Top products from r/guineapigs

They are a great pets, and they force more vegetables into your life!

1. Yes! In some countries its actually considered animal cruelty to only have one pig.. It is mainly because they are prey animals and having a pair is the only way to maintain a sense of safety that allows them to get comfortable in the enviroment, thats why if youve had a pair for a long time and one dies the living one usually will do ok with just a ton of attention and love from the owner.

2. They do not "need" them. That said remember pigs are prey animals and they WILL attempt to hide all sickness/injury from you, so they dont get eaten.

3. Here are a few things I didnt know right away..

• They need hay to help digest by breaking up food in the stomach. They have no limit on how much hay they can eat.
  
• They are one of the only other animals that can get scurvy from a lack of vitamin C like humans. Putting it in the water bottle is only ok if you change the water daily, and thats a big waste. So I gave mine a dab on some cucumber as a treat and they loved it! You should also look for a pellet brand that has vitamin C in it to help supplement.
  
• If you want to potty train them keep in mind they are bashful and would rather do the business under cover(warning they will eat there own poop sometimes, to digest it twice..). Also using some soiled paper scraps from the last cage cleaning when placing new bedding down is a good way at the beginning to help show them were the poop area is.
  
• Save yourself a huge headache and get two from the same group at the same time. Introducing pigs from different groups can work but it can also turn into a headache quickly if they dont hit it off.
  
• Pigs have a very interesting diet.. They cannot eat iceberg lettuce because it has to much water in it. Red/Green/Romaine will be your base and things like spinach/brocoli/carrots/green peppers/berries/grapes/etc.. will be your once/twice a week treat depending on what the pigs like. They will also need daily rations of hay and pellets. Bringing in an occasional handful of wild grass is also a nice treat from time to time, just try to be sure its not sprayed with anything.. It can stack up quick so try to use food you would also eat haha!
  
• Guinea pigs can be loud when they are happy and annoying when they are hungry.. Be ready for a fuzzie chirper!
  
• They also poo and pee ALOT.. so be ready to do half week poop scoops and once a week full cage cleans if you wanna keep the "farm" smell at bay.. Its a great way to use old clothes though, get a few washes and when they get to bad just toss them in the trash! Fleece blankets make a great top layer for both being easily cleaned and pretty absorbable.
  
• Making a cage is as easy as getting a grid shelves from basically any store that sells home goods. Some zip ties, and some coroplast from anywere that makes signs. You wont regret making one yourself as the cages you can buy are more suited as travel cages and are usually not big enough for a pig let alone two to be happy. Also note that pigs will prefer to be as close to hip/chest level as possible so they can see whats going on/not feel the ground vibrate every time you walk(they are totally fine on the ground though, just more skittish).
  
• When you are settling one in it helps to let it smell your hand while doing other things like giving hay, treats, pets, or even just leaving it in the cage doing nothing. You want the pigs to associate your smell with more than just being picked up. It will also take awhile for this to happen they are very nervous by nature and take awhile to get use to new situations.
  
• They sleep with eyes open.. Yep.. Thats to help with the not being eaten thing.. Eventually when they get comfortable they will start sleeping with eyes closed, thats when you know they really feel safe.
  
• The ideal temperature for pigs is 65-75 degrees. They dont do well with prolonged direct sunlight or humidity. But they do enjoy sunshine!
  
• Guinea Pigs can see color! It helps to maintain mental stimulation by occasionally changing the colors around the cage a bit.. Youd get bored living in the same room your whole life wouldn't you?
  
• They need outside of cage time at least once a week, but ideally whenever you get a chance. This time can be them just running around in circles in a slightly bigger and more open space with you monitoring and having made the space safe. Or it could be the pig being bundled up in a blanket while you watch a show or something on the couch. All that matters is the pig is outside of the cage and you are interacting with it! The key though is to listen to when they are ready to go back.. Like I said they are bashfull by nature and do want to poop/pee on you and or out in the open. They will attempt to make it known via uncomfortable shifting and tiny squeaks.. Like a kid that has to pee.. If you miss the signs, well.. They tried! It is also usually a good point for outside time to end.
  
  edit A few more thing i remembered..
  
  
• Make sure you get two of everything so there is less reason to fight.. two houses two food bowls, two water bottles..
  
• Pigs need something made of wood, be it toy or house to chew on occasionally to help keep teeth growth at bay.
  
• Trimming nails can be a pain in the butt.. It HAS to be done though so make sure you look into how its done before trying. When in doubt use a flashlight to help find were the quip ends and the nail starts so you dont cut to deep. If you do cut deep, dont panic! Use cornstarch to stop the bleeding as it wont hurt them if they eat it off later.
  
• When washing(rarely!) make sure you dont get water on the head/in the ears as it can lead to serious problems for the pig.
  
• The grossest thing I learned is as pigs get really old they can get clogged butts from soft poop+weak butt muscles from age.. So.. Thats a fun one to look forward to!
  
  Wow jeez... Im sure there is more but at this point i dont wanna get auto mod banned for spam or something haha.. Good luck!

First, thank you so much for taking the little guy in and going to the trouble to learn about how to give him a good life and take care of him! Ok now for a novel...

You are on the right track about needing a bigger cage, I don't know what kind of cages you are looking at, but I recommend C&C cages. They are really great, and if you find yourself having a bit more room, you can always expand them. My two pigs are in this one: http://www.guineapigcagesstore.com/candc-cage-deluxe-wide-large and they love it.

Also, you are right that they are social animals. You should try to get him a little buddy if you can! Do not get this little buddy from a pet store though because A) pet stores are notorious for not only poor treatment and health of guinea pigs, they are terrible at sexing them, and you could end up with a lot more pigs that you bargained for :) and B) there are LOTS of guinea pigs in need of adoption at shelters and rescues because, as you can see, people ditch them without a second thought.

