Customer Stories

Kristie's Stacked Super Cage

2022-11-09T20:59:28-06:00

Kristie's Super Stacked Cage for her Skinnies

Let's be frank from the start! This is an AWESOME cage, but it's not for a novice cage builder. It would be best to have some Cagetopia cage building experience under your belt before undertaking this build. This isn't Kristie's first or only Cagetopia cage build. And that's the beauty of Cagetopia C&C Cages! You can walk before you run. You can build on and up. It doesn't have to be all at once.

This is BIG!

This cage is the standard 30" wide and 7 grids long -- that's roughly 105" or almost 9 feet long (with the offset). This could be stepped down to a 2x4 on the bottom and a 2x3 on the top. You canNOT do a 2x3 on top and cover half of the loft, thinking you can get to that smaller size. You can't cover the loft in this case because it would become virtually uncleanable. Not good. Not even worth considering.

You CAN make it a 2x4 on the bottom with a 2x3 on the top, but only if the 2x3 has a single male or two females.

You can also make it a 2x5 on the bottom and a 2x4 on the top. That would provide the minimum space on top for two males, or the recommended space on top for a pair of females.

Can this Cage be Covered?

Yes, but you have to think about being tall enough to flip the cover back and pull it back closed. I think it would be a bit awkward for Kristie's height. You'd likely need to be 5'5' or more to be able to manage it comfortably. We can help you configure a cover to completely enclose it if you are interested. Just contact us.

Kristie's Story

Kristie has an evolving herd of males.

"After 14 months of cohabitation, my two skinny brothers started brawling and had to be separated. I was out of floor space, so I decided I’d better stack. So this is a 2x5 stacked on a 2x6 with an offset wide loft loop on a half-height stand. All parts are from Cagetopia. If you stack, order the support rods. You won’t regret it. This took a bit to build. Not going to sugarcoat it. LOL"

Understandably, Kristie was pretty over cage building after she completed the project. "The total project took me about 14 hours. That includes the disassembly of their former cage on a full grid-height stand and putting all the trim on the Coroplast. I think I used 200 zip ties."

"Our little rumble strutter, Pluto, is a runt, and he thinks he is the biggest, baddest piggie ever. He loves to talk smack, try to mount, and then popcorns away like it's all in fun. His much bigger, but more passive brother, just finally got sick of his crap and literally bit Pluto in the arse. Pluto is going to have floor time supervised with the others, but he talks too much smack to have a live-in friend."

Kristie says that if she could have stuck with one level, she would have, as it's just better and easier, but she just didn't have the space to do it.

ACCESS IS KEY!

Kristie is 5' 3" tall, and this cage setup is at armpit height for her, just allowing her to reach to the back of the cage on the upper level.

Height-wise, this setup (3 1/2 grids tall or about 52") is roughly the same as having a regular cage on a table or desk (most tables are 30" high) and then a cage with a half-loft on top of it. This should be manageable by most adults. If you are shorter, you'd need a step-stool. That would involve a bit more effort, but having a sturdy step stool nearby and handy would make this easily accessible, even by young adults.

Her Cage and What's GREAT about it!

This is the PERFECT way to stack cages!

A Half-Grid stand is a great way to get the pigs off the floor, and gives you toe-kick room when you are standing in front of the cage.

While it doesn't provide as much storage as a full-grid height stand, you do get some AND you don't have a too-tall cage on top to manage.

A full-grid height used as a spacer level is recommended, so you don't have to be a contortionist to reach the lower back corners on a stacked cage. (Half-height grids used as a spacer level is also an option, but that requires you to do more bending in a tighter space.)

The OFFSET WIDE LOOP LOFT provides a lot of zoomie room for a pair of males. You can use the cantilever-style support, the standard support, or no support at all since it's not really necessary here. See this article about offset lofts here.

Kristie went with standard grids, but she could have added our Cagetopia Swing Grids, which would have provided a drop-down wall. That can help give easier access, too, if needed.

CONSTRUCTION TIPS

Start from the bottom-up. Think foundation -- building a strong and squared up foundation is important for the integrity of what comes on top.
Seat grids into their connectors -- all the way -- using some pliers to help you if necessary on the awkward angles. THEN:
Reinforce all connections with cable-ties. Make sure the connectors are REALLY facing in right direction for the next level, as having to cut cable-ties to redo things takes more cable-ties.
PLEASE REVIEW THIS ARTICLE on Stacking Cages!
It explains the considerations in more detail and shows you how to make the rods work together (scroll down in the article to the Rod Graphic). If you are going with a different length of cage, check that article to help determine the rods required.

Like what you see? Use the components below to create this set up:

Please note, prices are base prices. Adding features and options can increase an item's price.

