Size Is my cage too small?

[MomtoO&O]

Hello to all! I am a new mother to cute little piggies, Ophelia and Olive. With limited options at PetSmart and limited space in my house, I purchased this cage. My thoughts were that I intend to take them outside and give them an exercise room inside a child's shallow pool. After doing some research online, I am afraid that the purchased cage is too small.

Does anyone have any insight? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Yes, unfortunately commercial pet store cages are too small for one pig, let alone two. You want the C&C cages promoted on this site.

A 2 by 4 C&C is the recommended size for a pair but bigger is better.

Your cage is only about 3.5 sq feet. The recommended size is 10.5 sq feet.

It probably isn't too late to return that cage if you just bought it and get them materials for a C&C cage.

You should be careful having them outside. They are susceptible to weather, predators, etc. A plastic pool is not predator proof and they can jump out. They also need to be able to exercise on their own time in their cage. It's better for their health and well-being.

It may be a lot of info at once but Pet stores often sell you products that are bad for your guinea pigs and not appropriate. They are there to make money. Have you looked over this site and www.guinealynx.info? for care info ?

Did you purchase your guinea pigs at Petsmart? They buy them from pet mills and they are often missexed and sick, and pregnant if they are females. You may want to get them looked over by a good vet and make sure you do have two females.

 

[MomtoO&O]

Thank you so much for that link and advice!

I did not buy the GPs from Petsmart, instead, I got them from a shelter: two sisters, 3 months old that were dropped off (along with their 2 brothers) by the owner of the mom and dad. Though the shelter said they were healthy, I am having them checked by my vet this week.

I will most likely end up getting a C & C cage, I just need to find a place for it in my house.

Maybe this is a dumb question, but will the GPs be OK in my small cage for a couple of days until I get the new cage? I feel so bad for them right now.

 

[NicholsS10]

They will be fine in it for a couple days, but I won't have them in it longer than that. My mother bought a pet store cage for my pigs to stay in while I visit her, I refuse to use it for a weekend, and built an extra cage at her house in my room there for them. Since my mom refused to return it, I use it as a hospital cage when I have a sick pig or pig recovering from surgery. I like to use it for that reason since it restricts their movement, which is needed after surgery.

 

[MomtoO&O]

I just wanted to let you both know that I ordered my C&C Cage last night! Can't wait! Thank you so much for your help.

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Oh, you got those piggies. Just fyi - their brothers had lice and mites. Not sure if yours are showing the same signs but it's a good idea to give them topical ivermectin or revolution.

 

[MomtoO&O]

Oh, you got those piggies. Just fyi - their brothers had lice and mites. Not sure if yours are showing the same signs but it's a good idea to give them topical ivermectin or revolution.

Hi! I sent you a PM back, but I'm not sure if I did it right. My sent box is saying that I have zero messages.

In any case, I am so impressed that you recognized my pigs. How did you do that?

They are being treated with Ivermectin and Tresaderma (sp) because the vet couldn't decide if they had mites or ringworm. So, I suppose it could be lice?

Any information you have on them is welcomed!

 

[jenniwat001]

Thank you so much for that link and advice!

I did not buy the GPs from Petsmart, instead, I got them from a shelter: two sisters, 3 months old that were dropped off (along with their 2 brothers) by the owner of the mom and dad.

Just wondering- when they were dropped o at the shelter were they altogether? Because if the were you might have a pregnant pair!

I'm glad you got them from a shelter and that you found this site!

 

[s.edwards]

I had my girls in this cage for about a year. PETCO Multi-Level Small Animal Habitats at PETCO It works out to a little less than 6 sqare feet and I removed the loft to give them more floor space. They were ok, but I wanted them to have space. My husband ordered me a 2x4 CC cage April 1st so we can give them more room. I am very excited!