For food, he should have lots and lots of hay, timothy is most common, but occasionally I buy orchard grass as well, and plain pellets without seeds or fruit or anything in it. I buy Oxbow brand for hay and pellets. Guinea pig pellets have Vitamin C in them, which is why you shouldn't give them rabbit pellets or food for some other small animal, even if it looks the same. He should always have fresh water, in a bowl is fine if you don't have a bottle yet. Fresh veggies should be given often, this is their other source of Vit C, my girls love lettuce, bell peppers, cucumber and carrots. Fresh fruit can also be given occasionally, but you don't want to give it as often. my girls get a couple of strawberry tops a week and occasionally the end of a banana. You also want to be careful not to give them too many veggies that are high in calcium, like kale, because they can develop stones. They can have them occasionally, just not all the time. Most treats at a pet store aimed at guinea pigs are also not really good for them, such as yogurt treats and seed sticks. Your pig will be ecstatic about veggies, so don't feel like you're depriving him of anything :)

Guinea pigs are prey animals, so they are very good at hiding pain and illness, which is why it's good practice to weigh them often, as change in weight is often an indication of something being wrong. Generally keep an eye on their eating habits, poop, and drinking habits, so you will notice when something changes and can take them to a vet if something is wrong. If you do suspect something is wrong, don't hesitate to go to the vet. A guinea pig's health can decline really quickly, so time is often of the essence.

For toys, make sure he has something to hide in, like a house or igloo. He should also have stuff to chew on, mine have a log like this and they love it. Tubes are a huge hit with pigs, big ones that they can run through, and toilet paper rolls that they can toss around and chew on. You can also stuff some hay into a toilet paper tube to really blow your pig's mind.

I'm sorry this is so long, but I hope it has helped, and I hope you enjoy your new pig! They are really endearing creatures :) Feel free to message me if you have questions as well.

The cage is too small. With boy pigs, you should have 10 square feet, but to do that you have to build a C&C cage.

Here's some info on cage sizes: https://www.guineapigcages.com/

And here's where they have their kits you can buy: http://www.guineapigcagesstore.com/standard-guinea-pig-cages

I have been making do with 8 square feet. Specifically, with the Midwest cage, which I bought through the rescue when I adopted my boys. I do want to get a bigger cage in the next few months, since my schedule has changed and I can't give them 3-4 hours of playtime every day anymore. But this is a better size than what you have and likely less money, and you can combine two to make a really big cage if you have enough floorspace.

https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8

What is your mom's specific reason for not wanting two guinea pigs? If it's expense, having two does not change the costs very much at all. If it's worry they won't bond with people, they still will. But people can't spend ALL their time with guinea pigs, and a cagemate will be there at all times and know how to speak guinea pig language. Pigs are happier, healthier, and braver with friends around. If it's that they won't get along, Hamlet should be fine with a boy from the same litter. OR you could still contact a guinea pig rescue and see if they do guinea pig dates, which is when you bring in your guinea pig and they put him with one of their guinea pigs in a neutral space to see if they'll get along. Note: They probably won't let you adopt a pig friend for Hamlet unless you can prove you have a big enough cage.

Even if you don't adopt from them, a local guinea pig rescue can be a good resource to tell you what vets they recommend and how to do certain things. Mine does nail trimmings, boar cleanings and simple health checks for free.

If your mom absolutely won't let you get a second pig, keep a close eye on Hamlet and see if he acts lethargic or depressed. He could get depression without a pig buddy, and there's nothing you can do to fix that except find him a friend.

Guinea pigs will pee during floortime, since they can only hold it for 10 minutes or so. Put stuff down to protect your floor, like fleece over a showercurtain. If you're doing laptime, they might get squirmy or start nibbling on you to tell you they need to go pee. They don't really like peeing on you, but accidents happen.

Good luck and enjoy Hamlet! Do your best to get him a bigger cage and a buddy. He'll be much healthier and happier with both. :)

Hi and welcome. To save myself some time, I'm going to copy/paste. So, some tips. If you haven't, check out Guinea Lynx to get great information on guinea pigs and guinea pig care.

If you are looking for a cage, I usually recommend Midwest Habitat or you can find a C&C at Guinea Pig Cages Store. You can also build your own C&C using these Grid Shelving Pieces, and purchasing the coroplast at either a sign shop, big box home improvement store, or order online.

Guinea pigs need a friend, a roomy cage, plain, boring, green food pellets (since these are young pigs under six months of age, they'll also need Alfalfa hay & Alfalfa hay-based food), fresh veggies, and fresh water.

I'll put some additional tips & tricks next, as a way to get them comfortable with you. If you have any questions, please let me know.

So, these are just some general suggestions to get things started. This subreddit is a bit deceptive because you see piggies who are happy & comfortable in their settings. It certainly does not start out in that manner. You're in the "long game" for now, and with patience and practice, you'll start seeing some progress in a month or two.

1. Put them on a schedule. They'll figure it out soon enough, and will come to the cage edge to see you.
   
2. Guinea pigs love food, so the fastest way to their heart is via their tummies. Whenever you see them, have snacks available. Make sure the pieces are small, as they are small critters, and you want them to come back for more. In the beginning, start simple. Offer small pieces of Romaine or bell pepper (start with green, then in two weeks introduce a different color). Sit near their cage, talk to them, let them smell you, give them a chance to get to know you.
   
3. Lap time. Use a cuddle sack to collect them from the cage. Collect one pig, transfer to a towel or blanket, go get the second pig. For as long as they need, have lap time be a "together" activity. They'll be more content if they have a friend. During lap time, offer something very special - like parsley or cilantro. While they munch, you figure out how they like to be touched, as each pig has different preferences. Do they like chin rubs? Cheek rubs/massages? Nose rubs/massages? Forehead rubs/massages? Most pigs do not like being touched on their backend, so keep that in mind.
   
