How to Pick a Cage for a Guinea Pig

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Get together enough grids for the cage; for two guinea pigs you will need a minimum of two grids wide and four grids long.

   Add 12 inches (30.5 cm) to the length and width for a 6 inch (15.2 cm) wall all the way round.
   
   This gives you the outer dimensions to cut (photo is just to give you a perspective).
   
   If the cage is going against a wall, you may want to make the back wall 12 inches (30.5 cm) high to help prevent hay spillage.
   
   In that case, you'll add a total of 18 inches (45.7 cm) to the original measurement from above, for one 12" side. , A pair of heavy duty scissors or a box cutter is easier than regular scissors, but you can still use regular scissors.
   
   Cut lines depend on how big of a sheet you are starting with (partial sheet shown). ,, Scoring with the grain takes less pressure than scoring against it. ,,, A couple of wide strips on the outside work great. , The cage is now finished. ,,, Outdoor cages are not appropriate for guinea pigs due to temperature fluctuations, high risk of illness and parasites, and the fact that even secure outdoor cages can be gotten into by predators or stray dogs. ,
2. 2

   Step 2: Connect the grids to form the perimeter of the cage (12 grids/24 connectors for a two by four cage

3. 3

   Step 3: or 14 grids/28 connectors for the preferred size cage for two guinea pigs).

4. 4

   Step 4: Measure and mark the Coroplast (using a tape measure

5. 5

   Step 5: yardstick and pen).

6. 6

   Step 6: Cut it to the outer dimensions with the scissors or box cutter.

7. 7

   Step 7: Measure and mark 6" in from all sides (the inner dimensions).

8. 8

   Step 8: Score the Coroplast along these lines using a razor blade or box cutter.

9. 9

   Step 9: Cut all the way through the Coroplast at each corner

10. 10

    Step 10: just 6" in

11. 11

    Step 11: to create the flap to make the corner.

12. 12

    Step 12: Snap the edges away from the score line to form a box.

13. 13

    Step 13: Secure the flaps on the outside with clear packing tape.

14. 14

    Step 14: Place the box inside the connected grids.

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    Step 15: Add bedding

16. 16

    Step 16: hiding areas

17. 17

    Step 17: food dishes

18. 18

    Step 18: water bottle

19. 19

    Step 19: hay holders

20. 20

    Step 20: and guinea pigs.

21. 21

    Step 21: Check that it is sturdy.

22. 22

    Step 22: Set up the cage indoors.

23. 23

    Step 23: For pictures to go with the instructions

24. 24

    Step 24: visit http://guineapigcages.com/howto.htm

Detailed Guide

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