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 (reg.)
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Visitors
Welcome (by appointment)
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When
cavies first began to arrive at our home they shared a large area in a
spare bedroom. Their cage was designed using "Sterilite" tubs and
wire cubes placed inside a plywood support. As the number of cavies
increased, it became necessary to find other accommodations for them.
During the transition, I tried plastic tubs and modified wire rabbit cages.
None of these provided what I wanted for our cavies. |
They
were either difficult to clean or didn't provide enough space for the cavies
to exercise. |
After
looking at several photos of custom cavy housing, I decided to modify and
build six "cavy condos" I had seen pictured on the internet. Each
"cavy condo" consists of four shelves 48" long by 24" deep with double
doors that open wide for easy cleaning. Each shelf is 14" high
and the floors are covered with vinyl floor covering. The first level
is 12" from the floor to help eliminate drafts. To discourage the
cavies from leaping to the floor below, 1" x 2" boards were placed across
the front of each level. Two to four cavies are usually housed on
each level of the condo.
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For
single cavies we use the same design with a single door. The size
is 36" long by 18" deep. We have used these cages for more than three
years. I find they allow the cavies maximum space, light and
ventilation while using minimum floor space.
And...they
are very easy to clean. |
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To
clean - the shavings are removed, the floors are washed with vinegar, rinsed
and dried. The old shavings are replaced with fresh. Although,
water bottles are slightly more work, I choose to use them rather than
an automatic watering system as it allows me to monitor the intake of each
cage more closely. Vitamin C crystals are added daily to each water
bottle.
The
"cavy condos" are kept in our basement. It is heated in the winter
and air conditioned
in
the summer. We find the cavies are most comfortable
with
temperatures above 60
but
below 70 degrees. We
also
use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity close to 50%. Fans are used
to provide constant air circulation. |
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We
provide unlimited food, water and hay for our pets.
I
purchase fresh vegetables
from
a local restaurant food supplier and give them daily as treats.
Each
cage has a variety
of
toys to keep the cavies occupied so they are less likely to become bored
and begin chewing their coat. |
Last
year I decided to provide an outdoor area for more exercise and free grazing.
I built several 10' by 2 ½ ' pens from PVC pipe and plastic
screening and placed them inside a screen house. The cavies are now
allowed to play outside in comfortable weather.
These
are only used when I am home to watch and protect them from unexpected
predators.
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