4. Floor time. Floor time is a great way for them to get some good exercise, and also for you to participate. The easiest way is for you to sit on the floor with them during floor time. Offer their usual snacks, so they come to you. Eventually they should climb onto your lap to say "hi" and get a snack from you. For floor time, you can protect your floors/carpet by using a layered system - put down a shower curtain liner, on top of it (depending upon how long floor time will last) you can put down some puppy training pads, and then towels or blankets. If it is less than an hour of floor time, you can skip the puppy training pads and just use towels or blankets. If you want them to run more, don't put down any pigloos, hideys, or boxes. Allow them to get comfortable with floor time before adding those features so they get the idea they are supposed to move around and not hide. Other things you can try - paper bags (my girls pee/poo in paper bags, so I don't usually give these to them), oatmeal containers with the bottom cut out, toilet paper rolls stuffed with timothy hay, etc. You want to give them some sensory experiences just keep in mind they'll chew on stuff, so don't give them anything potentially dangerous.
   
   Keep in mind that they will respond to whatever you call them. I have a pig named "Mocha" but from early on we called her "Mo-Mo" and that is now the name to which she responds. Yes, your piggies will eventually learn their names and come when you call them. Good luck! If you have questions, you can post on the subreddit, on the chat, or feel free to DM me. We want you to be successful. :)

I haven't got any experience with the cage you have, but it looks like a decent enough size for two females (I think nearly 8 sq feet?). I have two of these and I like them a lot.

However, with both cages, you are going to go through a LOT of paper bedding (I don't recommend any type of wood, generally). I go through 30 litres per cage, so basically one large bag of carefresh per week. If I didn't work at a pet store I don't think I could afford it. Because of the size, I'd recommend fleece bedding (with a u-haul moving blanket underneath). It's a bit more work, as you have to sweep it or shake it off every day, but it's so much more cost efficient.

As for the food, excellent choice :) Just check their bedding for any white urine residue - it means they're getting too much calcium in their diet, which is a common issue with the Ox Bow. I still like it better than other brands. I use their timothy hay as well as it seems to be the highest quality that I can find reliably. You can order it in 9 pound and 50 pound boxes on Amazon as well.

The only other thing I can think of to recommend at the moment is to have two water bottles and two food bowls. You don't want them fighting over resources. I'd recommend something like this for hay because it holds a lot more than most hay feeders I've seen.

Hope I've answered a few questions and good luck with the new piggies! They are amazingly fun little animals.

Please keep in mind their basic upkeep such as hay, fleece bedding (if you use fleece, other bedding will be more), and food is pretty cheap, but medical care is NOT. Because cavies are exotics, their veterinary care is quite costly (some medications can cost up to $80 for just two weeks' worth, exams can range from $24 - $75, but that may depend where you live, it is very expensive where I live and I just live in a small area not even a big city). You want to have a savings for emergencies, trust me. You might get really lucky (some of mine have hardly had any issues, others a bunch especially as they aged), or you may end up with ones with genetic predispositions to medical issues (breeders actually breed health problems into some types, sacrificing health for appearances).

Cage wise, this cage would be good for a pair size wise, it is a little bigger than their regular one (which I cannot find for sale now) which is the minimum size for a pair that gets along well (a dominant pair would need more space) http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Interactive-Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1395980535&sr=1-1 . Too small of a cage and they are more prone to health issues as well as fighting. They are a social species, but even the most social animals need their space since they will be living together all the time.

As a first time owner, I would highly suggest adopting a bonded pair. A rescue that specializes in small animals or guinea pigs in general would be the best option since a good rescue will have them seen by a veterinarian and should have already bonded pairs. A good rescue will also take animals back at any point if you find yourself unable to keep them. You can find one through these sites (these are the ones I know about that list rescues);
http://www.guinealynx.info/rescues.html

http://www.guineapigzone.com/guinea-pigs/rescues

http://www.petfinder.com/ (this site also lists shelters that have guinea pigs)

Very cute. But. Unless you have a roomful of those cages, you should really look into getting something bigger. The one in the background looks to be about 3 feet by 14 inches, which doesn't provide adequate space for a single piggy. Not at all a judgement. But 2 guinea pigs (I think I can see a second one in the background) should have 11 square feet of cage to share (16 will make them happier). It seems like a lot but it isn't with the right cages.

These are super cheap $32 a piece , and they attach to eachother easily and are 8 square feet each. Also free shipping, and for the time being no tax. http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Homes-for-Pets-171GH/dp/B001NJ0DPY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373434177&sr=8-2&keywords=guinea+pig+cage (assuming you are in the States of Unitedness, not sure if other countries tax Internet purchases)

Most cages pet stores sell (as seen in the background) are really for hamsters, but they market them for chinchillas and G-pigs cause they know people will just trust what the box says.
Here's a good site for overall info:
http://www.cavyspirit.com/

In case you take this the wrong way, just think, "did I get these lovely animals for my entertainment without regard for their optimal happiness, or do I hold myself responsible to give them the best life I can provide?"

Now if by chance there is an amazing network of these cages that can't be seen in the background, I replace the previous paragraphs of potential pretentiousness with a high five and a request for a gallery of your cage setup.

Bactrim is fine for pigs, and is typically successful in treating URIs. Side effects are quite rare as it is a milder antibiotic, but it's possible that it could cause digestive upset. If you wanted to be on the safe side, you can give your pigs some probiotics an hour or two after their Bactrim dose. Probiotics aren't likely necessary but it won't hurt them if you want to do it anyway for your peace of mind. Even more rare side effects (but also more serious) are loss of appetite, severe diarrhea, and lethargy. Contact your vet if you notice those.

