I want to get a C & C cage but... - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

Linda122005 · #1 01-07-09, 10:03 pm

Well I've been wanting to buy a C&C cage, I heard that I can buy the cage its self at places like Target and Wal*Mart. But its ONLY the fence or border if you will.

Where can I get the "tub" that goes underneath to keep the hay, food and the other stuff in?

Also, would you all recommend fleece as their bedding?

**piggers_sienna** · #2 01-07-09, 11:09 pm

People use coroplast as the bottom of the cage. If you want to get something like that at target what I use under mine is a shower curtain from the dollar store and some old towels i had and then a fleece. I love the fleece it doesnt stink as much as bedding and it is so much easier to clean. I recommend getting 2 sets of fleece though so when you go to wash one you can lay another one down. But as for the tubs i actually got some from the dollar store that are just storage tubs and cut holes out to kinda make doors. Or you can go to walmart and by a storage bin the size that you would want in your cage and just put bedding or something in it. I use carefresh for under my hay, food and water..

Oh and if you have a bed bath and beyond or a sams club membership i would recommend the storage cubes from there because those are the cheapest i found and then you can shape the cage however you want and even add more stories

**Tserisa** · #3 01-07-09, 11:33 pm

You can no longer get the fence part from Target, I don't think. Here's a warning -- those ones are dangerous to pigs.

Here is all the information on where to get everything -- the grids, and the plastic. Also you can browse the photo galleries for pictures of alternatives to the plastic at the bottom.

Here is information about fleece bedding.

Linda122005 · #4 01-08-09, 10:45 am

Thanks! All of the information that you guys have provide has been very helpful. I think I'm guna get some kind of tub and then border it with the fence, also I think I might have a fleece underneath aswell. Once again thank you.

**starshine123102** · #5 01-08-09, 05:27 pm

What kind of tub? A large plastic storage bin? unles it is only going to serve as part of the cage I'm not sure that it would be large enough. Nor have proper ventilation. MAYBE, a under the bed storage bin would be okay but I don't know how large those are.

If you can't find coroplast (Did you call your local sign stores), you can use shower curtains or linoleum to build the base and that would provide a more suitable cage size.

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #6 01-08-09, 10:35 pm

That isn't recommended. Please see http://www.guineapigcages.com/types.htm and scroll down.

Please don't use tubs and bins. They are just too small. The "large under-bed storage container" are usually barely 2/3 of the minimum 2 x 3 grid space. The largest containers readily available are commonly 6 square feet or less (80% of the minimum required at best). It only takes a little more effort to increase the real space your cavies have to run laps and explore. Don't settle for less just because it's convenient for you. Inches matter.

Just increasing the space from 6 to 7 1/2 square feet is a 25% increase for your guinea pig! A foot and a half may not seem like much to you, but if someone gave you a 25% increase in the total living space in your home, you'd be thrilled, especially if you were living in a tiny studio apartment! And if it doesn't seem like much, why not give it to them?

If you must use the bins, then you should have two, side by side, with at least an 8" wide section cut down from each adjoining side, creating a "gate" for them to walk and run through. Don't leave it so that they have to leap over the sides or climb over steps or ramps. (And it will take you more time and effort to cut it down, than make the Coroplast bottom. We know, we've done it. And it's messier to clean.)

Linda122005 · #7 01-09-09, 09:33 am

So then the tub idea is out of the window. I want whats best for the little fellas.

I'll most likely end up buying a cheap shower curtain for the bottom. Thanks!

**piggers_sienna** · #8 01-09-09, 04:27 pm

I used a shower curtain and it works great

**PrincessAngel** · #9 01-09-09, 08:46 pm

When I first made my cage I used the grids and trashbags under fleece to protect the floor.

**Tserisa** · #10 01-10-09, 01:20 am

Many things work under the fleece-and-towels bedding! Shower curtains, or play mats like these, or a plywood board with adhesive linoleum tile, etc. etc.! Many options.

Linda122005 · #11 01-12-09, 04:45 pm

All of those are very helpful! I appriciate it.

I'll try the shower curtain or the play mats. Plus some towels and other things that may work. BTW do any of you guys have some type of play tunnels or something for your guinea pigs? I just bought ours a play ground tunnel thingy haha and they LOVE it!

**starshine123102** · #12 01-12-09, 05:10 pm

I use cereal boxes from BJs/Costco since they are really big. I also use Capri Sun boxes and you can use the large Quaker Oatmeal containers and take off the bottom. Just about anything is reusable for you piggies if it's cardboard. I also have a PVC pipe from Home Depot. She loves it and pushes it around her cage.

**AnthonyL** · #13 01-12-09, 05:29 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tserisa

Many things work under the fleece-and-towels bedding! Shower curtains, or play mats like these, or a plywood board with adhesive linoleum tile, etc. etc.! Many options.

I have those play mats, and how can you clean them? Can I spray white vinegar on the mess, let it dry, and use it again?

Yes, I have 16 of them, so I'll use 4 for the cage!

"Thank you, Tserisa, for this useful post," says:
Linda122005 (01-13-09)