covering wire ramps

[poptart11084]

I just recently adopted my new guinea pig (Walter, 2 yrs old) and he came with two cages. One is for travelling and the other is a 3 story cage. The 3 story cage has wire ramps and levels. I know that this is bad for him but apparently the pervious owners thought it was good for his claws. I was wondering what materials besides the coroplast would be good to place on the ramps and the upper levels (which are wire) and how to secure them. I want to be able to have his larger cage ready by the time we move next weekend.

[PiggieMom]

Is this only a temporary cage? Are you planning on building a C&C? Pet store cages aren't big enough for guinea pigs. Walter needs at least 7.5 sq. ft on one level so that he can run laps, popcorn and be happy. Mult-levels are nice, but they don't count towards floor space since he can't use the for continual laps.

You shouldn't put him in there without covering them with something thick. Towels, cardboard, lots of newspaper anything so long as when you press down on it with your hand you can't feel the wire.

[Ly&Pigs]

The 3 story cage has wire ramps and levels.

This sounds like a ferret cage and they aren't adequate for guinea pigs. If you are using this cage as a temporary cage for now and need to cover the wire, get some cardboard or coroplast and cut it to the dimensions of the ramps then use some fleece or a small towel over the cardboard and use binder clips to securely attach the cardboard and fleece or towel to the ramps.

[fairysari]

Leftover coroplast is the best for ramps! I put down the coroplast on the ramp, then plastic canvas for traction, then fleece or a towel on top. If you make a C&C cage, you'll probably have some leftover coroplast to make a second level and a ramp if you want.

[poptart11084]

Thanks for all the helpful information. Yes I am planning on building him a bigger cage but money is very tight right now with me moving and all next week and he's so cramped in the smaller cage because I have to keep him confined in that area most of the day.

I've been looking on ebay for c&c kits and hopefully will be able to purchase on by the start of next week. Either that or I'll be spending my 2 weeks vacation gathering materials to build him one. He deserves it considering he came from a home that didn't allow him much floor time or human interaction.

[Aertyn]

Why buy one on ebay?

You can buy them directly from the website.

http://www.guineapigcages.com/buycc.htm

[jump it]

Aertyn- I think that the lady who makes the ones on the website has her own eBay account for the C&C cages. I don't know if that is who she may buy from. However, if you buy one it is nearly twice the price of one you can make yourself. Yes, less the hassle but you're saving money.

[SkinnyPiggys]

In the meantime, you could buy a box of grids from Target, Linens & Things or Bed, Bath & Beyond. You'll also need some zip ties (cable ties). You could make a large play pen and give your piggies some time to run around in there. You could also go to the dollar store and buy a plastic table cloth or shower liner to place under the play pen.