Because Bactrim is gentler it's a good 'first' option to treat infections, especially for young guinea pigs. There is a chance that it may not be effective if the infection is sufficiently advanced or simply antibiotic-resistant. If your pigs aren't starting to improve after 3 days, or if they ever worsen after beginning treatment, call your vet as they'll likely need a different antibiotic (usually Baytril, but not always).

Probiotic info:

Safe probiotics to feed guinea pigs are fresh poops from a healthy guinea pig if you can get it (this is believed to be the most effective, plus it's free ;D), or if not you can sprinkle some powder from an acidophilus capsule on their pellets, or a probiotic meant for small animals like BeneBac (comes in gel or powdered form, and is usually carried by pet stores and vets) or Probios powder. Pigs don't do well with dairy, so avoid yogurt or other dairy products.

Amazon links (if you live in the US): Benebac gel tubes and Probios powder (a big tub like this is overkill for your situation, but it is another option)

I'm certain there are plenty other probiotic options that will also work fine, these are just the ones I've used and know of off the top of my head. It's also a good thing to consider keeping on hand just in case.

Guinealynx page on probiotics

Instead of trying to buy a whole c&c cage kit, you could look for the parts to build one yourself. I'm not sure what stores you have in Australia, but here they sell shelving units with grids like these at places like Bed, Bath and Beyond and Target. Or maybe ordering a pack of grids wouldn't be as expensive shipping wise as a whole cage is. If you can't find coroplast for the bottom, you can use something like a shower curtain, like in this video.

If you are unable to build a c&c cage, I think your best bet would be to make sure you give your pigs lots and lots of floor time so they can run around.

If you'll be back and forth between houses I think the easiest thing for you would be to have a cage at each house.

You will need to use towels underneath the fleece. You need to wash the fleece 3 or more times (for me it's usually more) without dryer sheets/fabric softener so that the fleece will wick moisture. The whole idea is that their pee is wicked straight through the fleece to the towels below. You'll need a little hand broom so you can sweep up their poop daily, but the fleece and towels don't need to be washed for about a week or so.

We had to quarantine our newest pig when we got him because he started showing symptoms of an eye infection the day after we brought him home. We didn't have a second cage at the time so we just used a large box and set it up like a cage for him (it had very thick sides so he couldn't chew through).

It is normal for her to be scared of you. I'm not sure when you got the pig, but I'd give her like 3 or 4 days and then start picking her up and holding her daily. She'll get used to you if you keep at it. Our baby pig doesn't like being picked up out of the cage still, but once he's out he is happy to sit in my lap and be petted. I think that pigs feel much less scared when they have a pig friend to live with.

I know others have said this but the wire floor is bad for their feet which is probably why he doent leave much. It sounds like he is depressed. Does he have a friend? It is a myth that boys cant live together. If you wanted to get him a friend all you really have to do is get a baby and make sure they have a cage that fits the minimum (8sq feet) the midwest cage is great for this. I will leave a link to it.

https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Cage-MidWest-Inches/dp/B001NJ0DPY

Also look up c and c cages these are also great.

Hope that helps.
Also I agree with others that guinea pigs need alot of space but it is all ground level space one level is best .

You mention her previous home was not caring well for her, so I'm just going to say right away that the situation you have her in does not sound any better. Absolutely do not keep her outside in the winter, since that does not sound like a safe or sustained temperature environment. It is way too risky. Guinea pigs as pets are generally indoor animals, so I'm curious why she wasn't living inside to begin with. An outdoor space can work so long as the enclosure is closed off, protected from weather and you can maintain the temperature at around 65-75 degrees. Much higher or lower and you risk death. A reasonably sized indoor cage (such as this Midwest Habitat, anything much smaller than this is highly discouraged) is relatively inexpensive. Furnish it with your choice of bedding (I personally recommend fleece), a hidey house or two, a food dish, hay rack and a water bottle (keep in mind she may not drink from it consistently, more on this in the next paragraph). Any working individual should be able to reasonably afford this.
   

   

Concerning food, does she have anything else besides the one carrot per day? Guinea pigs should have a constant supply of hay (usually timothy hay if they're adults), pellet food (preferably with vitamin c as they do not naturally produce it) and water, either in the form of a bottle or fresh vegetables at the very least. Ideally they also have about half a cup of fresh vegetables per day, minimum. Romaine or Green Leaf lettuce is most commonly used to fulfill this requirement, along with green bell peppers (high in vitamin c and ample source of water). Avoid Iceberg lettuce as it is mostly water and has very little nutrional value for them.
   

   

She's likely shy because the previous owner(s) did not interact with her much, and again by your own description, you aren't really doing this either if your only daily interaction is giving her a carrot. Moving her to a more cozy indoor space where she is around and can see people would be a great quality of life improvement for her by itself. Not to mention this would make interacting with her much easier and more convenient compared to her being alone outside. One thing I will say here is that often times guinea pigs are not like dogs and cats in that they will usually warm up to you relatively quickly. In fact the warming up process could take months or even a year+ in some cases, so be mindful of this. However, from my own experiences, the more often you interact with them, the quicker this process is. Start off simple by offering food directly from your hand until she feels comfortable enough to come and take it from you consistently and go from there.
   

   

As someone else pointed out, guinea pigs generally do better in pairs. Look into getting her a friend (of the same sex) and read up on bonding techniques. Financially, this is a relatively negligible difference compared to only having one.
   

   

Lastly, here are a couple of links with practically everything you need to know in regards to guinea pig care, check the sidebars on the left for various topics:
   

   

http://guinealynx.info/healthycavy.html

https://www.cavyspirit.com/

LA Guinea Pig Rescue on Youtube (check the playlist tab for a more categorized version)

GET. WASHING. BAGS. Let me tell you, I was so happy when I broke down and got one. No more having to clean the washer after each piggy wash!! I'll link to one below. You wash the fleece in them and then dry out of the bag (the bag can't be put in the dryer, according to the sheet they sent)

When you get your fleece, you'll have to put it through a few HOT washes with dye- fragrence- and softener-free detergent and white vinegar to get it to whick. Test after the 3rd wash and dry with some drops of water. If they bead up on top but don't soak in, wash and dry again. If they soak in, you're ready to use! Personally, I use the "Method" free and clear detergent. You have to look carefully at detergents because some "free and clear" ones will be dye- and fragrance-free, but will have softener, which will prevent the fleece from whicking. I believe arm & hammer also makes a "free and clear" detergent that is also fabric softener-free.

