7.14.2012

Guinea pig DIY: Acrylic backed C&C grid cage

Truffle and Poof gaze at each other from opposite sides of the acrylic

Many guinea pig owners are undoubtedly familiar with finding all sorts of things outside the confines of their cavies cage. Hay, poop, bedding and pellets are the most common culprits. Occasionally stray bits of fruit or vegetables make their way across the room, no doubt launched by a pig in an energetic moment.

Our previous strategy for debris containment was to leave the coroplast walls cut high. This presented its own set of problems. First we needed larger swaths of fleece covering the walls to deter chewing. Then we needed to binder clip the fabric to the walls in order to prevent all the pigs from burrowing underneath. Even so, Belka would regularly stand on her hind legs and tug on the fleece with her teeth to check for dips she could mole her way into. I often turned just in time to see her dive below. Encouraged by Belka's example, Peaches and Poof would follow behind. Extricating scuttling pigs from underneath layers of bedding proved to be an ongoing annoyance, especially when they couldn't find their way back out.

Previous debris containment strategy - high coroplast walls

Recently during a cage remodel we came up with the idea of replacing the fleece covered coroplast walls with clear acrylic. It has worked well thus far - not only does the acrylic keep debris inside but it also acts as a urine guard. Best of all, it allows for an unencumbered view of the piggies puttering to and fro.

Acrylic backed C&C grids

We purchased clear acrylic at our local hardware store (Orchard Supply Hardware) and had the pieces cut to size. Specialty plastic stores may also carry different acrylic colors.

Acrylic color samples at Tap Plastics

The pieces we used were 14" (35.5cm) length, 3/32" (0.238cm) thick, and 7 3/4" (19.7cm) height, although the height can be adjusted to your preference. At home we marked holes in the acrylic, drilled them out, then zip tied the pieces onto C&C grids.

Acrylic is secured onto the C&C grid with zip ties

Fits into corners of connectors

I wish I could report that the pigs enjoy the upgrade but truth be told I don't think they care how the cage looks as long it is sizeable, reasonably clean, and filled with food. However as a piggy owner, I certainly think it is an improvement.

8 comments:

  1. Great idea, you can see the girls puttering around which is half the fun of being a pig slave.

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  2. I hadn't thought of using plexiglas like that. I've used it above the coroplast to discourage bar chewing, but not in place of the coroplast! Neat.

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  3. Generally, no. It works pretty well to contain everything!


    You can also attach longer sections of plastic to multiple grids. For example, attaching one long sheet of plastic to fit over two grids instead of just one. I use several of these in my pigs' cage. Hope that helps!

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  4. do you find that stuff gets between the cracks of the grids or did you make the plastic a little larger on the sides (overhang) to keep from spillage. :) I'm looking at my cage now and there's a good gap between each square grid. I love the idea...that's why I'm asking. :)

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  5. Where did you purchase the cage walls at? My parents got my son his first guinea pig for his birthday a few days ago and they bought a store cage that I dont feel is big enough so I want to make him one like yours and get him a Lil friend from a rescue to keep him company but before I do I need to make them a good home, also do they sleep in this home you've made them or do you transfer them into a different one at sleep time?

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  6. You can find the C&C cage grids at Bed Bath & Beyond (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/grid-wire-modular-shelving-and-storage-cubes/1016719773?Keyword=cube+storage) or online at Amazon. For the coroplast walls, search "coroplast" + your town to find them in your area. They're usually sold at print/copy stores.


    And yes, they sleep, eat, and play in this home full time!

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  7. I was wondering... did you just cut the sides of the coroplast off?

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  8. Not exactly - we purchased sheets of coroplast. Instead of cutting into the sides to form walls, we lay the sheet flat on the ground, wrap excess fleece around the edge and tuck it underneath.

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