Starting plans on c&c cage.

[puddin18]

I was hoping someone wouldn't mind sharing the best way or their way to build a 2x3 with or without a loft. I would like a loft but I think it may be best to have a top because our new kitten tends to view her more as prey then my other cat and dogs. I do not know if there is a way for her to have a loft while I am home and then be able to shut the loft off when I am not for her safety. I have looked through a lot of the cage pictures and am amazed at how creative all of you are and just wondered if any one had any tips. She has the biggest Tubbies cage from Dr's Foster and Smith but I want to build her one.
I am having a hard time finding coroplast. I have emailed and called sign shops in my area. They either don't have any or do not reply to my emails or answer the phone. Are there any sites with low shipping that I can buy coroplast that any one knows of? I thank you ahead of time for any advice.

[Zuidy]

Most websites in which sell Coroplast would make you buy in bulk. So shipping would be a bit higher.

Go to the sign shops. We called and they really didn't know what we were talking about. We went in to see and that was basically all they carried! Haha.

If you are worried about animals, build a 2x4. It is basically a 2x3 with a loft, except even more space because you don't have a ramp. This way you can make a top for it. And it would be easier to clean.

Also, many people use Coroplast alternatives. Shower curtains are a fav I hear.

Good luck!

[Piggypogs]

They way i made mine was using the grids and zip-ties becuaes i found that the connectors were Really cheap and the first cage with the connectors just fell apart and im sure you could find a. Way of adding a loft even if its a different way of making it hope i helped a little :-)

[NarwhalsRock]

If you wanted an enclosed loft, you could make the cage 2 grids high, so the top of the loft can be enclosed. Then, make a hinged top using either reinforced grids, or wire shelving, which is a favorite... The top should enclose both the cage and a loft. Look into making or buying a stand so (s)he can't just sit on the floor and bat/ stare at them. It'll be lot harder, and more work, for her to get a swipe or a view of them...

I made my base of grids. I have the grids inside the Coroplast base, so I made the perimeter the same as the cage, and at 1 grid in on both sides, I put grids as wide as the cage to support the middle. Then I made an X, that is to support the center. It's attached like a lowercase t, where the top meets the back side of the base. I also get a lot of storage under there, too! I just bove around the grids that are on the inside and put stuff in there!

If that's a bit confusing, let me know, and I can show you what I mean.

[puddin18]

I probably will have to go in person when I am able to make it to the sign shop that sounds promising. I only have room for a 2x3 but thank you for the suggestion. There is a certain spot that she will have to go in when considering wall outlets and space in general. She chews on the plastic tablecloth I use in her playpen so I am afraid she may chew on a shower curtain but I did consider that.

I have an idea in my head how I might try to make a ramp and have a way to cut it off when I am not home in case the cat gets in the room she is in and have a top for the bottom part that is open. I will have to experiment I guess. It is finding time to do it that is that hard part.

Thanks to you both.

[puddin18]

NarwhalsRock- That would be great if you could show me a picture. The storage would help also. I was wondering how I could do it with storage. Her store bought cage is on a fish tank stand now so I am able to store her stuff underneath it but I was wondering what I will do with all of her stuff. I do not have the best back either so the higher it is the better but I can not afford the space for a large table and I want it to be stable and safe.

[MomofTwoBugs]

Both Home Depot and Lowe's carry the Coroplast, however they don't call it that. Coroplast is a brand name, you just need corrugated plastic. 72 in. x 36 in. x 5/32 in. Twinwall Plastic Sheet-COR-3672 at The Home Depot

[puddin18]

It says when I click to pick up in store it is not available at my store or any stores near me and when I asked they said they didn't carry it and I showed them a smaller piece meant for a "For Sale" sign so they knew what I was talking about. Thank you though. I will just have to try a sign store or order online and pay the horrible shipping.

[MomofTwoBugs]

It says when I click to pick up in store it is not available at my store or any stores near me and when I asked they said they didn't carry it and I showed them a smaller piece meant for a "For Sale" sign so they knew what I was talking about. Thank you though. I will just have to try a sign store or order online and pay the horrible shipping.

That stinks! Sorry! Try Lowe's as well if you have one near you. My mom suggested that I just wait until after the election is over since there will be a ton of these signs everywhere then. LOL

[NarwhalsRock]

I'll post a drawing of what it would look like for you. I'm not at home now, so I'll just draw it to show you. I'll hopefully upload it by tonight or tomorrow if I can find the camera!

Just for future reference: when you say somebody's username, it won't let me know unless it has the @ symbol immediately in front of it. Like this: @fdv;jfdkvjdf . Otherwise, I won't know that you asked me something, or specifically were talking to me... Just thought I'd let you know!

[puddin18]

Yeah if you could find a way to piece them together without them falling apart that would be great.You could always try using them like tiles. I doubt that would work as efficiently though.

[puddin18]

@NarwhalsRock . Lol sorry. I am still learning how to work the forum. You do not have to go through that much trouble. I appreciate it though. No hard feelings if you do not want to take the time to draw it out.

[puddin18]

Thanks to everyone for advice. I will just keep trying to find some coroplast or experiment with other options if I can't get any.

[NarwhalsRock]

That's OK! I didn't figure it out for awhile. I would ask people question, and they wouldn't answer because there was no @, so they had no idea I was asking them! Just wanted to help you out!

Drawing it out is no problem! Where I am, there's nothing to do, so this'll give me a little project! If I could only find that camera... You can cable tie them, and it is very strong. Cable ties are decently cheap, so I bought a bag of 1,000, and I'm over 1/2 way through! You need about 2 times as many as you think you do...

[lissie]

Try the search function on the top menu bar: Find Coroplast

Or try this place for coroplast. Most people get can get a 4x8 ft sheet for $10 - $20.
SABIC Polymershapes, Branch Locator

[lissie]

Here's an idea for 2 story closed cage.



See this gallery for stands.
http://www.guineapigcages.com/photos...ry.php?cat=522

My favorite stand is made from grids. 2 grids tall. It provides lots of storage.

[puddin18]

@lissie That one with the two grids tall is nice. I will probably try something like that for the heighth and try to cover it. Or try to find a nice table and just stuff everything under it . Too bad you can never find something when you are looking for it.

[puddin18]

Exactly how big(accounting for sides) do I need for a 2x3? With a 12 inch side for the back? Lowe's would not cut the coroplast for me...I don't know how they expected me to get a 10 foot piece home.

[lissie]

You could cover it up or buy enough of these storage cube bins to put in each cubby.

[Piggypogs]

In order to get the 10 ft sheet home you can scare it in half this wont effect the stregnth and thats how sue sends her soroplast