Here's the bag I bought! It fits a fleece for a 1x2.5 C&C cage and the wide loft with plenty of room to spare: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H44VZLN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YX9GDbR6MXJKF

Introduce them in a neutral area. When we do it we put clean towels down (smells are very important) in an area enclosed by two of these connected into one big area. Watch them for an hour or two and have a towel handy ready to toss in to break up any fights. Small amounts of nipping and stuff is normal, they need to figure out their relationship. But full on lunges or extended fights are no bueno, especially if blood is drawn. If that happens break it up immediately.

We also have a divider for our cage. So after we do the initial introduction we house them separately but next to each other (so they can smell / hear) for about a week. Then we'll do a second introduction in the neutral area and if all goes well they'll be cuddling by the end of it. Then they can go in the cage together, but best to do it when you're around so can check it out in case you hear scuffles.

Chances are they'll get along great, though males can be the trickiest. Both adoption places we've been to understand that they need to get along with the piggie you already have, so will take them back within 30 days if things aren't working out between the two of them.

Finally, just google things. There's a ton of info on what to look for and expect when introducing the piggies. Here is just one such good source.

Good luck! And you definitely should have two otherwise your little guy may get depressed. They are much more active and 'upbeat' when they have a cage mate.

To be happy 2 piggies need at minimum 8 square feet so they can run. I recommend this cage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_gmWZCbSX9HDPM if you can’t fit that, I’d suggest waiting or looking into a different pet like a hamster. I made the bad decision when I adopted my piggies as babies to get a smaller cage and expand when they grew up. 2 months later I was buying another, bigger cage. There’s no 2 ways about it. If piggies don’t have a big cage they will just be bored and sit around all day. It’s big but necessary.
Most guinea pigs also need a piggie friend to be happy because they’re herd animals. There are rare exceptions but typically one guinea pig is a depressed guinea pig.
My cage doesn’t even perfectly fit in my room- kinda have to step over it- but to me it’s worth it.

The absolute best thing I ever bought my boys was a small dog bed for rodents. The two of them used to cuddle up in there together, and it felt like a little home outside of the cage. I loved having one or two around because it was like a towel, only better. Whenever I would take my pigs out of their cage, they would be transported in this little cup. It became their safe space when in the big scary world :)) Easy to wash in the washing machine as well and lasted forever!

Thank you for the help! But could you help me pick out a cage that doesn't pass 50$? I found this one on the C & C site and thought it looked okay, it has good reviews but it doesn't have a top panel and I have cats. One cat is pretty old and she doesn't bother a fly and the other is quite curious.

http://www.petsmart.com/small-pet/cages-habitats-hutches/midwest-guinea-pig-habitat-zid36-5171983/cat-36-catid-600011?_t=pfm%3Dcategory

I found the same cage for one day delivery on amazon for a little less but it also has the top panel.

http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Interactive-Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407339861&sr=8-2&keywords=guinea+pig+cage+top


Is it big enough for two guinea pigs or do I need a bigger cage?

That was SO helpful- you have no idea. I just got a random video of guinea pig noises off of Youtube and played it to Rubick just to see how he would react. He immediately stopped eating and just sat down, and made a few wheeking noises. It got his attention immediately.

I have a few more questions if you don't mind answering them!
First, this is the cage I have Rubick in:
http://www.amazon.com/Petco-Bi-Level-Small-Animal-Habitat/dp/B005KJFJ2A

Do you think that would be big enough for two guinea pig? I bought the most expensive cage at the pet store, so I would prefer not buying another cage since I spent a decent amount of money on this one.

Also, I put this feeder:
http://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Hay-N-Food-Feeder-Quick-Colors/dp/B005FU4Z8I on the ledge. Rubick jumps up and down to get to his food. I didn't want to put it on the ground level so he has more room to run around. Do you think I should move the feeder to the ground, or get another one so the two guinea pigs don't fight over them?

Since you have multiple guinea pigs per cage, do you get multiple water bottles and feeders for each guinea pig so they don't fight over who gets to eat and drink at a time, or is one set enough in each cage.

Thanks so much for your help! Your guinea pigs are absolutely adorable! Seeing all the little piggies huddled around the plate eating vegetables made my day! :)

If you have the space, the best things are these ! They’re cheaper than an additional cage, and you can kinda build your own shape out of the different sections. You’ll be able to put them together and it usually costs less. Best of luck on with your little pig! I’m sure he’s gonna warm up to you :) it just takes time

The cost of a C&C cage can vary a whole lot depending on where you get your materials. Some places, sign stores will sell a lot of Coroplast for next to nothing, other places charge way more. A pre-cut C&C kit from guineapigzone, for example, might cost $80-$100 depending on size, and includes everything needed, including the coroplast already cut and scored appropriately, all the grids, connectors and zip ties. Other people have said they've gotten all the materials for under $30 total.

If you do want a pre-made cage, the Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat is about as good and cost-effective as it gets: http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-171GH-Interactive-Guinea-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DPY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1237496903&sr=8-2

That Midwest cage is between a 2x3 and 2x4 in terms of C&C dimensions, so it's good for one or two piggies. It's $35 on Amazon, which is a pretty good deal, considering pet stores generally have way smaller cages for way more money.

