Actually, the two level I made - again, an exact replica of the BlueStone Colonial Homestead Deluxe - was pretty easy to make and is VERY easy to clean. The front grids open and the cloroplast folds out so that I can simply sweep out the bedding, easily wipe down and replace.
I absolutely agree! People often don't consider the fact that there are many, many cage ideas in the photo gallery and one can almost always find something suitable to copy. The problem is that it will give you so many ideas that you may do as I did and keep revising your plan........and it takes forever to complete the cage.
Since you're still in the planning stage, one consideration that many folks omit.......the issue of whether to create a bottom on the cage, or not. If you are going to have the cage always sitting on the floor, then no problem with not having a bottom. But, if you are going to put the cage on a table or something similar, then you need to consider a bottom to make the cage more structurally sound. A cage with no bottom is easily dislodged and can fall onto the floor from a height......taking cavies and all with it. Just sets up your babies for injuries, not to mention the mess it makes.
My cage sits on a grid base which is constructed separately from the cage. The cage is then zip-tied onto the base and the whole assembly is v-e-r-y sturdy. If you're having difficulty with the connectors sliding off, try using a dab of Krazy-Glue, clear nail polish, or a high-temperature glue gun. I'm a big fan of the glue gun (for lots of projects) and use it for everything from assembling the coroplast boxes to securing the connectors on the cage.
and i am sure your piggy will be delighted too. Once you make the cage you will be able to see why everyone loves them so much my tips are
It CAN be addicting (in a good way) . . . I mean, the cage I built is PLENTY big - and our two cavys are FINALLY using the ramp between levels (thereby enjoying the full luxury of the mega duplex I built for them)
However, the creative process - and sheer possibilities - was (and IS) so much fun, it's hard not to want to expand and create all kinds of cool extensions and things.
Let me premise this by saying I am NOT arguing with you or discrediting your opinion/advice. The bottom line is, whatever works best for each person's particular circumstances is what will be best for them and their little loved ones.
Couldn't agree more with this advice. In fact, I'm headin' to the PetSmart later today to pick up a few extra play things for our two little ones. I also want to try to figure out how to make one of those "fleece forests" - it looks like it could be a lot of fun for our boys.
Which kind of begs the question .... How does one KNOW if the critters are enjoying and appreciating their new home and space?
Let me premise this by saying I am NOT arguing with you or discrediting your opinion/advice. The bottom line is, whatever works best for each person's particular circumstances is what will be best for them and their little loved ones.
The only thing I wanted to chime in on - as I did in my comments in Post #4 above - is that IF one wants to create a two level cage, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be a hassle to clean. There ARE creative and very viable ways to construct one's cage to make the clean up process amazingly easier. Again, I reference the video I posted above (see Post #4) - about 3/4 of the way through .... the part about assembling the grids to allow for a "front-load/open" feature and function so that you can simply open the front door/flap and simply sweep/scoop out the litter (or whatever one uses for surface covering) and just as easily replace it. It also makes for very easy access to one's piggies - especially on the first level. This is exactly what I did - and it's working out great !!!
As for the cage having a bottom or issues as to it sliding around on a table top (if that is where someone may have been contemplating placing the cage), a very viable and easy alternative might be to attach wheels to the bottom of the cage and keep it on the ground/floor level. I figured out how to do this very inexpensively and explain such in THIS THREAD.
Again, PLEASE do not take my tag on comments as dismissive or argumentative to yours. I am only offering some additional insight . . . as a relative NEWBIE to the C&C cage world . . . as to my experience thus far and what has worked out very well for both our two little ones as well as for the enjoyment of our family in seeing how they take to their new mega home.
Couldn't agree more with this advice. In fact, I'm headin' to the PetSmart later today to pick up a few extra play things for our two little ones. I also want to try to figure out how to make one of those "fleece forests" - it looks like it could be a lot of fun for our boys.
