How We Built the Cubes & Coroplast Cage, Part 1
The steps involved in building a C&C cage are: planning, purchasing materials, forming the cage
exterior (with the cube grids), creating the cage base (with the coroplast), and adding the finishing touches.
Planning
Our first step was to decide on a style and size of cage and a good location. I browsed a lot of
examples in the Cavy Cages photo galleries for ideas. I
especially liked the idea of a second level, so I studied how that might be done and how to create a ramp for the
pigs to climb up there. I wanted to locate the cage in a main living area of our house, so we chose the far end of
our family room. I decided to make an extra large cage, which I reasoned would probably take 2 boxes of cube supplies
and 2 sheets of 4' x 8' coroplast.
Purchasing Materials
Supplies to purchase: cube kit(s), coroplast
We purchased two cube kits at Target (about $20 each), one black and one white, for variety. I
found a local supplier of coroplast by calling a sign store and finding out who supplied them with coroplast.
I verified that I could buy just one or two sheets (about $10 each) from the warehouse and chose the color blue.
Cube Exterior
Supplies needed: cube grids and connectors, extra cable ties, pliers (optional)
Next, my son and I spent a long time deciding exactly how to connect the cube grids to form the
main level of the cage (see diagram at top). We decided to make the main area 3 x 6 grids. In addition, to take
advantage of the space beside our fireplace step, we added a 1 x 2 grid section that jutted out in the back,
creating a sort of L-shaped cage. This extra section was perfect for providing a strong base, above which to add
our second story.
Note: For best results when using the grid connectors supplied with the cube kit, use pliers to
squeeze the grids closer together into the connector. Cable ties are great for extra stability or when you run out of
official connectors.
After making the lower cage perimeter by connecting our grids together, we worked on creating the
second story loft. To do this, we added on a 1 x 3 grid upper level by connecting grids vertically (for a 2-grid
high wall) and horizontally, between the first and second wall grids (to make the floor of the loft). In order to
leave a small opening for the ramp, we used cable ties to partially overlap one grid with another.
To make the ramp that connects the two levels, we bent two metal grids into a "U-shape"
(by stepping on them and pulling up the sides) and fastened them firmly together with cable ties. Then we attached
the ramp to the upper loft securely with cable ties and placed an old rug over it, keeping it in place with a cable
tie. To see photos showing the rug, go to the loft views in the Cage Description section.
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