C&c Cage Extension!

[Florapig]

Need help on how to extend, I know that more room is best but i need to be able to catch my piggies aswell

 

[Swissgreys]

How many piggies do you have, and what is your current set up?

My lot love their loft, but a lot of piggies don't use them.
Plus I got some good advice on here about avoiding a 2 x 2 loft as it can be difficult to clean under.

Ultimately, even though I have a loft (and am about to add another) I would always prioritize ground floor space. My lot (but mainly Eddi) use the loft for sleeping, but spend a lot of time on the ground floor generally running around and being crazy.

 

[Danielle Smith]

I agree with @Swissgreys, prioritise ground floor space. However, 2x2 lofts can be made much easier to clean under if you construct them so part is "overhanging" (if you have the space) like so:

 

[Florapig]

How many piggies do you have, and what is your current set up?

My lot love their loft, but a lot of piggies don't use them.
Plus I got some good advice on here about avoiding a 2 x 2 loft as it can be difficult to clean under.

Ultimately, even though I have a loft (and am about to add another) I would always prioritize ground floor space. My lot (but mainly Eddi) use the loft for sleeping, but spend a lot of time on the ground floor generally running around and being crazy.

Hi,
My current set up is a 2x6. My old cage had a upstairs and a ramp, and they used to use it lots. I have 3 piggies who love to run around and use tunnels. Think that a loft will shelter them more as the cage is very open. This is my cage below

 

[Florapig]

I agree with @Swissgreys, prioritise ground floor space. However, 2x2 lofts can be made much easier to clean under if you construct them so part is "overhanging" (if you have the space) like so:

This overhanging bit is such a good idea although I don't have enough space in my room for this. Thankyou

 

[GPTV]

how about the ground floor as it is & add a loft thats 1x6 so its a long thin loft or maybe make it into an L shaped loft by adding a grid to the width at one end

XXXXXX
X

sort of an X is a grid for the loft? would that work?
extra space for zoomies & a bedroom for snoozing & yet not too wide to clean out underneath or reach hiding piggies as a 2x width grid would be.
x

 

[Florapig]

how about the ground floor as it is & add a loft thats 1x6 so its a long thin loft or maybe make it into an L shaped loft by adding a grid to the width at one end

XXXXXX
X

sort of an X is a grid for the loft? would that work?
extra space for zoomies & a bedroom for snoozing & yet not too wide to clean out underneath or reach hiding piggies as a 2x width grid would be.
x

Thats such a great idea. Thankyou so much, I can't wait to try it x

 

[Florapig]

H

how about the ground floor as it is & add a loft thats 1x6 so its a long thin loft or maybe make it into an L shaped loft by adding a grid to the width at one end

XXXXXX
X

sort of an X is a grid for the loft? would that work?
extra space for zoomies & a bedroom for snoozing & yet not too wide to clean out underneath or reach hiding piggies as a 2x width grid would be.
x

How would it be supported ? Thanks

 

[GPTV]

H

How would it be supported ? Thanks

Hmm was just thinking about that!

 

[Florapig]

Hmm was just thinking about that!

In some photos I've seen it looks as if they are fine just attached to the edge. I could always put something such as a wooden or metal strip along the underside of the loft to support it better. Thanks again

 

[GPTV]

In some photos I've seen it looks as if they are fine just attached to the edge. I could always put something such as a wooden or metal strip along the underside of the loft to support it better. Thanks again

it looks like the end grids probably support themselves as you say, maybe put another grid vertically at the mid point of the loft length (parallel to the front/back) to support it,
or like you said a length of wood to support along the length (roofing batten is 38x19mm & it can be bought in large metre lengths from DIY stores or sawmills - its cheaper than buying dowels of wood that are planed & shaped too) i made a temporary cover for my pond with 3metre long battens of it cut to size. worked a treat.

Not sure how big the holes are in your grids but the wood might just slot through it or put cup hooks in the ends so that it doesn't slip out of the grid holes.
the correx on the top would help to keep it rigid anyway- any good? xx

 

[Florapig]

it looks like the end grids probably support themselves as you say, maybe put another grid vertically at the mid point of the loft length (parallel to the front/back) to support it,
or like you said a length of wood to support along the length (roofing batten is 38x19mm & it can be bought in large metre lengths from DIY stores or sawmills - its cheaper than buying dowels of wood that are planed & shaped too) i made a temporary cover for my pond with 3metre long battens of it cut to size. worked a treat.

Not sure how big the holes are in your grids but the wood might just slot through it or put cup hooks in the ends so that it doesn't slip out of the grid holes.
the correx on the top would help to keep it rigid anyway- any good? xx

Brilliant thankyou. Il get some batterning on Monday, thanks my guinea pigs will love this x

 

[GPTV]

This is the kind of wood i mean - wickes & B&Q versions, looks like its available in single strips

Wickes Treated Roof Batten 25 x 38 x 4800mm Single | Wickes.co.uk

Wickes Sawn Kiln Dried 19 x 32 x 2400mm | Wickes.co.uk

Rough Sawn Timber Kiln Dried (T)19mm (W)38mm (L)2400mm | Departments | DIY at B&Q

make sure you pick a length long enough for the C&C (but i have been known to have my saw out in the car park to cut to the max length that i need) & yet i can still fit in my car to transport home

good luck