DIY Guinea Pig Cage

Creating a guinea pig cage yourself can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Here’s a simple guide to help you make a comfortable and safe home for your furry friends: Materials:

1. Cage Frame:
   • C&C (Cube and Coroplast) grids: These are often used for making DIY guinea pig cages. You can find them at home improvement stores or online.
   • Coroplast sheets: To create the base of the cage.
2. Connectors:
   • Cable ties or zip ties: To secure the grids together.
   • Connectors for joining the grids securely (optional).
3. Flooring:
   • Fleece blankets or towels: For comfort.
   • Puppy training pads or newspaper: To absorb urine.
4. Accessories:
   • Guinea pig hideouts, tunnels, and toys.
5. Tools:
   • Scissors: To cut the coroplast and fleece.
   • Wire cutters: To trim the excess length of cable ties.
   • Ruler or measuring tape.

Steps:

1. Measure and Plan:
   • Determine the size of the cage based on the space available and the number of guinea pigs you have. A general guideline is to provide at least 7.5 square feet of space per guinea pig.
2. Prepare the Coroplast Base:
   • Cut the coroplast sheets to match the size of the cage floor.
   • Fold the edges of the coroplast upward to create a shallow tray. This helps contain bedding and makes cleaning easier.
3. Assemble the Grids:
   • Connect the C&C grids to form the sides of the cage. Use cable ties to secure the grids together.
   • Consider creating a top cover to prevent your guinea pigs from escaping.
4. Attach the Coroplast Base:
   • Place the coroplast base into the assembled grid frame. The folded edges should sit inside the grid walls.
   • Use cable ties to secure the coroplast to the grids at intervals, ensuring a stable and secure structure.
5. Prepare the Bedding:
   • Line the coroplast base with puppy training pads or newspaper.
   • Place fleece blankets or towels on top for your guinea pigs to rest on. Fleece is a popular choice as it is soft, washable, and reusable.
6. Add Accessories:
   • Include guinea pig hideouts, tunnels, and toys to enrich their environment.
   • Ensure there’s a dedicated area for food and water.
7. Secure the Cage:
   • Place the cage in a safe and well-ventilated area.
   • Check that all cable ties are tight and secure.
8. Maintenance:
   • Regularly clean the cage by removing soiled bedding, washing fleece, and wiping down the coroplast.
   • Keep an eye on your guinea pigs’ well-being and adjust the cage setup as needed.

Remember to research guinea pig care and welfare to ensure your DIY cage meets their needs. Creating a custom cage allows you to personalize the environment and provide a comfortable space for your furry companions.