A three level C&C cage... Can it be done?

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Kestrel

Kestrel

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I looked through the whole gallery of user-build C&C cages but did not see any three level designs. I have a rather large area that I will could build my cage in, but I'd prefer to use a 3 feet x 2 feet area next to my book case, and I can make it three level. This will give two guinea pigs 18 square feet of room. It will need to be closed as I have plenty of rascally cats, but before I commit to the design, I need to be sure it can be done. I want to make sure I'm giving the guinea pigs as much space as possible before bringing any home. Do any of you have a three level C&C cage? If so, do you have any advice, and can you share pictures? If it cannot be done, would you mind explaining why?
 
I used to have a 3 tier cage :

P1000099.jpg


This cage was 6 grids (or 7 foot) long by 2 grids (28 inches) wide. The only drawback was being so long it tended to sag in the middle a bit so I needed supports inside to stop the sagging:

P1000106.jpg


Also, the lower levels tended to be quite dark I felt. One other thing to consider is that the ramps take away from the floor level on each level and it may be better for them to have less levels and more space on one level if possible.

Good luck with your cage - you can make a lid which folds back to open and secures closed to help keep your cats out

HTH

xx
 
In general, levels do not count towards square footage. Guinea pigs prefer to run laps and need more ground space than levels. Some pigs don't even know how to use ramps.

Recommended size for two pigs is 10.5 sq.ft. So at least one of your levels should be 2x4 grids. You can add more levels if you want, but the main level should meet the minimum requirements.

Where in California are you? If you're near the Bay Area, I know where to get cheap supplies.
 
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Also wanted to add, since you don't have pigs yet. If you prefer tall, narrow cages, look into getting chinchillas. They don't require wide cages.

And, please adopt, there are many homeless guinea pigs (and chinchillas) in California. Search on petfinder.com or call your local shelters.
 
I've seen quite a few, but I would definitely support with wood etc. You can see what I mean in CandyFloss's pics -- the wooden beams supporting the ceiling.

I have three levels, technically, but the lower level is inaccessible to the pigs and only used for storage. I found the weight of all those levels on grids alone was dangerous very quickly -- I leaned on the top of the cage a bit and it pulled away at the joins and nearly came apart. So, extra support is needed in some form. I reinforced everything to death with cable ties, but would still like to look at some wooden supports at some point.
 
CandyFloss - Thank you for those examples! I will definitely keep everything you said in mind when I figure out how to give them a lot of space while keeping the cats away. Your piggies look very happy!

Lissie - I am way up North of the Bay, but thank you anyway! It sounds like I should do a one or two level cage with more ground space. I don't need it to be a tall narrow cage, I was just trying to figure out how to maximize their space. I'd love to adopt but the closest credible rescue to me is three hours away, and the closest - which doesn't seem very credible - is two hours away. I don't want to get them from a pet store or a breeder, so I'm trying to figure out what my best options are. Thank you for your responses!

SpinningNickel -Thank you! If the wood beams will be the best, I'll use them, but I might just go for one or two levels. Storage space would be really nice, though. Thank you! :)
 
Thank you Lissie! Those links are very helpful. I'm going to measure the space I can put a two level cage in tonight to make sure it's still enough space for two, but I'm sure it will be.

I have been checking craigslist, but everyone I contact does seem to be breeding. It's unfortunate but it is what it is. Seeing as I'm still in the process of getting a proper set up, I have time to figure out where I'll be getting them. :)

Thank you for all your help!
 
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