Alternative doors?

[PixieStix]

So, I redid my cage. It's now larger, and I used my existing cubes as well as all my spares. I thought I counted correctly, as I checked several times, but I ended up being two grids short. So, I am missed a couple grids where the door should be. Right now it's blocked off securely, but it's going to have to be a more permanent solution. I could go buy another whole set of grids, but are there any safe, secure alternatives to grids for doors? I looked through the gallery, but they were all grids. Thanks in advance if anyone has suggestions.

Another note- there's a long, skinny part to the new cage (1x5). Above that, I reused my existing loft so the loft is only 1x4, which leaves an empty gap of 1 grid between the loft and the grid wall on the end(the loft does have coro walls that are a few inches high). Hope that makes sense, a picture may help but I'd have to get one later. Is this safe? They are used to jumping over coro walls as they loved to hop in and out of their old cage, so the worry is that they will hope over and fall. They did have a part like this in their old cage, but in a different place, and were fine. I'll have to take pictures in a day or two, I know this must be confusing. I don't have the ramp in yet, I want to make sure they're safe before I make the loft accessable.

Sorry for making this long, if anyone has any suggestions, they are VERY much appreciated, many thanks.

[sammy_kaye]

What about one of those wire shelves? I used one of these as a lid but I am sure that it would as a door as well. Do you have a picture of the cage yet? That would help me visualise the problem better and purhaps come up with a few more ideas.

[PixieStix]

Thanks for the idea of wire shelving. I'll try to get a pic tomorrow, right now it's not easy to see. Sorry.

[PixieStix]

Okay, sorry for the wait. These are a few pics.





This one's of the place I'm not sure is safe?



Another bad picture of it.

[cavycreation]

You could move and remove some of the grids so you just have a strip open on the top, then you can add some wire shelving there and you can easily open it.

[sammy_kaye]

Thanks the pictures really helped me visualize. If it was me I would use wire shelving for the door. You wouldn't be able to open up each level individually but it would work.

As for the loft could you move the grids so that they were in a step like shape? The very top grid would go on the end of the loft and one of the sides would go as a top to the 1x5, then you would have 1 spare grid too I think. Side on it would look like this
_
_I_ <-- Loft
__I <-- 1x5

Hope this all makes sense and it helps

[PixieStix]

Thank you both for your replies.

There are a couple reasons I can't have an open top cage. I have dogs, and though they are uninterested in the pigs (of course, never closer than through cage bars), I still wouldn't quite feel comfortable without a full roof on (just a wierd worry of mine). I had considered removing a couple grids from the top/back part, but I still wouldn't quite feel it was as safe as it could be. Secondly, the roof is really supporting it quite a bit, especially in the overlapping grid part.

Sammy, I don't quite get your loft diagram, sorry. I've considered removing the fifth grid from the lower level, which would give me three more cubes (what I'll possibly do), they don't use that little space. The real reason I put it on is for floor time conveniance- it's right next to the door to the room they have floor time in. That would mean I could make a 'chute' by putting a piece of coro or something making a wall between the two doors, and avoid the stress of chasing them around to grab them.

The wire shelving- how exactly would it open up? Would it fold up (like my other doors?) I'm assuming it would open out like a people door, which is a good idea.

Again, thanks for the ideas. I very much appreciate the replies.

Actually, I kind of think I've figured out the diagram. I think I get what you mean, I'll look at it tomorrow again. I'd probably have no trouble if I was fully awake.

[sammy_kaye]

Thats ok. I didn't explain very well. I would have to show you but I guess that would be impossible as I am rather far away. The door would open up like a people door. Not sure how you would secure it closed but cableties will work as the hinge. Some sort of clip would work I guess.

Hope this post is more helpful

[PixieStix]

Sammy, your last post was very helpful too!

The shelving door is a good idea. I have a few ideas to consider now, thanks. And after thinking a bit, I totally understand what you're talking about for the loft, which is a great idea as well.

[sammy_kaye]

I am glad you have almost solved the problem. Let me know how it goes

[cavycreation]

I use wire shelfing for the top of my 5x2 guinea pig cage. It works great! Just use cable ties, like Sammy said.

[PixieStix]

Sammy, I used your idea of the 'staircase' method. It solved both problems, as I had two left over grids for the missing door and I won't have to worry about the loft. Plus, it allowed me to keep that fifth grid for ease during floor time. It really was a great idea!

[sammy_kaye]

Thanks, glad to help