I bought one of those pre-cut C&C kits for a 2x4 cage with a 2x1 loft and ramp. Personally, I think it was worth the extra cost because I didn't have to measure or cut anything, just put it together, which took about half an hour. It's been a very nice and reliable cage so far, and I highly recommend C&C. But if you want the convenience of a brand-name cage, the Midwest is pretty much the only way to go.

Here's some links to products I mentioned and products my pigs like:

Small Pet Select Timothy Hay Pet Food, 10-Pound https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ID70IEU/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_tr8Eub1AJRAQ7

Ware Hand Woven Willow Twig Tunnel Small Pet Hideout, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002H3BLCY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_-s8Eub0ETWT7J

Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Food for Guinea Pig, 5-Pound https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VB503Y/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Av8Eub1ERBJYN

eCOTRITION Snak Shak Treat Stuffer for Guinea Pig/Rabbit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WAGVO2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jw8Eub001T4KZ

Kaytee Chew-Proof Water Bottle, 26-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ70S/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_eA8Eub1MCZ8ZJ (I fill it almost completely and mine never leaks, but some reviews mention it leaking).

Kaytee Super Sleeper Cuddle-E-Cup, Colors Vary https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ASBRM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_qY8Eub0PE7E4Y best to get two of things like this, pigs will fight over it if there's only one.

definitely bigger, i agree with the other posts that C&C cage is the best option but do be careful with small piggies and the size of the grids. midwest habitat’s are really good as well though and you could always expand them https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Cage-MidWest-Inches/dp/B001NJ0DPY

My wiggly pigs have two of these connected together.

Guinea Habitat Guinea Pig Cage by MidWest, 47L x 24W x 14H Inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Q7WxCbDV9DDCA

One of those cages is the minimum recommended size for two guinea pigs (8 square feet). I think that's cheaper than a C&C cage, considering the price of a pack of panels and a sheet of coroplast. If that cage is a size upgrade for them, I definitely recommend it. You'll see the same cage in a lot of pictures here. Good luck.

https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-MidWest-Panel-Inches/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=guinea+pig+cage&qid=1557866502&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I have these for mine and they’re really happy in them. These cages connect, each purchase is purchasing one cage so if you would like multiple make sure to check the quantity. I personally didn’t put the top grid on because I want the space to feel more open for my piggies. Waterproof bottom and you can use fleece or bedding. And it’s super easy to set up!

Edit: sorry for the messy link

Cool so the bottom part of the Trixie cage is about 8.9ft^2 with another 4ft^2 inside the upper level. This may be the perfect solution for the space I have.

I use to have one of these, but it was unwieldy and the canvas got gross in their "preferred corner". This paired with some fleeces and a water proof layer under the bottom would work great.

Thanks for sharing.

If you're worried about weight, I would highly recommend buying a food scale! Not for veggies, but for your guinea. One like this with a little dish that fits on top, so your little one can sit more comfortably.

I try to weigh my boys once a week (like after cage cleaning time so it's become part of the routine) so I can monitor their health. Weight is one of the main indicators of guinea pig health that you can reliably measure without a vet. Also it was really fun charting out how much they grew over time when I first got them! After a few times weighing your guinea, you'll have an idea of what a healthy weight should be, regardless of hair length.

Edit: I forgot to mention that a scale is an especially helpful tool if you think you'll be moving a few times in the next few years. I move my guys maybe 4 times a year because I go to college an hour away from my parents' house, and at first it was stressful for those little potatoes. They lost weight for the first few days each move, but slowly regained it once they settled in (they're pros at moving house now though). I'm not sure how long it's been since you moved to your parents' house but it may have contributed to her weight loss.

If you can afford it I would get two equal size cages... bigger than you have now. If not then using the smaller one for the new pig during the quarantine should be fine.

http://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Homes-for-Pets-171GH/dp/B001NJ0DPY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1457989093&sr=8-2&keywords=midwest+cage

If you can... two of those would be great. We have these and they are fantastic. You can join them together when they are ready. And every so often if you have the space or have the extra bit of money you can always buy more and continue to give them the space they need.

That midwest cage is actually a 2x4 and you can buy it w/o a top and divider on amazon. Link It's only $30, I have it and it's not leaky at all. If you think it's too small you can combine two of them too. It's the cage that I have, but you do risk your guinea pig escaping if the are adventurous like my Belle. (She was in heat and horny and I have a boar in the same room as her so she just climbled over the top, it's like 2feet high though). But it's a decent cage

If you have a Prime membership for the free shipping, they're pretty cheap on Amazon (Midwest Guinea Habitat Plus). Mine were $34 each. I love these cages, but they are sort of.. flimsy? Not any less so than a C&C cage, but I don't feel like the top would keep out a determined dog or cat.

Build a 2x4 C&C cage! It's cheap, easy, and lasts a lifetime. I did it for my two little guys while I was broke in college. And even in my tiny college apartment, I found the space. I put it on a cheap table from Walmart, threw a tablecloth (or maybe it was an old curtain from the dollar store...) over it, and used that space beneath for storage.

Or if you don't want to build, just buy this 2x4 Midwest habitat on Amazon. It's only $35. It makes a NIGHT AND DAY difference in a guinea pig's quality of life. Please!

Enjoy the new piggy. :) I got dogs after my pigs, but I miss the pigs all the time. They're wonderful creatures.

​

It's like woven willow sticks. They come in balls, tunnels, even pigloo-shaped. My girls LOVE the tunnel and they're on Amazon Prime so we get them as often as we need.

http://www.amazon.com/Ware-Woven-Willow-Tunnel-Hideout/dp/B002H3BLCY/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1398303268&sr=1-1&keywords=willow+tunnel

I have 3 of these and love em. No leaks and easy to clean.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ70S/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_rCuPBbTP5GCRT

Here are a couple I've seen recommended often:

http://www.guineapigcagesstore.com/ If you get the materials yourself and build it on your own, you can make one of these for a lot less expensive than the website. If you're do-it-yourself-y, this is a great option. If not, maybe not so much.

https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Homes-for-Pets-171GH/dp/B001NJ0DPY This one is nice because you can expand it relatively easily.

