How to Build a Wooden Guinea Pig Cage

Guinea pigs are friendly pets that are easy to care for. A satisfying project is to build a wood-and-wire cage for your pet. Carefully selecting the right materials will allow you to build a home much larger than most commercially available cages.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure or ruler
  • Saw
  • 1 x 1 wood
  • Plywood
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Screws
  • Wire mesh
  • Staple gun and staples
  • Knife or scissors
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Hinges (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Building the Frame

    • 1

      Cut four 1 x 1 posts to match the height of your wire mesh. These will form the corners of the cage.

    • 2

      Cut the plywood to the final cage size.

    • 3

      Screw the posts to the four corners of the plywood. Using two screws in each will give the corners additional strength.

    • 4

      Cut two 1 x 1 pieces of wood to the cage's width.

    • 5

      Screw these two pieces to the tops of the corner posts.

    • 6

      Measure the distance between the posts on the short side of the cage.

    • 7

      Cut two pieces of 1 x 1 wood to fit between those posts.

    • 8

      Screw them in to create a top frame.

    • 9

      If you want a cover, cut a piece of plywood to the size of the bottom piece. Attach it to the back of the top frame with hinges.

    Installing the Wire Mesh

    • 10

      Staple one end of the wire mesh to one of the posts.

    • 11

      Carefully unroll enough wire to get to the next post.

    • 12

      Pull the wire tight and staple the wire to the next post. Keeping the mesh tight adds structural stability to the cage.

    • 13

      Continue in this fashion until the sides of the cage are formed.

    Adding the Plastic Liner

    • 14

      Cut a piece of plastic to the interior dimensions of the cage.

    • 15

      Staple the plastic liner to the bottom of the cage.

    • 16

      Cover any exposed wood with plastic to prevent urine or fecal material from permeating the wood.

    • 17

      Pour bedding into the cage.