Falling Apart

[X_Cavy_Crazy_X]

I dont actually have a cage yet but I am working on it.

I am making a C&C cage and I definatly want it to be two stories. However the second story is the only one the cavies will use. The bottom level is to raise to cage up so it will be easier to clean and so I can have storage underneath. (GREAT idea. Perfect way to save space!)

My concern is that it will be unstable or that the cavies will be able to feel that their cage is not secure and steady.

I plan on using both connectors and zip ties, however the front of the bottom level will not have grids so I can slide their supplies in and out when needed. Is this enough support and stablility? I am making a 2X4 for now, and I cannot make it any longer or wider unless I move. However I can make it taller eventually so room, should be no problem for my cavies. (I MIGHT be able to make it 3X4 but I will have to re-measure and such)

So, is this enough stability for the cage? Justy imagine how scared the poor things would be if their home wobbled or fell apart altogether!!!

If not what things can I put to support the upper level better?

I accept any and all help, even critisism! (as long as it is PRODUCTIVE!! And not pointless insults) Thanks all!

XCCX

[newpiggiemommy]

I have a cage like that. My cage has a base all the way around on the bottom. Then the main level of the cage.

If your cage is unstable feeling to you then stop and think about how you can make it stable! If you fear it will fall apart then don't put them in it. One grid can kill a piggie!!!

I decided that the connectors is what was making my cage unstable, so I ditched them all together. My cage is put together by zipties alone!

This is the base of my cage used for storage! It is put together with ziptie(cable ties). It is strong enough for my 48 pound daughter to stand on and walk around on.
This was the main level of the cage. Also put together only with zipties.
This is the cage with a 1x4 addition on the right side.

I also just yesterday put on a 2x2 loft, also put on with zipties.

When I used the connectors I felt the cage was unsafe! Now, I did use about 150 zipties or more to make sure it is safe.

[TX_2_Pigs]

On my base I used the connectors plus zip-ties.

For the cage I only used the zip-ties.

My cage is strong enough to support, not 1, but 2 45-pound bricks.

The key is to make sure that you have enough support in the right places. In addition I have my cage zip-tied to the base so that when cleaning time comes I can just pull the whole thing away from the wall and walk all around it ( a major necessity with a 3x wide cage).
I just added a loft to it by taking 3 curtain rods and hanging them across the cage:

and just laying it on top like this:


I still need to update my cage building thread with how to make this addition. It does bounce and sag just a touch but the piggies don't seem to care. I have it like this so I can just lift it and move it to the side to clean under it every night. If you used broomsticks or something else less flexible, it probably would be more stable but if they don't care I guess I can live with it.

[naturegal592]

I love how you put the loft on, what a great idea!