Help and tips for a new build guinea pig cage.

[kian]

This weekend I am going to build the girlfreind a cage for her 3 pigs .

I want it to be as good as possible so please could forum members post tips here for me?

E.g.....
•Joint type For fixing wood together?
•fixings,,, screws, nails etc?
•dimensions? Just a rough base size?
•insulation?
•floor covering?
•internal rooms?
•multiple levels?

I am open ti any good ideas .

Thanks for any help folks.

 

[CandyFloss]

Hi,
Have you looked at this thread on building C&C cages ? They are really good for fitting into whatever space you have available.

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=53210

Might give you some ideas. Also the stickys at the top of the housing section are well worth a look.

Also have a look on this site which lets you know the size you need for 3 pigs
http://www.guineapigcages.com/

There are also lots of photos on that site which may give you some great ideas too.

x

 

[Connie]

•Joint type For fixing wood together?
obviously wood should be used if its an outdoor cage, but if its indoors the wood will begin to smell, better to use something similar to C&C
•fixings,,, screws, nails etc?
outdoor - make sure no screws or nails are exposed, piggies get into everything!
•dimensions? Just a rough base size?
3 piggies need 10.5sqft of space minimum, more is always better
•insulation?
if its outside, the wood will be insulation enough in the summer, in the winter you will need some kind of hutch snuggler
•floor covering?
something platicised that can be easily wiped clean (lino etc) usualy best to give this a lip up the sides to stop wee seeping into the wood
•internal rooms?
hutches are usually split into two sectoins, one with a mesh "window" and one warmer room with a solid door.
•multiple levels?
while multiple levels are great unfortunatly they dont count in floor space as piggies need to do laps in one area

 

[lissie]

Are you building an indoor cage? You can use wood indoor if lined properly.
Here's mine. Built for 4 boars. 2 in each cage.

When I was living in a small apartment.


When I moved to a bigger place.


•Joint type For fixing wood together?
I didn't use any joint. I'm not a carpenter. Got the lumber store to cut wood for me in straight pieces.

•fixings,,, screws, nails etc?
I used screws and bolts.

•dimensions? Just a rough base size?
Mine is measured 28 by 96 inches fron the inside base. So add about 3 inches for the frames.

•insulation?
Didn't have any insulation.

•floor covering?
Lined the whole cage with vinyl kitchen flooring. Planning to add correx. Correx are easier to wipe clean.

•internal rooms?
28 x 96 inches.

•multiple levels?
Only the main level counts as guinea pigs need room to run laps. I like having a separate level for hay so it doesn't get on the fleece blanket. I am planning to add a hay loft to my cage.

This is how I built mine.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lis95129/CageBuildingStepByStep

 

[Lizzie]

I would measure the space you've got and then design it around that, I'm sure someone will come along and mention the minimum guidelines for a hutch for 3 guineas.

But as for the rest - if you're using wood then you are best drilling holes for the screws, as otherwise the wood splits. Use long, thin screws, with the plain bit between the head and the threads, and tacks for the fiddly bits. Also wood glue is good to have around. Plywood is good for floors/sides, as is tongue & groove (packs are just £5.20 or something like that from B&Q). planed lengths are good to make a frame, 1"x1", or 2x5cm planks.