Am I doing OK?

Question
I have 2 guinea pigs (Cherry & Blossom) & my sister has 2 (Chessy& Checkers) I'm not sure what kind of cage to get my 2 piggies. they had a plastic box w/ holes drilled in it, but that wasn't working. what size,& material should their new cage be made of? I also would like 2 know if I should be letting them outside everyday. I made an outdoor pen for them that has a 10 ft perimeter and is 2 ft tall. I put a towel down & give them baths aferwards w/o soap. I love my piggies, and just want to do everything right!! Thanx A Bunch!!!  

Answer
Hello Taylor.

Well, i have a great cage idea for you. I used this type of cage, and it's pretty cheap for being a large cage.

If you go to this site: www.cavycages.com

They tell you how to make a Cubes and Coroplast cage. The cubes can be bought at most walmarts, or target stores. The coroplast can be bought at any fast signs store (for locations, go here: www.fastsigns.com). The plastic cost about 30 dollars, and the cubes about 10 dollars. So for about 40 bucks, you can make a VERY large cage. It explains exactly how to make it on the website i talked about earlier.  Another cheap option would be a kids swimming pool. I used the larger kind (and my pigs could not jump over the edge). Just put some newspaper on the bottom of the cage and fill with bedding. Or, if you use teh smaller baby pool, i would suggest getting some chicken wire (bought at any hardware store for 3-5 dollars) and surround the cage so the pigs won't jump out. Most pet store cages are way too small for pigs. You have to ask yourself this one question. If your pig get's exited, and wants to run around (because they are happy) do they have enough room to run laps in the cage??   My 4 piggies share one large cage and they all have room to have a good time. I still only spent about 45 dollars on making the cage. It was worth it! :)

If the weather is nice, then it's a great idea for them to be outside every day. Just make sure to watch what they eat. If your grass has any kind of fertilizer or weed killer on it, your pig could die from eating it. If it's really windy, i would suggest not taking them outside. Guinea pigs can get colds from being outside if it's windy. THey could possibly die from having colds. Their bodies just aren't as strong as ours.

It's great that you give them a bath after they go outside. It's great, but not necessary. I would be careful and try not to bathe them too much. They need a bath only once every few months or so. You could dry out there skin by bathing them too much. You know what you can use??  Baby shampoo. It makes them smell great, and it's safe to use on them. Just make sure to avoid the eyes, ears, and nose. Just like a baby. And make sure when they are drying off, that they are not near any wind / drafts in the house.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. I love talking piggies!

Christy