top for c & c cage

[wvupiggies]

I have the instructions for building a 2x4 cage and am about to buy everything to get started. First I need instructions and measurments for the tops you can make for them. I have a cat and I need a top.
Thanks

[Shahbazin]

For my 2x4, I got two 61" pieces of 16" wide linen-style shelving (from Home Depot - I bought two 6' lengths & they cut them in the store with a bolt cutter, no charge). You want to get the end caps to cover the cut edges, too. This kind has a bit of an overhang, & one puts that to the front & back sides of the cage. Zip ties fasten then on well, & make nice hinges (use lots!)

This is what it looks like with the lid open (a folded towel keeps it from squashing against the blinds behind my cage).

[Sirene]

Hi there! If you have enough grids, you can also make a top using those. That's what I did to protect my pigs from visiting kids, dogs, etc.

If you're making a 2x4 you'll need 8 grids, and just zip-tie them all together to fit the top of your cage. Use connectors at the edges for added stability and reinforce it by zip-tying dowels to it (flat along the length/part of the length). You can attach it to the using zip ties or velcro ties, and "hinge" parts of it to open. It's very easy and completely customisable - no cutting required!

[wvupiggies]

When using the wire shelves can the whole top be lifted up or do you have the back part zip tied down?

[Shahbazin]

I have the back part zip tied down on mine, the wire shelving is fairly heavy. No problems in cleaning or daily sweeping or anything, & I always keep the lid down unless I'm interacting with them.

[wvupiggies]

I am thinking of zip tying the 2 piece together like the hinge you mentioned but then not tying any of them down to the cage so I can left the whole top off. Do you think that would work?

OT-I have no room downstairs for a 2 x4. So I will have to put it upstairs in the bonus room. They won't get as much daily interaction but will have a much bigger cage. I don't know what to do.

[Sirene]

I am thinking of zip tying the 2 piece together like the hinge you mentioned but then not tying any of them down to the cage so I can left the whole top off. Do you think that would work?

I would secure it to the cage with something, just in case it got bumped or something and the whole thing slid off. You could use velcro straps to tie it to the cage - they work like zip ties, but you can open and close them:
VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® Straps, Black, 25/Pack | Staples®

[wvupiggies]

That is a fantastic idea! Thanks.