The C&C cage is a solid and easy-to-make cage, which is mainly constructed with two main components: C&C or Cubes (modular shelves made of wire cubes or wire mesh) and Coroplast (corrugated plastic sheets, commonly used in advertising boards). These two elements can create a habitat that ensures enough space for the guinea pigs and provides them the opportunity to exhibit natural behaviors (such as running, exploring), making them among the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
C&C cages provide significantly more benefits than traditional small cages. Small cages available in the market often do not provide enough space for guinea pigs, which can lead to behavioral problems, laziness, and health complications. The C&C cage solves these problems, as it can be large and easily customized, contributing to the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
Why C&C Cages Are Among the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs?
Adequate space:
Guinea pigs need a lot of space to stay healthy and happy. Two guinea pigs require a minimum of 7.5 square feet (such as a 3×2 cube size), but 10.5 square feet (4×2 cube size) or more space is ideal. The C&C cage meets this demand, making it one of the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
Easily Customized:
Cubes are modular, allowing you to create different shapes and designs of cages according to your needs and space limitations. It can be L-shaped, U-shaped, or even a loft cage. This customizability is a key feature of the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
Can be Easily Cleaned:
Coroplast is a smooth, waterproof material, which is very easy to clean. Guinea pig waste can be easily wiped away, and the Coroplast base can be washed easily. This ease of cleaning is a hallmark of the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
Cost-Effective:
C&C cages are relatively less costly to build compared to other large cages. The necessary materials are easily available in the market or online stores, contributing to why they’re considered among the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
Air Movement:
The wire grid walls ensure excellent air movement inside the cage, which is essential for the health of guinea pigs. Good ventilation is a vital aspect of the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
Durability:
A C&C cage is quite strong and long-lasting when properly made. Its robust nature makes it one of the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
Materials Needed for Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs
The main ingredients needed to create a C&C cage are:
Wire Cubes/Grids:
They are usually 1 foot x 1 foot in size and are used to make the cage walls. You need to buy adequate amounts of cubes, which will depend on the size of your desired cage. The cubes are connected to each other with specific connectors.
Coroplast Sheet:
This is a sheet of corrugated plastic, which acts as the floor or base of the cage. You will need to buy a large Coroplast sheet fitted to the size of your cage. Usually, it is bought in a flat state and later folded like a box to make the base.
Scissors or Utility Knife:
These will be necessary to cut and shape the Coroplast.
Tape (Packing Tape/Duct Tape):
Tape is used to secure the corners of the Coroplast and hold it in a box form.
Measuring Tape:
For accurate measurements.
Optional:
Cable ties help to connect the cubes more strongly, adding to the stability of the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs and Creation Steps:
Some popular and effective C&C cage designs for guinea pigs, highlighting why they are among the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs, are discussed below:
- 4×2 Open-Top Cage:
This is the most popular and easy C&C design. It means it is 4 cubes long and 2 cubes wide.
Ingredients:
About 16-20 wire cubes and a 4 feet x 2 feet-sized Coroplast base.
Construction Method:
First, create a rectangular structure by combining the wire cubes in your desired size (e.g., 4×2). Create the walls using the cube connectors.
Then, measure the Coroplast sheet as the base of the cage. It should be slightly larger than the inner size of the wall so that it can be folded to make a shallow box.
Cut notches into the four corners of the Coroplast and fold them upwards, securing with tape, so that a waterproof base is formed.
Place the Coroplast base below the wire cube structure.
In this cage, you can put sleep-zones, food and water bowls, and toys. This simple yet effective design makes it one of the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs.
- 3×2 or 2×2 Starter Cage:
These designs are ideal for a small number of guinea pigs in less space.
Ingredients: Approximately 12-14 cubes for 3×2, 8-10 cubes for 2×2. An appropriately sized Coroplast base.
Construction Method:
Follow the same method as the 4×2 cage, only the number of cubes and the size of the Coroplast will be different. These smaller variations are also considered among the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs for confined spaces.
- L-Shaped Cage:
If there is more space in the corner of your room, the L-shaped cage is an excellent alternative. It creates a big play area for guinea pigs.
Ingredients:
The amount of cubes and Coroplast will be required depending on your chosen L-shape.
Construction Method:
Arrange the cubes in an L-shape to make the walls accordingly and fold the Coroplast accordingly to make the base. This provides dynamic space, making it one of the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs for specific room layouts.
- Cage with Loft/Second Level:
This design creates additional play and exploration for guinea pigs by utilizing vertical space.
Ingredients:
In addition to the cubes and Coroplast mentioned above, a small piece of extra cubes and Coroplast for the second level (loft), and a ramp or ladder (to climb to the loft) are required.
Construction Method:
First, create a base cage like a 4x2 or 3x2.Then, create a raised structure using a few cubes on one side of the base cage, which will be the platform for the loft.
Create a small Coroplast base for the loft and place it there.
Place a ramp or ladder between the loft and the lower level, which will help the guinea pigs to easily move up and down. Make sure the ramp is wide and less sloping, and not slippery. This multi-level option makes it one of the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs for added enrichment.
Additional Tips and Considerations for the Best DIY C&C Cage Designs for Happy Guinea Pigs
Bedding:
It is important to use absorbent and soft bedding inside the cage. Fleece liner is a popular and environmentally friendly alternative, which can be washed repeatedly. Small pieces of wood or paper bedding can be used, but make sure they are dust-free.
Food and Water:
Put food (Timothy Hay, pellets) and water bottles or bowls in the cage. Provide adequate fresh vegetables and fruits (such as bell peppers, carrots).
Toys and Shelters:
Keep various toys (such as chewing toys), tunnels, and hideys for guinea pigs’ entertainment.
Safety:
Put the cage in a place where direct sunlight does not fall and there is no cold draft. If you have small children or other pets at home, it may be safe to use a lid made with a wire mesh on the cage.
Regular Cleaning:
Spot cleaning the guinea pig cage daily and deep cleaning once a week is very important.
Conclusion:
DIY C&C cages provide an excellent and customizable accommodation opportunity for guinea pigs, which ensures the space and safety needed for their healthy and happy life. With the right plan and a little effort, you will be able to create an ideal C&C cage for your guinea pigs, which will be beneficial for both them and you. Remember, a happy guinea pig means a healthy guinea pig!