Guinea pigs are lovely creatures and can be very happy if they have plenty of space available. The cages found in pet shops are too small for even one pig, imagine for two… This article will tell you how to build perfect cages.
Steps
Step 1. Consider that one guinea pig needs at least 0.75 square meters of space, and two at least 1 square meter
Of course, the bigger the better! It may seem like a lot of space, but it is necessary to make your pets happy.
Step 2. Connect the tubes of the nets with a suitable adapter and form the perimeter of the cage
This will make it more stable, but for better results it is recommended that you also use cables to further tighten the tubes, or you risk the little pigs escaping!
Step 3. Measure the length of the inside of the net on the bottom part
If you want you can do it with a rope. Remember to leave some space for the network pipes (measured from the inner end of the adapters). The cage will be positioned inside them.
Step 4. Add 30 cm to the length and width to take measurements for making cuts
Add another 30cm to the length and width for 15cm walls (the perimeter of the cage). These are the external dimensions of the cage. If you have to place it against a wall, you can make the rear wall with a height of 30 cm to prevent hay from escaping. In this case, you would add a total of approximately 45cm to the measurements described above for each 30cm side.
Step 5. Start measuring, marking and cutting the Coroplast layer
Measure and mark the Coroplast (with a tape measure, ruler and pen). Cut out the outside measurements with scissors or a utility knife. Gardening scissors and a cardboard cutter will make the job easier, but you can still use traditional scissors. Make cuts based on the initial size of the layers.
Step 6. Measure, mark and engrave the Coroplast
Measure and mark 5 cm on all sides (for internal measurements). Make incisions in the Coroplast along these lines using a razor blade or utility knife. Be careful to make the cuts along the entire length. Initially, experiment on a sheet of paper. Make sure you make the incisions following the grain of the material. It is so much easier!
Step 7. We are already halfway through
Now you will need to cut the floors. Cut around the Coroplast in each corner, just 15cm to create a corner top.
Step 8. Cut the edges of the lines with the notches to form a box
Step 9. Attach the cage walls with packing tape from the edges
Make sure you put the adhesive tape only on the outside of the cage. This procedure will fix the different parts of the box. Cut large pieces of masking tape and stick them on the outside of the cage to make it even more stable!
Step 10. Put the box inside the net
Congratulations! You now have a stable cage for your guinea pig!
Advice
- In America you can find equipment at Walmart, Bed, Bath and Beyond. In England and Europe they are a little harder to find but try B&Q or on eBay.
- To cover the bottom you can use woolen fabric to save money, but when washing it don't use fabric softener.
- For the base use Coroplast, and clean it with a 50% solution of water and vinegar. It will not absorb the animal's urine and the environment will be cleaner and healthier.
- Coroplast is called Correx in England, and can be found in specific equipment stores.
- Do not put the guinea pig in a wooden hutch outside the house. This is very common in England, but in this way the piglets cannot survive the weather conditions outside or any predators. Furthermore, this type of cages are usually too small. If you really can't keep the animal inside the house, put the cage in a protected shed or in a garage that is not used (the gases from the cars would kill the pig). These animals are happy if they are left free inside an enclosure in an external shed, but in winter it is better to keep them indoors.
Warnings
- Make sure you clean the cage thoroughly every week or even more frequently, or the piglet could get sick or even die.
- Do not use nets if the space between one grating and another is less than 2.5 cm. If the gap is bigger they could stick their heads in and get stuck!
- Take the animals to the vet at least once a year.