Items from Cagetopia:

Cage Structure Essentials

(1) Jumbo (2x6 Grids) Cage in Gray with White Grids - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=33]## (bottom-level cage)
(1) XL (2x5 grid) Cage in Gray with White Grids - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=32]## (top-level cage)
(1) Wide Loft Loop in Gray with White Grids and Offset Kit - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=553]## (middle level)
(23) Short Half-Grids in White (these form the lower cage stand) - ##PRICEOF[ID=559]## each
(30) Standard Grids in White (12 for the bottom of the lower cage. 10 for the bottom of the upper cage. 8 for the middle row of support.) - ##PRICEOF[ID=34]## each
(1) Medium Ultra Rod in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=82]##
(1) Extendable LONG Ultra Rod Set in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=132]##
(2) Packs of 100 Cable Ties in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=36]## each

Cage Accessories

(2) Cavy Cafes in Gray with White Edging - ##PRICEOF[ID=115]## each
(1) Cavy Canopy in Gray - ##PRICEOF[ID=470]## (shown in upper cage)

Fleece and Accessories from Guinea Pig Market:

(2) 2x2.5 Cage Liners in Jungle Animals - ##PRICEOF[ID=351]## each (For the bottom-level cage. We recommend pairing two 2x2.5 cage liners for easier cleaning, but you can use a 2x5 cage liner if you prefer.)
(1) 2x4 Cage Liner in Jungle Animals - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=347]## (for the top-level cage)
(1) Wide Loft Loop Cage Liner in Jungle Animals (For the loft. The optional Ramp Covers are recommended, but not pictured) - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=556]##
(2) Regular Hidey Huts in Jungle Animals - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=174]## each (shown in the bottom level and Wide Loop Loft)
(2) Heavenly Hay Bags in assorted fabrics - ##PRICEOF[ID=173]## each (shown in the Cavy Cafes)
(4) Water Bottles - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=677]## each
(2) Food Bowls in assorted sizes and colors - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=805]## each
Munchable Toys starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=525]## each

FLOOR TIME Extravaganza

2022-10-18T02:39:21-05:00

Cagetopia Floor Time Extravaganza

by Laurie Dirkx

Laurie Dirkx rocks the green planet with her astounding Cagetopia Creative setups and manages our private Guinea Pig C&C Cages Facebook Group, which we'd love for you to join! She's also a world class photographer and one of Cagetopia's #1 Fans! Be sure to visit her website for some stunning wildlife photography that she shoots in her backyard and woodlands of upstate New York.

No, this is not a cage! This is Laurie's fabulous floortime run that she changes up frequently to give the piggies lots of fun and challenges. Enjoy a creative solution for interactive playtime that doubles as a safe piggy retreat during cage cleanings. We'll feature her cage in an upcoming post.

ALTERNATIVELY

If you like the setups, but need a more temporary or fast assembly solution, you can omit the connectors and just use zip ties. Zip-tie your grids together in an accordian fashion (two zip ties per grid, not too tightly -- to act like a door hinge, one inner grid hole above the corner), leaving one end open so it will fold up into a one-grid square footprint, and open it up quickly when needed. Just secure the open end with a couple of binder clips. It doesn't look quite as cool, but can be a more flexible way to go.

ALSO, please see this related blog post about using a folded Coroplast cage base along with the grids to provide a waterproof (but still temporary) home base! It works great.

Worried about leaks? Floortime is a temporary time and shouldn't cause much, but you can also throw down some rubber-backed bath mats (or other light plastic under fleece) in their favorite potty area as well.

Photo Gallery of Floortime Layouts

$$PHOTOGALLERY29142$$

Video Gallery of Floortime Layouts

Corner Wrap Run

Quick Distraction Floortime

Piggy Ninja Warrior Games - "The Tube"

Floortime in the Square

Shopping Guides for both stores

Please note, prices are base prices. Adding features and options can increase an item's price.

Zig Zag Run Shopping Guide

Create the "Zig Zag Run" with the following components:

Items from Cagetopia:

(28) Standard Grids in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=34]## each
(56) Plastic Connectors in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=35]## each
(1) Pack of Cable Ties in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=36]##
(1) Midwest Diner in Cream with White Edging - ##PRICEOF[ID=282]##

Fleece and Accessories from Guinea Pig Market:

