner in the room, which might fit better and give you more space.

Good luck on your quest!

 

[PiggieMom]

I'd personally make a cage in a place where you can make it the largest. It's fairly easy to build a lid, a lot of members have. Check out these two photo galleries for ideas: https://www.guineapigcages.com/gallery/categories/508/ https://www.guineapigcages.com/gallery/categories/504/

I really like www.critterstore.com or www.ferretstore.com. KMs Hayloft has the best hay around hands down. I love her bluegrass/orchard grass. It's so soft and green.