2 FN's = Guinea pig cage?

[wickedrodent]

I have a Ferret Nation (double level) for my ratties. It is the easiest and most amazing thing to clean.

Now onto my question..

What do you guys think about 2 double levels combined as a pig cage? The dimentions would be 25in x 72in. That is 12.5sqft. It would be 2 complete levels of that which is 25sqft not counting the mini levels. Of course I would modify the shelves and ramps so they are piggy safe. I have 4 piggers (Daphne, Delilah, Divinci, and Do).

I am not sure exactly when I would be getting the two FN's. I am using all my spare cash at the moment treating my recently rescued/heartworm positive dog. It would be around $300 for both which isn't horrible awful.

*runs off to measure room*

[Dearpie]

I'm moving this over to Pocket Pets, but I thought any ramp or shelf was a no-no for guinea pigs??  Their balance isn't great, so they're supposed to be in a one level cage.

[wickedrodent]

I currently have a huge 2 level cage and the girls love running up and down the ramp. The problem is cleaning it. It takes forever and is just way too hard. Another good thing with the FN would be that its all enclosed. I have dogs and have to put up a gate in my doorway as of right now.

Here is my current cage.

[tsk_n_such]

The difference it seems, at least from the photos, is that while your current cage is two levels, each ramp and level is sort of enclosed off to itself, leaving nowhere for them to fall from. I belive FNs have ramps (not sure about the levels?) that are open. Guinea pigs don't have the best balance, and if they fall don't have a way to catch themselves. (I call them little jelly beans with legs) I'd be too worried about injuries.  I've seen a Guinea Pig at work with a broken leg from falling off a couch. It was quite sad.

[wickedrodent]

Here is the cage I got the idea from:



I would use coroplast and make the mini-levels all enclosed except where they would go down the ramp. Hm, I might have to do a test run in my current FN to see if I could make it completly piggie safe.

EDIT:

Here is an example of how I could do the shelves:

[baileyjane]

Having GP's myself, and if you secure the ramps and levels, I think it would make the best GP cage ever!  Please post pictures if and when you do it, as I would be very interested to see the end results. 

[wickedrodent]

Thanks!

I am planning on placing both of the shelves on one end (side by side) so they make a 1/2 length (of the entire cage) level with only one ramp leading up. I will completly block off the other hole, I think. Then from the 2nd full level, I can have the other two shelves on the opposite side making another level. Im excited!

I emailed a rescue near us and asked if they want my current cage for guinea pigs (if they get any in) if not.. I might ask around these forums to see if anyone near me is looking for a cage. I really hate it to become firewood or the like, we worked hard to make it. Its a great cage for someone who has more room in their house.

[sawyer_gota_gun]

Heres 2 links of ppl who used FN cages for their cavies.
http://www.goosemoose.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,118/forum,rat/topic,4016204.1290
http://www.goosemoose.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,118/forum,rat/topic,4016204.1320

might have to scroll down a bit

[QueenoftheWereRats]

wowwwwwwwwww!!  -jaw goes slack- i saw ur pics on the FN thread, wickedrodent, and your gpig cage is awesome! it looks a lot cleaner and sleeker than a cubes and choroplast. can i ask how u attached ur two FNs together for ur gpig cage? id LOVE to do something like this for my pigs one day but for now id have to stick to my cubes/choroplast rite for now.

~QOTWR

[wickedrodent]

Thanks.

I actually hate to rehome my pigs, due to allergies, but I am now using the cage as a rat cage. I used cable ties to connect them, but I would suggest using bolts to make it a bit sturdier. I'd also suggest taking off one set of middle wheels, so they do not bust.

[QueenoftheWereRats]

hmm.. not to sound dim or nething (lol), but i am assuming u use some sort of tool to cut the walls of the FN out on the side u are putting them together? hehe, I've never seen an FN assembled in person before so i am a bit unsure of how the middle wall would be lost to give the horizontal floor space. i believe, this idea should be patented, and called Guinea Pig Nation  .

~QOTWR