Different Ways to Make a Cage for a Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs need a minimum of four square feet of living space; this is for each pig if you have more than one. Their feet are very sensitive, so do not use wire bottoms on your cages. These furry critters are also sensitive to extreme temperatures. Keep your pigs indoors and away from drafts. There are several types of cages for guinea pigs, but don't use cedar or pine bedding as the oils may be harmful to the pig, according to the ASPCA.

  1. Grids and Corrugated Plastic

    • Snap together grid squares are one foot by one foot and connect at the corners. There are different brands, but all are relatively the same. Snap together enough grids to form the size and shape of cage you need. For the bottom of the cage, you will need a sheet of corrugated plastic. Measure the length and width of your cage and add 12 inches to both measurements. Then cut the corrugated plastic to that size. Measure in six inches on all four sides and and mark it with a pen. Draw a parallel line on each side along that mark the full length of the plastic, forming a shape identical to the full piece of plastic, only smaller. With a box cutter, score the full length of all four lines. When scoring, do not cut all the way through. Your lines should have formed a perfect square at all four corners. Cut all the way through on one of the six inch lines at each corner to form a flap. Fold up the sides and secure the corner flaps with tape. Drop the corrugated plastic bottom in the cage and its ready for bedding and pigs.

    Pool and Pen

    • If a large round cage is more your style, a child wading pool makes an adequate bottom for a round cage. To keep your guinea pig from getting out, you will need some walls around the pool. Pet exercise pens work well for containment or you can make your own with snap together grids.

    Wood and Wire

    • For the cage you will need a roll of chicken or cage wire, wood planks, no thicker than a half inch, a scrap piece of vinyl flooring, two small hinges and a hook style latch. Cut a section of wire to size for the two sides and the back. The front of the cage will be in three framed sections so the center section can open. Frame each piece of cut wire by sandwiching the edges between two pieces of wood framing. Wood planks that are one quarter inch by one inch are generally sufficient. Use glue and brads to secure the frame boards together. Use metal brackets and screws to connect the sides, top and bottom frames to each other. For the front, you will need to divide the front measurement into thirds. Frame two of the sections and attach one to the left front and one to the right front. The center should be open at this point. Measure the opening and deduct a quarter inch from the height and width. Cut wire for that measurement and frame it, this will be the door. Attach it to one side of the opening with two hinges and install a hook latch on the unhinged side. Measure the top and bottom of the cage. Frame some wire for the top and sandwich frame a piece of vinyl flooring for the bottom. Attach the top and bottom with metal brackets and screws.