How to Make or Build a Cavy Cage With a Roof Attached to It

A cavy, or guinea pig, is an active animal that needs room to run around. Unfortunately, most cavy cages sold in pet stores do not allow your pet enough room to roam. In order to keep your cavy happy and healthy, it is recommended they have at least 7 1/2 square feet in which to freely roam. Building your own cavy cage allows you the freedom to give your animal as much room as you wish and to also add your own personal touches to your pet's habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • 16 14-by-14 inch grids (add 4 grids for each additional cavy)
  • 20 snap connectors (add 8 connectors for each additional cavy)
  • 53-by-39 inch sheet of corrugated plastic sheeting(add additional 15 inches in length for each additional cavy)
  • Scissors
  • Pen
  • Tape measure
  • Yardstick
  • Tape
  • Box cutter
  • Zip ties
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Instructions

    • 1
      More cage dwellers require additional square footage.

      Determine the size of cage you want to make. The size of the cage depends on how many cavies will be living in the cage. For one cavy, the recommended size is 7 1/2 square feet. Allow another 2 1/2 square feet for each additional cage inhabitant.

    • 2

      Connect 10 grids together using the snap connectors to form the perimeter of the cage. Measure the length and width of the inside of the cage with the connectors in place. Using 14-by-14 inch grids, the inside perimeter should measure 41-by-27 inches. Add 12 inches to both the length and width to allow room for a 6-inch wall around the perimeter.

    • 3

      Measure, mark and cut the corrugated plastic sheeting. Using a yardstick, tape measure and pen, mark the appropriate measurements on the sheeting. Make the appropriate cuts using scissors or a box cutter. Measure 6 inches from all sides and mark with a pen. Being sure not to cut all the way through the corrugated plastic sheeting, score along the lines with a box cutter. At each corner, cut all the way through the sheeting 6 inches in to create a flap for the corner.

    • 4

      Snap the edges away from the scored lines to form a box. Tape the flaps at each corner. Place the box inside the connected grids.

    • 5

      Take your remaining six grids and connect them using the remaining connectors. Place them on top of the cage for a detachable roof. If the roof does not fit securely on top of the grids, use zip ties to hold it in place.