Completly Lost With Second Level

[Emily F.]

I have a 2x5 C&C cage that I bought from Sue. I have 2 pigs in there, with a divider in the middle. I would love to make a second level, but I don't think I am able to make one! I can't make anything. I tried making a C&C for my rabbit, and it turned out awful! I have a few scraps of coroplast laying around, with extra grids, and I tried snapping them on the cage, but I can't even do that. I don't know where to start.

Since I have 2 pigs in there with a divider in the middle, I have no idea how I would do this!

 

[cusunfireguy]

My second level was challenging too. I would put together the second level how you want it on the floor. Then start looking at the connectors and such that you have on the bottom to see how you would have to move them around to connect the top level. It gets confusing but you should be able to do it more easily if you build the top level first on the floor.

 

[FoolOnTheHill]

Do you know what sort of shape you want to make? I agree, try setting out on the floor to begin with. Then do it section by section - fix on the floor, then attach the back wall, side walls, ramp etc.
If the connectors are too fiddly you could just use Zip Ties to hold the cubes together; they will make the loft more stable too. You'll probably need a support underneath the loft so it doesn't sag. This will make it easier to put together too, because you won't have to hold it up while you build. I found a PlayStation 2 box is the perfect size, or just another grid or two.
There's a page on how to make a second level here - https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/about-cages/18735-how-build-second-story.html
Is your cage divided lengthways or across the width? Like, do you have two 1x5's or two 2.5x2's? If you have two 2.5x2's, then I would try a 1x5 loft along one side, and put a grid across half way so it is separated. Then you can add a ramp on each side.
I don't know if that helps at all, please ask again if it didn't lol

 

[FoolOnTheHill]

This is the design of loft I meant, it might explain it a bit better:

 

[Emily F.]

Thanks for all your help. If I have any more questions, I will be sure to ask. I have a 2x5, and it's divided in the middle, across the width.

 

[Terekins]

I found my biggest problem (once I wrapped my head around the way it had to be built) was getting the grids securely in the connectors. I found it hard to put a lot of pressure on the grids one I got to the second and third levels (one level for storage underneath) because things underneath would bust apart.
I began using pliers to squeeze the grids together into the connectors, and gently hammering them in, rather than simply push down or in.
Also, I found that early errors came back to haunt me. For example, if I had been lazy and not quite pushed a grid into the connectors all the way in a few places on the first level it would mean that later on the grids attached to it would not fit properly because they weren't spaced out evenly. So be as accurate as possible as you go, and this will help avoid some frustration.
Also, I based my cage on one I saw on this forum:
https://www.guineapigcages.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=5645
So there is no need for a ramp, just a tube along the outside. They both use it now and love it
Good luck!

 

[cusunfireguy]

Using zip ties after you have a section tightly completed will hold everything together and make it more stable.

 

[jdomans]

Why are your pigs divided? Are they male and female not neutered? Just curious. My thread that is mentioned in the second reply will help you with a second level.