Is it Safe?: Heights of sides of Coroplast on C&C

[PsyGuy]

Had a question about what I think I've read to be the standard height of the coroplast sides of 6"... would it be okay to go much lower? I'm using the recommended 14" C&C grids and have the 6" sides, but it seems like it's obstructing the view for the piggies and I was thinking they might enjoy being able to see outside the cage better, but didn't want to do anything that would be unsafe for them.

[lissie]

If you use fleece you can make the sides lower. With other types of bedding, I think it will get kicked out all over the place.
My latest cage has 4" coroplast side and I love it. It's easier for me to see them run and popcorn in the cage while I'm sitting on my sofa.

[Allyson]

As long as you don't have young guinea pigs in the cage (who could easily get stuck in the grids) then you can definitely go lower I am going to go as low as 3-4'' when I move in a few months, because right now my youngest pigs are 8 1/2 weeks old, and I'm still worried they'll get stuck :b

[lissie]

Yeah. I forgot to add that if you have young pigs, the sides need to be higher or the grids have to be doubled. Also, for young pigs, 6" are too low.

[sealion]

Like every one has said, if you have young/small piggies, 6" isn't high enough. But if you have adult piggies, why not go lower ?! Since my 2x4 cage is only temporary, I use a shower curtain instead (so no sides) and it's totally safe for them ! (but more work for me as they kick out hay etc.)

[4piggers]

I dont even have sides, I use shower curtains, and its just fine. My youngest is 3 months old.

[PsyGuy]

How young is considered "young"? I'm not sure of the exact age - I'd gotten these guys from a pet store (I know, I should have read up more before), so don't know their exact age (I've had them a month, and I'm guessing they have to be at least 2 to be at the store).

I'd gotten the largest cage from the store at the time and started my research after the fact. Eagerly putting the finishing touches on a dual-level C&C so I can get them out of the other and into a better piggie home. I am planning to switch use fleece when they move to their new accommodations.

I was noticing the cage they have now has 6" sides on it and they go up to the little platform to look around the room quite often, so was thinking that they're having trouble seeing out. I'm building the new cage higher with storage underneath so they'll be higher off the ground so unless they can see over the edge wouldn't have as much of a view.

After reviewing the baby-proofing doubled (overlapping) grid pattern I'm thinking of cutting some grids in half (so 7" high) and attaching those and keeping the coroplast lower so that they'd have the visibility and the small grid safety. Then once into full adulthood I could always take the extra grids off.

You can click my camera icon and see pics of my boys.

[Ly&Pigs]

If their head will fit in the grid hole, they need the taller sides.