Remember that a pair of boars needs about 10 square feet (sorry, I don't know what that measurement is in meters).

Just looked on Amazon and they have the same exact 14 grids for $19.99! And free shipping. Definitely check those out!

As everyone else said. That cage is much to small for 2 piggies. Look into Midwest Guinea Habitat. They are 8 sq ft per cage and you can expand them or connect 2+ cages together. I have 2 for my 2 piggies and they LOVE it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001NJ0DPY/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/189-1568133-2817612

That's true. I wonder if something like a zippered pillowcase would work. Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Zippered-Pillow-Protector-Cotton-Standard/dp/B00BM8KC3E/ref=pd_lpo_201_lp_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=751SKEW432R1NK8MC0GA

Yow, that link...

Choco Nose H128 Patented No Drip Small Animal Water Bottle. Best Water Bottle for Small Pet/Bunny/Ferret/Hamster/Critter. BPA Free. 11.2 Oz. Nozzle Diameter: 10mm (Blue) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00S1SY1X0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EitCDbZYG8RAA

I use two of these for my girls, has never leaked in two years!

My pigs are absolutely in love with this. I bought one like it from PetSmart, I think, and it doubles as a hideout and a chew toy! My current version is about half-chewed away and lately, I've found it upside down with a pig chomping at it more often than not. :)

It looks like that one popular cage off of amazon and it can be sectioned into parts with doors between the sections (you can see that the bedding extends past the left side of the cage at the bottom left corner of the picture).

http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Interactive-Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394191807&sr=8-1&keywords=guinea+pig+cage

[This](Guinea Habitat Plus Guinea Habitat Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MQ1zybX8T2Z3T) is my favorite cage. It's very easy to set up and you can add extra units if you want.

oh geeze, that's a problem. You know, you can build a coroplast C&C cage for like $80, and it'd be bigger than any store bought cage.
http://www.guineapigcagesstore.com/standard-guinea-pig-cages

It's a pretty good cage option, a ton of guinea pig owners like them. I personally have this because i'm not very good at building stuff. with both options, I would use fleece because buying bedding for the whole cage would be costly.

Thanks for the tip! It's $30 for anyone else interested:

https://www.amazon.com/Small-Pet-Select-Cutting-10-Pound/dp/B00ID70IEU

I got a kitchen scale:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000P1PJL4/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It has a switch on the bottom to toggle between grams or ounces.

I like it because it has a bowl you can set them in. :)

I've had this Choco Nose bottle for several weeks and am very pleased with the quality. No leaks. Has a mounting clip that attaches to the cage and is easy to remove and reattach. I like that it's clear so I can easily see the water level.

This is one of the smaller ones Choco Nose makes, but they have larger ones if you want more than 12 oz.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S1SY1X0/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have used this cage from Amazon. The one I had did not have the top cage portion. My two pigs loved to run in it and it kept them contained.
https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NJ0DPY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Its the best space for price you'll find anywhere. I have one around for when I'm cleaning my c&c cage. You can't beat 9 square feet for $40

It's not glass but I have this cage:
Guinea Habitat Guinea Pig Cage by MidWest, 47L x 24W x 14H Inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_89l6BbG6Z6EN7
You can also look into making a c&c cage for some ideas.
But that cage fits perfectly on our coffee table.
And we have a small apartment. I wind up spot cleaning the areas where they pee 2 or 3 times a week to cut back on odors. Doesn't take very long. And once a week I use a deodorizing cage spray to spray down the bottom of the cage to get rid of any lingering odors.

My pig LOVES to play with his water bottle and used to wreck the spouts constantly. We’ve had this one for maybe 6 months without any leaking - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FMC845L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uTACDbJCNGC6S

Unfortunately that cage is still rather small. it may be long enough but its far too narrow.

something like this would be adequate.
http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Homes-for-Pets-171GH/dp/B001NJ0DPY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Kaytee and Living World both make glass bottles that work amazing and don’t leak.

https://www.amazon.com/Living-World-Water-Bottle-12-Ounce/dp/B003TTZMIO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=living+world+bottle&qid=1563808102&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I put white distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle (1/4 vinegar, 3/4 water). I swap the fleece on my c&c once a week and do a quick wipe down. I only have to scrub in the corners where they pee. We have a litter box too that we scoop out wet bedding almost daily. Then during the weekly cleaning, I just dump the litter box and scrub it down with the spray bottle. Seems to help with smells just fine.

I got mine from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Super-Sleeper-Cuddle-Colors/dp/B0002ASBRM). It's very soft, but also easily cleaned!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001NJ0DPY?cache=6ffe16ea939dc7bce3cda29f30a3e74e&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1411711456&sr=8-3#ref=mp_s_a_1_3


I believe you may be able to purchase more than one and hook them together if you need the extra space. Might have to modify the mats a little, but I think it could work. But one fits comfortably for my two boys.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003SZSVCI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

:)

It can be really difficult to get hold of the grids and big enough sheets of Correx, unfortunately. I got my grids from Grendle, and was lucky enough to come across someone living about 2 miles from me on The Guinea Pig Forum who was giving away 2 huge sheets of Correx for free! That forum has a lot of discussion about C&C cages, and it's UK-based, so probably worth signing up there and looking around for any suggestions in your area. Many people seem to contact sign makers to get Correx sheets.

I now need to get stuff for a roof for my cage, and my Correx is a bit worn so I was thinking of getting a new sheet, and I think I'm just going to end up ordering the pre-scored Correx from C&C Guinea Pig Cages, even though it's expensive...measuring/scoring/cutting the Correx was a bit of a pain so this time round I'm happy to pay a bit more for something that is done properly and fits!

