C&C Zip ties? Connectors? Coroplast? - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**Scout.Layne** · #1 07-03-09, 06:56 pm

Hey there -

So now I'm starting to look at building a guinea pig cage. I want one with grids underneath it so that I can use the space as storage. (Plus I've read that it's not good to keep your piggy's cage on the floor. I was wondering if the cage will hold up if I just use zip ties instead of those plastic connectors. Also would it be harder to build the cage if I just used zip ties? Also how high should the walls of the coroplast be? I'm planning on using aspen bedding instead of fleece and I want the walls to be high enough that bedding not too much bedding gets kicked out but also low enough so that my piggies can comfortably see out.

Also, on a side note. I may possibly be moving in with someone who has a small dog. If I will be keeping the cage in my bedroom and the dog out of my bedroom is it really neccisary to get a lid? I have a lot of pracitice at keeping animals out of my room. At the place I currently live I have to keep the cat out of my room or she will get my hamsters.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

**TwilightStar** · #2 07-03-09, 06:59 pm

It kind of depends but it might be a good idea to have a lid.
Accidents can happen and it's best to prevent them.
I used the grid connectors it came with and zip ties to make it extra stronger. But I think you can just use zip ties. But it probably will be harder to do.

**PiggieMom** · #3 07-03-09, 07:09 pm

I'd still put a secure lid on the cage. You never know what might happen. I've seen at least two stories of dogs chewing through doors to get to guinea pigs (when they've shown no interest in them before). I'd also reinforce the entire cage with zip ties even if you do use connectors so it is more difficult for it to break apart. You can use zip ties to build the entire cage, I've never had any difficulty doing this. I prefer to use connectors just because I like the look of it and it adds just a wee bit more room.

**Scout.Layne** · #4 07-03-09, 07:14 pm

So what's the best/easiest way to make a lid?

**PiggieMom** · #5 07-03-09, 07:16 pm

There's some good pictures of people using closet shelving in the photo gallery.

**Rnd210** · #6 07-03-09, 07:20 pm

I think useing the zip ties was very easy and I have used the connecters before just makeing shelves and it didn't seem as strong put together with just connecters but the zip ties help make it sturdy.

**Froggirl009** · #7 07-03-09, 08:59 pm

You would need to use the conectors for the grid storage underneath to make it more stable.

**Scout.Layne** · #8 07-04-09, 01:11 am

This might be a stupid question, but what length zip ties should I get? Is 4 inches too small?

**Allyson** · #9 07-04-09, 01:14 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scout.Layne

This might be a stupid question, but what length zip ties should I get? Is 4 inches too small?

I use the 4 inch ones, I do not feel they are too small as I cut off the zip tie tails anyways, but the 8 inch ties are alittle thicker

**lissie** · #10 07-04-09, 01:17 am

I've used both 4 and 8 inches. I used 2 side by side if I use the 4-inch ones. They just don't look strong enough. I like the 8-inch ones better.

**PiggieMom** · #11 07-04-09, 10:13 am

I use both as well. I use the eight inch on the base and where most of the weight is placed, and then the four inch on the "non-load bearing" walls.

**Scout.Layne** · #12 07-04-09, 11:06 am

Thanks for the advice

AND...joy of joys I found some grids in my attic that I had bought to use while I was in college. There's a little over twenty grids. So I'll probably have to buy some extra grids. And maybe some connector things (I've decided to use connecter things and 8" zip ties just to be safe). I'm going to start putting it together either today or tommorrow just to see how many extras I need. Plus I'm just so darn excited. I can't believe that I forgot I had those grids. So all I need now is some coroplast.

**PiggieMom** · #13 07-04-09, 11:29 am

Just make sure the grids openings are only 1.5" (they have nine openings across). Sometimes I see just connectors on sale on eBay. Good luck with your first cage!

**Scout.Layne** · #14 07-04-09, 12:05 pm

I'll keep an eye on ebay. Sue's cages on this site also sell extra parts if I can't find them anywhere else.

And yes the grids have nine holes across.

Thanks for wishing me luck.

**akstrohm** · #15 07-04-09, 12:28 pm

And to answer your remaining question, you can make the coroplast any height you want (assuming you have adults--babies need their cages babyproofed which can be done using 10" sides or overlapping grids). Since you're using loose bedding I would recommend 6" or so.

**Scout.Layne** · #16 07-04-09, 04:45 pm

Thanks!

How many grids off the floor do you think it best. Like should I just have one level for storage or should I make the cage three grids high? Which do you think will be easier to clean? Better for the pigs?

**PiggieMom** · #17 07-04-09, 05:52 pm

It's personal preference really. I have them only one grid off the ground, but I'm really short so any higher and I'd have a hard time cleaning it.

**Scout.Layne** · #18 07-04-09, 08:14 pm

I just build the frame for my cage. I'll have to take it down when I move but I just wanted to get a judge of how big it is. I have it one grid of the ground and I think that will be just right. I'm short too.