(2) 2x5 Cage Liners in Fuchsia/Lime - ##PRICEOF[ID=353]## each
(1) 2x3 Cage Liner in Medium Blue/Fuchsia (we show a longer 2x3.5 liner, but a 2x3 liner will work fine) - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=355]##
(1) Cavy Bistro Cage Liner in Medium Blue/Green (shown under the kitchen area) - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=552]##
(3) Fleece Forests in assorted fabrics with White Hanging Grids and optional Potty Pads - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=145]## each
(3) Regular Hidey Huts in assorted fabrics - ##PRICEOF[ID=174]## each
(2) Magic Muffs in assorted fabrics - ##PRICEOF[ID=149]## each
(1) Flip Tent in assorted fabrics - ##PRICEOF[ID=585]##
(1) Heavenly Hay Bag in Blueberries - ##PRICEOF[ID=173]##
(1) Water Bottle in Pink - ##PRICEOF[ID=677]##
(1) Food Bowl in assorted sizes and colors - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=805]##
Munchable Toys starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=525]##

Corner Wrap Run Shopping Guide

Create the "Corner Wrap Run" with the following components:

Items from Cagetopia:

(22) Standard Grids in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=34]## each
(44) Plastic Connectors in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=35]## each
(1) Pack of Cable Ties in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=36]##
(1) Midwest Diner in Cream with White Edging - ##PRICEOF[ID=282]##

Fleece and Accessories from Guinea Pig Market:

(2) 2x5 Cage Liners in Fuchsia/Lime - ##PRICEOF[ID=353]## each
(1) Cavy Bistro Cage Liner in Medium Blue/Green (shown under the kitchen area) - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=552]##
(2) Fleece Forests in assorted fabrics with White Hanging Grids and optional Potty Pads - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=145]## each
(3) Regular Hidey Huts in assorted fabrics - ##PRICEOF[ID=174]## each
(2) Magic Muffs in assorted fabrics - ##PRICEOF[ID=149]## each
(1) Flip Tent in assorted fabrics - ##PRICEOF[ID=585]##
(1) Water Bottle in Pink - ##PRICEOF[ID=677]##
(1) Food Bowl in assorted sizes and colors - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=805]##
Munchable Toys starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=525]##

Quick Distraction Shopping Guide

Create the "Quick Distraction Floortime" Layout with the following components:

Items from Cagetopia:

(16) Standard Grids in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=34]## each
(32) Plastic Connectors in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=35]## each
(1) Pack of Cable Ties in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=36]##
(1) Quarter Round Grid in White (to hang one Fleece Forest) - ##PRICEOF[ID=467]##

Fleece and Accessories from Guinea Pig Market:

(2) 2x3.5 Cage Liners in Medium Blue/Fuchsia - ##PRICEOF[ID=350]## each
(1) Fleece Forest in assorted fabrics with White Hanging Grid - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=145]## each
(1) Fleece Forest in assorted fabrics - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=145]## each

Piggy Ninja Warrior Shopping Guide

Create the "Piggy Ninja Warrior Games" Layout with the following components:

Items from Cagetopia:

(8) Standard Grids in Black - ##PRICEOF[ID=34]## each
(16) Plastic Connectors in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=35]## each
(1) Pack of Cable Ties in Black - ##PRICEOF[ID=36]##

Fleece and Accessories from Guinea Pig Market:

(1) 2x1 Cage Liner in Fuchsia/Pink - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=349]##
(1) 2x1 Cage Liner in Turquoise/Orange - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=349]##
(1) Corner Hammock in assorted fabrics (this is our version of what Laurie has and will work just fine) - ##PRICEOF[ID=237]##

Floortime in the Square Shopping Guide

Create the "Floortime in the Square" Layout with the following components:

Items from Cagetopia:

(16) Standard Grids in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=34]## each
(32) Plastic Connectors in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=35]## each
(1) Pack of Cable Ties in White - ##PRICEOF[ID=36]##

Fleece and Accessories from Guinea Pig Market:

(2) 2x4.5 Cage Liners in Fuchsia/Lime - ##PRICEOF[ID=352]## each
(2) Fleece Forests in assorted fabrics with White Hanging Grids - starting at ##PRICEOF[ID=145]## each
(2) Magic Muffs in assorted fabrics - ##PRICEOF[ID=149]## each

Photo Gallery of the Residents!

$$PHOTOGALLERY29145$$

Laurie's Story

A Passion for Nature

I've always had a passion for nature and our wild world. Having grown up in a naturalist environment, the shift into outdoor photography came easily following a 31-year career elsewhere. My goal has always been to leave the viewer with a sense of wide-eyed wonderment, in hope they too, will choose to preserve and protect natural habitats. Such habitats provide life to all living creatures, including ourselves. My credo is "the best you can be is a good example and the best gear you can have is your heart and brain."

