Cage questions

[New Piggy Mom]

I am constantly trying to make my C and C cage "perfect". I am having a few issues though.

My 1x2 loft in my cage sags a bit in the middle. The connectors are constantly disconnecting, and it cable ties do work to keep it up and safe, but aren't enough to fix the sagging issue. What are some ways to better stablize a loft? I have seen cages that are held up by using the cubes as legs, and I would be scared to even attempt that with my current problem!

 

[ellisa]

I think I've heard of people using wooden dowels or something like that. I don't think using a cube as a leg is ideal because it would section off the running space on the main level.

 

[bpatters]

Use 2x2s like those in these pictures: New, Bigger Cage - Guinea Pig Cage Photos.

 

[Kimberly713]

When I had a loft I bent a grid in half and zip tied it closed then put it for support. It took up some space but it was easy for them to get around and a quick fix.

The wood beam is a good idea, but wouldn't a 2x2 beam be too big to slide between the grids?

 

[bpatters]

No. A 2x2 is actually 1.5x1.5, so it goes through just fine.

 

[Catahoula]

I cut a PVC pipe down to size and use that as a support.

You can see it in my set up picture below. I have since made a cover for it out of extra fleece so it doesn't stand out so much.

 

[pinky]

When I had a loft I bent a grid in half and zip tied it closed then put it for support. It took up some space but it was easy for them to get around and a quick fix.

The wood beam is a good idea, but wouldn't a 2x2 beam be too big to slide between the grids?

Bring a ruler or tape measure with you before you buy 2x2's. I bought them from Menard's and Home Depot and they were too large to fit between the grids. I ended up buying metal brackets that I screwed into the wood to attach to the grids.