cage size question

[RoAnneM]

On the home page it says a 2X5 cage is generally 30X62 and in grids 27X71. What does that mean? I understand that once you put it together there will be some space between the grids which will make it a little bigger than if you just measure the grids themselves. I'm measuring my space and trying to figure out what the largest size cage I can make. I guess what I don't understand is what makes 2 grids generally 30 and in grids 27, while 5 grids is generally 62 and in grids 71? Why are 2 grids bigger generally while 5 grids is bigger in grids? Does that make any sense? The spot I'm thinking of putting my cage is wide enough to make a 3X, if once completed 3 grids is 41" (which is what it says a 3 would be in grid size), and I could probably make a 3X6 if I use the "generally" measurement, but only a 3X5 if I go by the "in grids" measurement. I hope you can understand what I'm trying to ask and I'm not missing something really obvious! Thanks!

[gooberific]

I'm mathematically challenged.

Here's what I did:

I had the grids, put them together like a side would be, all in a line, and then held it up to the space I had to put it in, and figured out how many would fit.

My cage is 2x4 in grids. The exact measurements of the OUTSIDE perimeter... are 29" x 58". The interior space of the 2 grids is equal to approx. 27".

I hope that helps a little bit...

[Ly&Pigs]

Grids are approximately 14" square. So 5 grids long would be 70". If you use connectors, it adds about 1/2" between each grid so you'd have about 1 1/2" added on making total length about 71.5". 2 grids wide would be 28" and 1/2" for the connector space would make it 28.5". At the same time on the inside measurements you will lose about 1/2" on length and width due to the connectors and another 1/2" on the corners making a 2x5 cage approximately 27"x71". As far as the "generally" portion, even I don't understand that and I've been on the forum since Dec 04.

Just ignore the "generally" portion and use the "in grid" size. Put the largest cage you can in the space you have. If you have room for a 3x6 then build that size, if not then build the 3x5.