Cubes and Coroplast Cages (Amy)

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Cubes and Coroplast cages, better known as C and C are one of the best types of cages for guinea pigs. Pet store cages are far too small for even one pig. Guinea pigs need room to roam when thier bodys internal clock tells them to. Often times, this occurs when we are asleep. How can a piggy "roam" in something the size of a litter box? C and C cages are truly the only way to go when it comes to purchasing a cage.

The two main components of a C and C cage are the Cubes, wire storage cubes, and the Coroplast, a.ka. corrugated plastic. Wire storage cubes are fairly simple to find and can be picked up at any Target or ordered online over Walmarts website. When purchasing cubes, please be sure that each inner square is 1.5 inches. Anything larger can be very dangerous for pigs. The other component of a C and C cage, the coroplast, is often more difficult to find. Usually, coroplast can not be picked up in stores. Calling local sign shops usually results in a positive outcome.

If you are not able to find the materials for your cage, you can order a pre-made cage over the internet from the Cubes and Coroplast web page or over Ebay. Any way you slice it, the price for a C and C cage is drastically less than a pet store cage of smaller size.

Here are the products to you will need to successfully build your C and C cage:



These particular cubes are made by Whitmor and can be purchased through Walmarts website and shipped to stores for pick-up.



Coroplast can be special ordered from sign shops or found at places such as Kinkos Sign Shop. Also, if you can not find coroplast locally, try contacting Total Plastics Inc through thier website: www.totalplasticsinc.com. They will usually get back to you the next business day with a price quote and information.



Cable ties are used to secure all areas of the cage and will quickly become a cage builders best friend.



Packing tape is used to secure the sides of the Coroplast base.


Once your cage is put together, some other materials are needed for the interior of the cage such as a hay rack, pigloo, feeder, and water bottle.

A hay rack can easily be made by bending an extra grid into a baseless triangle and cable tied to the cage. Also, some hay racks are made from boxes, bags and even old shower caddies. Its not recommended to use hay balls because they can cause injury and even death.

Pigloos can be commercially purchased from a pet supply store or made from extra Coroplast. Also, some people use old boxes with openings, small step stools and even drape peices of fabric over corners. All of these suggestions will be equally loved by your pig.

Feeders and food bowls are a MUST. I recommend gravity feeders such as the one below because they will not need to be refilled every day and also your pig will not be able to get waste in the bowl.



Water bottles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is best to go with a high quality water bottle that has a metal sipper tube, gravity wieght and a suction. Do not get a water bottle with a glass sipper as they can break and crack. Also, I do not advise using water bowls since they can become extremely dirty.

Other accessories can be purchased or hand made for your little guy. Pigs love soft, snuggly items such as cuddle cups or cuddle sacks. Also, fun hiding tubes can be made out of Quake Oat containers with the top and bottom cut off or purchasable hidey tubes can be found. Some store bought tubes come with a fluffy material inside-- please take this material out, it is unneeded and can be harmful! Also, some people like to purchase small veggie balls. These are not required but some pigs do enjoy ringing the bell to recieve thier veggies.

Bedding is also a must. If you must use wooden bedding do not use saw dust, or wooden chips. Wooden shavings can be used but please avoid cedar shavings. All wood contains phenols, or fumes released from the wood, so it is best to get kiln dried aspen or pine. Cedar is never recommended for use because the phenols in cedar are far too strong and can cause respiratory issues. Also, Carefresh bedding is a wonderful bedding to use but can be costly for weekly changing. If price is not an issue, Carefresh is very pleasing. Most piggy owners will suggest using fleece. Fleece is easy to clean, cheap, reusable and comfortable. If you decide to go with fleece, please be aware that it must be washed or wicked 4 times without fabric softner. This is done to break down a water-proof barrier so that urine can be absorbed. When using fleece it is suggested to layer as follows: a water-proof mat such as a picnic tablecloth, a layer of towels, one layer of fleece. The fleece will absorb any moisture and deposit it to the towel layer. When it comes time to lauder the cloth, wash the fleece and towels in regular detergent and finish with a solution of water and vinegar. Since vinegar is acidic, it breaks through any urine and can also be used to clean the cage. Many owners love using a solution of water and vinegar to sanitize the cage during weekly cleaning. Also, it is recommended to invest in a small hand-held vaccum or dust pan for daily spot cleaning of poop.

Although I could spend all day talking about tips and tricks for a clean cage, Ill save that for another post. Hopefully I have provided all the neccessary information to begin building your very own Cubes and Coroplast cage!


Here are some sample cages from our members:










WRITTEN BY - Amy
SOURCE - Cavy Galore Forums
http://www.cavygalore.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=information