How to Make A C&C Cage
How to Make a C&C Cage Video
If you are a guinea pig owner you’ve probably heard someone reference “C&C” cage before and wondered exactly what it was? Or you might be a friend of a guinea pig owner and heard it from them? Whatever the case may be I am here to explain to you just what a C&C cage is.
The term “C&C” means coroplast and cubes. Coroplast is really the trade name of the product but the merchandise is made from corrugated plastic, which is two very thin sheets of plastic that is separated by empty cubes or columns. “Cubes” is referring to the squared metallic grids used to fit together making storage cubes. You know the ones you’ve seen that are often used in closet organizers or college students use in dorm rooms for storage. C&C then means a cage that is custom designed for guinea pigs that is made using the square metal grid for making the partitions and coroplast lays inside the cage to make the floor or the bin.
Assets of C&C cage?
The primary reason that most guinea pig persons prefer the C&C cages is that most manufacturers of regular cages are merely to small. If you have one single guinea pig the cage would need to be around 7.5 square feet, but most commercial cages average about 38”L x 16”W x 18”H.
By using the metallic grids this allows the guinea pig owner to create an assortment of various sizes to meet their own particular needs. The coroplast is simple to use because it is non toxic, lightweight, waterproof and strong, this simply means it is effortless to clean and will last a long time. I’ve heard many coroplast owners say that their liners have lasted upwards of 5 years. Because of the simpleness of the equipments this allows the owner to design a much more detailed made to order cage with extra features such as stories (multiple levels) and even wheels.
Selecting the materials for making a C&C cage
When it is time to choose the metal grids you will be using for your cage it is good to be alert to the fact that while cubes may be a basic size, that the real grid spacing may vary. This is of course between manufacturers and models. Some grid designs will be too large, like for instance the 14in squared cube that has a standard 5×5 layout. Some other grid designs may look small enough, like the 8×8. The danger from this size however is that the grid arrangement is still sizable enough for a guinea pig to work himself through this spacing and bars and this could cause strangulation. If you do construct your own cage it is recommended that you choose the 9×9 layout. A 9×9 means that it has 1.5 in. spacing.
Making your C&C cage
- Determine the size you will want to construct.
- Buy as many storage cubes as needed.
After purchasing the cubes, try making different groupings to figure out which one you will like best.
Cubes can be connected using the provided connectors. Bear in mind that those connectors will not be powerful enough and you will want to purchase something for reinforcement such as two cable ties (one for the top and bottom).
Next measure the width and length. This is what you will need to make the pattern for the coroplast interior to drop down inside. Be sure and measure this size just a hair littler than the exact measurements.
What you are essentially making is an open box, using the coroplast as the liner. You will want to remember that you need five or six inches, of lining around the surfaces of the cage. This is for holding the hay, bedding and any debris inside. A razor or exacto or craft knife will work (be careful) as you can notch a side to be able to fold the bedding. As well each corner will need to have the extent of the lining cut. One simple single vertical or horizontal cut will work. This allows the coroplast to adjust to the contour of the corners when it’s folded. You can then seal the corners with tape.
Last, insert your coroplast box inside the metal grids.
Now you’ve completed making your very own nice size C&C cage. This will provide you and your guinea pig with years of enjoyment.