C&C Stands for Cubes and Coroplast​

Cubes​

What Are They?

The cubes are usually 14-inch square (35.5 cm), coated-wire grids. The inner squares are 1.375" (3.8 cm). They were originally designed for temporary or inexpensive storage for kids, home, and office use. There are several brands and multiple sources. The grids come with round, plastic connectors that hold the grids together. A bit like Tinker Toys in that they have multiple positions available to attach connectors in about a 180-degree variety.

Coroplast​

What is it?

Coroplast™ is the most common brand name of corrugated plastic sheets -- a plastic signboard typically -- available virtually everywhere if you know where to look. It is just like cardboard only made out of plastic. It comes in 4-foot by 8-foot sheets (the same size as a big sheet of plywood) and in multiple colors and is usually 4 mm thick (.1575 inches or 5/32 inch). You can also get it in 10 mm thickness if you want industrial strength, but we don't recommend it. It's not necessary. The standard 4mm thickness is the JUST RIGHT thickness for Guinea Pig cages. Thicker is completely unnecessary. It would use more earth resources and be heavier to ship for no additional benefits needed for a guinea pig cage. Thinner would not provide enough structural strength or wall rigidity and integrity needed without sagging on longer walls.

The brand name Coroplast, while popular for corrugated plastic in the US, has other brands that may be more familiar in different countries:
  • Cadflute
  • Corex
  • Corflute
  • Coroflute
  • Correx
  • Fluteboard
  • Polionda
Coroplast, like all plastics, is made from oil originally. Its most prevalent use is as outdoor signs. It's color-fast and stands up to UV sunlight -- the color doesn't fade in the sun. It's lightweight, can be printed upon, and is soft enough to be easily cut into any shape. It is food-safe and is also used extensively in carton packaging, especially in the food industry as it's more sanitary than cardboard or waxed cardboard. It's also used frequently as a skid material in loading docks and trucking applications. It's very smooth and thin and it helps make moving heavy pallets around an easier task.

SAFETY​

Are grids guinea pig safe?​

They used to be, but as more and more brands come on the market, many are now unsafe and it's important to make sure you are not putting your pigs in danger.

Your grids MUST have INNER GRID HOLES NO BIGGER THAN 1.5" (3.8cm). Larger inner grid holes are UNSAFE and you risk the STRANGULATION of your guinea pigs. They can get their heads caught in the openings and can't get their head back out causing panic and distress.

Is Coroplast guinea pig safe?​

Yes, Coroplast is safe for guinea pigs. Even if they chew on it, it is inert and non-toxic. Even so, you don't want your pigs chewing on plastic. Pigs chewing on the edge of Coroplast is easily remedied. If you notice it happening, don't let it get out of control. Address it quickly for their sake and for your cage.
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