Why C&C Cages are the best option for your guinea pigs! When it comes to providing a comfortable and safe habitat for our furry friends, guinea pig owners are often faced with a myriad of enclosure options. However, one option stands out above the rest – C&C cages. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into why C&C cages are the top choice for guinea pig owners everywhere.
What Are C&C Cages? C&C cages, short for “Cube and Coroplast” cages, are modular enclosures made from wire grids (cubes) and corrugated plastic (coroplast) sheets. These cages offer flexibility in size and configuration, allowing owners to customize the layout to suit their guinea pigs’ needs.
Alternatively, if you have other pets like dogs or cats that you need to keep your guinea pigs safe from, you may want to consider an Omlet cage instead, which is similar to a C&C cage but provides more safety and stability – scroll down to read about that!
Why C&C Cages Are Ideal for Guinea Pigs:
- Spaciousness: Guinea pigs are active animals that require ample space to roam, play, and exercise. C&C cages provide plenty of room for guinea pigs to move around freely, promoting physical activity and overall well-being.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good air quality within the enclosure and preventing respiratory issues in guinea pigs. The open design of C&C cages allows for optimal airflow, reducing the risk of respiratory problems.
- Easy Cleaning: Keeping your guinea pig’s habitat clean is crucial for their health and hygiene. C&C cages are easy to disassemble, making them a breeze to clean. The removable coroplast base can be wiped down or replaced as needed, while the wire grids can be quickly rinsed or wiped clean.
- Accessibility: C&C cages feature low sides, making it easy for guinea pigs to enter and exit the enclosure without difficulty. This accessibility is especially beneficial for senior or disabled guinea pigs who may have mobility issues.
- Customization: Every guinea pig has its own unique personality and preferences. With C&C cages, owners have the freedom to customize the layout and accessories to cater to their guinea pigs’ individual needs. Whether it’s adding ramps, hideaways, or enrichment toys, the possibilities are endless.
- Affordability: Compared to traditional pet store cages, which can be expensive and often lack adequate space, C&C cages offer a cost-effective alternative. With basic materials readily available at hardware stores, guinea pig owners can build a spacious C&C cage at a fraction of the cost.
How to Get a C&C Cage
There are two options to obtain a C&C cage – you can either completely DIY it or buy the materials already cut with only partial assembly required.
How to DIY a C&C Cage
Supplies Needed:
- Wire storage cubes (This one can make a 2×3 or 2×4)
- Corrugated plastic sheets (Get a pre-cut one like this one or buy a sheet from a home improvement store)
- Cable ties or zip ties (like these)
- Measuring tape
Assembly Steps:
- Measure and plan: Determine the desired size and layout of your C&C cage based on the available space and the number of guinea pigs you have. We recommend having at least 8 square feet of space for two girls and 10 square feet for two boys or three girls; but more space is always better.
- Prepare the wire grids: Assemble the wire storage cubes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These grids will form the walls and top of your cage. You can customize the layout by connecting the grids with cable ties to create different shapes and configurations.
- Cut the coroplast: Measure and cut the coroplast sheets to fit the bottom of your cage. Use a measuring tape and a sharp utility knife or coroplast scoring tool to make clean, straight cuts. The coroplast should be slightly larger than the base of the cage to create a lip around the edges, which helps contain bedding and mess.
- Secure the coroplast to the grids: Once the coroplast is cut to size, place it inside the wire grid frame. Use cable ties to secure the coroplast to the grids along the edges, spacing the ties evenly to ensure a snug fit. Make sure the coroplast sits flat and level inside the cage.
- Add accessories: Once the base and walls of the cage are assembled, you can customize the interior with accessories such as hideaways, tunnels, and toys to create a stimulating environment for your guinea pigs.
- Double-check for safety: Before introducing your guinea pigs to their new habitat, double-check that all cable ties are secure and there are no sharp edges or loose wires that could potentially harm your pets. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the cage is safe and secure.
- Introduce your guinea pigs: Once the cage is fully assembled and inspected, introduce your guinea pigs to their new home! Monitor their behavior to ensure they are adjusting well to the new environment, and make any additional modifications as needed to meet their needs.
By following these steps, you can easily create a custom C&C cage for your guinea pigs that provides ample space, ventilation, and comfort for them to thrive. Happy building!
Where to Buy a C&C Cage
Though there are many places that you can buy a custom C&C cage, we highly recommend Cagetopia (previously known as Guinea Pig Cages Store). We bought our very first, custom guinea pig enclosure from them and feel that it came quickly and is still in great condition years later. They have tons of different options of ways to set up your cage including lofts, kitchens, storage areas, French doors, roofs, and more! If you want a C&C cage but don’t want to go through the effort of figuring out exactly what you need and how to cut it all out and put it together, we highly recommend Guinea Pig Cages Store! Not only does their website have lots of additional information (far more than we could ever put in this one blog post) but all of their custom cages also come with directions on how to set them up, though once they send you all of the supplies all you have to do is snap the pieces together so you probably won’t even need to read the directions!
What if We Have Pets that We Need to Keep Our Guinea Pigs Safe From?
If you share your home with cats or dogs who may be curious about your guinea pigs, ensuring their safety becomes a top priority. In such situations, an Omlet cage presents an excellent alternative to traditional open-top enclosures. Similar to C&C cages in design and spaciousness, Omlet cages offer the added advantage of optional roofs and skirts for increased security. The roof provides a barrier against curious felines or canines, while the skirt adds stability to the enclosure, preventing it from being easily tipped over. With these additional features, guinea pig owners can enjoy the benefits of a customizable and roomy habitat for their pets, all while ensuring their safety and peace of mind in a multi-pet household. Alternatively, if you feel your C&C cage is structurally sound enough, consider just adding a top to it.
When it comes to providing the best possible living environment for your guinea pigs, C&C cages and similar enclosures reign supreme. With their spacious design, excellent ventilation, ease of cleaning, and customization options, C&C cages offer everything a guinea pig needs to thrive. By choosing a C&C cage for your furry friends, you’re not only providing them with a comfortable home but also investing in their health and happiness for years to come.
*Links may be affiliate but all affiliate partnerships are sought by us because we already like the product.