You could also consider the Midwest habitat and having 2 joined together rather than a loft, but at that point it would end up more expensive than the custom pre-made C&C cage.

It looks like it's actually on sale right now! https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Cage-MidWest-Inches/dp/B001NJ0DPY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=midwest+guinea+pig+cage&qid=1567017921&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRkgwNjJMMjlQUkEwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTQ4NDk3MTlLU043VlpDTkpZOSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTczMTIzRDdHNDQ0OE9KS1VCJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Sorry the link is giant

This is the one! However, depending on how good you are at shaking the hay off of your fleece liners, you could just use oversized wash bags for human laundry. I snagged some at Aldi that are about the same size as these and I use those for my piggies’ liners.

The mat is here: Check out this item at Target https://www.target.com/p/3-x4-geometric-doormats-gray-mohawk/-/A-53571358

This is the play pen (I use two of them I think you can buy them in a two pack): Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen 40090 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SZSVCI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dXbQCbT59J6EB

You may like to think you're enough, but guinea pigs need the company of their own kind which they can understand socially. It is considered animal cruelty to house a guinea pig alone and is illegal on those grounds in several countries. Your guinea pig is likely depressed. You really, really ought to get another one. It's not as much as you think, and you can get a good cage of a good size online for cheaper than the tiny things they sell at PetSmart.

I personally recommend this one, the Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat: https://smile.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-MidWest-Panel-Inches/dp/B001NJ0DPY/

There's also this one which is new to me, but even cheaper and of a similar size/design: https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Canvas-Bottom-Cage-Black/dp/B07KB4C1QS/

You can also go the "C&C" route, which you can build yourself for pretty cheap or buy pre-made ones here: https://www.guineapigcagesstore.com/standard-guinea-pig-cages

You can try to connect the old cage with the new cage somehow, or just save the old one as a travel cage or use it as a sort of water/restroom station for floor time, and have it as part of a larger setup with a fenced in area. This combo can also do as a cage in the interim if you need to save up, as small animal play area fences are way cheaper and guinea pigs are naturally a little litterbox trained in that they'll prefer doing their business somewhere familiar, which would be the cage interior in this case.

As for another guinea pig, I would say get another anyway even if you have to have them in a cramped cage for a bit. Cage space can be mitigated to a degree with lots of floor time, loneliness cannot. You will be surprised the difference it makes. When I got my two guinea pigs, I had to keep them separate for a few weeks to make sure neither came to me sick, and while part of it was getting acclimated they spent a lot of time just lying around doing nothing. Once I introduced them and they got bonded, however, they're often interacting with each other, whether it's nibbling on hay or sniffing or squeaking at each other or whatever, and it really is night-and-day the difference.

Other than that, well, there's no good way to say this, but if you can't afford another guinea pig and a bigger cage, then you can't afford guinea pigs. Part of the reason PetSmart sells you these small cages and sells lone guinea pigs is to get people who otherwise really couldn't afford the correct setup to buy one (inadequate) setup anyway for a quick buck, and quote outdated research to defend their policies. Hamsters have it even worse, being essentially marketed as dolls for kids to play with in claustrophobic novelty cages.

This is the only one my local pet store carries. Would it be okay or do I need the one that says its specifically for guinea pigs and small animals?

Midwest Expandable Guinea Habitat https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001NJ0DPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nQ29ybW9BFV31

The Midwest cage is available on amazon Canada.

I bought this bottle, and Ive never see it leak. It also has a warranty and is much quieter than ball mechanism bottles.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001NJ0DPY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522469891&sr=8-2&keywords=guinea%2Bpig%2Bcage&dpPl=1&dpID=51LjyRUWqfL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

It’s 8sq feet and you can put multiple cages together if you want.

its called guinea pig habitat and we found it on amazon

Are you talking about this cage? It's available at Petsmart.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DPY/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_TK3nDbJ70QJB9

http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Homes-for-Pets-171GH/dp/B001NJ0DPY

Would you say that this cage is a decent size for 2 guinea pigs?

If you're unable to build a C&C for whatever reason (not necessarily you, but I know not everyone has the time or skills to build a cage from scratch), check out Midwest Habitats.

Edit: words

https://www.amazon.com/Guinea-Habitat-Plus/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1502547989&sr=1-4&keywords=Guinea+pig+cage

How about that one?

Guinea Habitat Plus Guinea Habitat Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_S347ybHKJN5V1



This was my first cage. I use it for my two boys still

I have that same pen. I bought 2 off Amazon and connected them. Gives my girls about 10 square feet or so! Ran me about $20.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BNE1YA/ref=twister_B005BPQA44?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

largest one i can across this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007BNE1YA/ and that is very close to what I have already. What is c&c cage?

Here is the mobile version of your link

AmazonBasics 4 Cube Wire Storage Shelves - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0735CKD6R?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

https://www.amazon.com/RentACoop-Animal-Bottle-Hamster-Rabbit/dp/B07FMC845L

Would this one from Amazon work? I'd probably not use the ramp and just have the shelf in as a hiding place.

I think it's the 10lb box? [Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Timothy Hay Pet Food, 10-Pound https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ID70IEU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sS1izbSQJ0152 ]

haha, the smaller guy in the photo is actually named Scooby. I put together two of these, but had to temporarily use cardboard for the back wall because the hooks on a couple of the panels were welded shut. Had to cut the corners on the tarps at the middle so they could lay flat and overlap. For bedding I got two towels and put fleece over them. The tunnel and the grass balls are here and here.

I use a glass bottle. If the noise is coming from them picking it up and wiggling it, the weight of the class may help. My plastic bottle fell on the floor once while filling and broke. The glass has fallen and not broken, and you can set it down if needed. Here's a link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Kaytee-Chew-Proof-Water-Bottle-26-Ounce/dp/B000HHQ70S/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_g2609328962?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0&ie=UTF8