Would this be ok?

Mollz · 04-09-2008, 08:36 AM

http://www.leithpetwerks.com/Cat_images/GP300.jpg
I have one of these at home in almost new condition (used for a few weeks for baby guinea pigs about 6/7 years ago!), and to me it seems perfect for Amelie to have as a nesting box. What do you think? It is nice and secure and has ventilation.

Holly · 04-09-2008, 08:39 AM

I've got a couple of these, Mollz - they are really nice and roomy for a Syrian to sleep in

Mollz · 04-09-2008, 08:41 AM

Ooops, should have made it clear - I meant for when she has her babies! But we want to take out her shelf so that she has a month to get used to it and won't be distressed at the time. Do you think it would be suitable for that?

Holly · 04-09-2008, 08:47 AM

I think Teresa used one for Princess to have her second litter in because she wanted her to have absoloute privacy - I'm sure she'll be on later to confirm or deny! I just wonder if if it might get a bit "ripe" in there as you won't be able to disturb it for over 2 weeks and the babies will be eating/peeing etc in there for a long time! Also it might be hard to sprinkle bits of food around the edges of the nest when they are a few days old.

I must admit, now I've got over my panic about Smartie's babies being dragged all over the cage and Molly burying hers, I quite like them having no nesting "house". They've both built nests just how they want them now and they both seem really settled and secure and can spread out as the babies grow - I like it because there's nothing for them to get squashed in, caught in, trapped in etc - especially when they start wandering around.

Mollz · 04-09-2008, 11:46 AM

Yes, I was planning on an open nest until I saw the problems you had with them. Maybe I still will then? I just want to make sure she has enough privacy and thought this was ideal (as it is both of our first time!).

I still don't know and would like to see the consensus of opinions on here (not that I don't value yours, and I do appreciate your advice, I would just like to see what the majority do!).
So everyone, what do you think is better - open or closed nest? If closed can you state what you use please.

Matty Day · 04-09-2008, 12:12 PM

I would leave the shelf in anyway give her the choice if she builds the nest outside remove it if she use it leave it in

Basia · 04-09-2008, 01:00 PM

I wonder if the cavy igloo would get a big sweaty. I would think she would be ok with an open nest or you could give her a cardboard box which will 'breathe' a bit more.
Next time I have a litter in the gabber I'm just going to leave it open.

souffle · 04-09-2008, 03:29 PM

We have always either given a nest box (usually a large wooden bird box completly open at one end) or left the Gabber shelf in. They are always used the private area for babies. Once we used a glass tank and mum just piled the bedding up like a volcano so I do think they like to hide the babies, well at least ours do. I think it depends on the hammy.
You could get a drill and make some air holes in the igloo roof if you were worried it would get stuffy though

Mollz · 04-10-2008, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty Day

I would leave the shelf in anyway give her the choice if she builds the nest outside remove it if she use it leave it in

I really don't want to do this after hearing of babies getting hurt/stuck in these (like one of Gill's did) and would rather not risk it.

It would be nice to have an open nest, but not sure whether it would worry me too much. May just opt for a cardboard box or drilling holes in the roof of the g-pig house. I had looked at bird nesting boxes and wondered whether they would be any use - If you have used one Souf, then I would be more confident in using one of them

souffle · 04-10-2008, 09:56 AM

It was a big one Mollz and the whole of one end slid out so it was nice and airy. Sorry I threw it out as they don't clean well after 11 pups have peed all over it so that would be one reason to use the plastic house and drill it out with air holes I guess.