I've been sought to give talks and write articles on the ethics of wildlife photography - for how not to stress the wildlife one goes to photograph. I've also worked with and contributed photography to conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. I've taken a great interest in regions where timber rattlesnakes call home. It is a privilege and an honor to be among a species that commands such respect and understanding. I've had the guidance of some great people that helped nurture this admiration and for me to stay safe by.

I reside on 7 acres near Lake Ontario in NY, and am fortunate to have raised two children here along with having my Arabian mare with me. My mare and I have been together now for 23 of her 25 years. A German shepherd is always by my side - another aspect that helps make my life whole. When I'm not at home, you can find me in the Adirondack Mountains; climbing, kayaking and getting my outdoor medicine.

My Path into Guinea Pig Ownership

My daughter received a guinea pig from a friend for her 16th birthday. He was a boar she'd named Bumpkin. It was then I began research how to best own one. I realized the cage that was gifted was way too small. It was then I found Cagetopia and Guinea Pig Market. Following this, began my love for these amazing companion animals. Next thing you know, my dining room had a 2x5 cage with a wide loft on a stand from the websites I now am hooked on.

The grand task of picking a kitchen size and fleece bedding, their water bottles, feed dish, hideys and all else, was a very exciting venture. The immense pride we had in Bumpkin and his chateau (as we endearingly called it), because he could look out on the world of his home and mine, had begun what is now a lifelong love for guinea pigs. I've come to understand a home without a guinea pig just doesn't work! Trust me, I tried.

Bumpkin was a rescued, aged boar who happily lived out his life with us. It seems he was equally pleased with us as we were with him. Upon his passing, which was so very difficult, life wasn't the same without him. He was so gentle and loving right to his last moment while being held and chutting his contentment.

The Guinea Pig Love Affair Continues

How does one not have more guinea pigs after such an amazing first-time experience? I went about 2 months, and then couldn't take the quiet anymore. Because, after all, there was no more working in the kitchen without the thought of what fresh produce Bumpkin could have and of course this would always pair with his wheeking...cheering me on to bring him a treat. It was then I rescued two, young sows that were already bonded - I'd found them on Guinea Pig Finder, another sister site of the cage chateau and supplies sites.

I learned pigs shouldn't be by themselves being they're a herd animal, so now, having two made great sense. I also rescued a lone, aged boar, who wasn't getting the care he needed. I set up his condo, a 2x4 with loft, near the sows so they could see each other in their version of piggie TV. Sadly, my Moosey, as I'd come to call him for how strapping he was compared to the sows, had passed from a stroke. Another heartache - yet how important he got to live out his life in an environment he was so happy in.

Piggy Turnouts

I dove into proper guinea pig nutrition and how to safely let them enjoy some outdoor time. My home has become a kingdom for creativity in how to best keep my pigs stimulated and healthy. I love creating all sorts of "turnouts," as I call them, for floor time inside and for their outdoor grazing time. Each time I create their floor time turnout inside I change it up from the prior design.

I even have a mini kitchen in place, because how can a piggie possibly go without hay for any length of time, or so they make sure to communicate with me! Yes, I admit they own me, versus my owning them. I make sure their food is of the healthiest standards and I know how to balance fresh foods to not cause bladder stones. I make sure they get their daily vitamin C since piggies cannot synthesize this on their own. They need fresh foods to provide this, such as red bell pepper.

When you come to my home, you cannot visit without my showing off my sows, Ruby and Diamond. Ruby, because she has red eyes, and Diamond because she is one in the rough for her growling. Ruby is my love bug and Diamond is my diva. Both are precious gems.

I greatly enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge I've gained ever since my daughter was given one - which really was a gift to me as well.

Marisa's Covered Double-Stand Wing Cage

2022-01-02T23:13:00-06:00

This is Marisa's cage for her piggies. This is a great location for her cage providing ample natural light for them. The blinds and curtains can be drawn if it gets too hot in the summer. And the cage itself provides ample shade and hidey's for them. Just like humans, guinea pigs need some exposure to natural light.

This cage features an XL 2x5-grid base with two Wide Lofts and supported by our cantilever style of offsetting them by one grid.

She's also using the double-grid stand technique to raise the cage up to normal table height, making it easier to reach in and maintain and access her piggies.

SWING GRIDS as Doors under the LOFTS

While it's a little hard to see in this picture, she substituted our SWING Grids for the regular grids underneath each loft, making it easier to reach in and do refresh cleanings and hay replenishments.

Size

This cage is an XL size with two offset lofts, so the total length needed is 7 grids or about 105" or 8.75 feet.

The top of the base of the cage is as if it were sitting on a normal table of 30", so the top of the lower level is at 45" high. Reaching across the top of the loft is a bit challenging at 60" high. With the space between grids and connectors, a good rule of thumb is to consider each grid length or height to be about 15".

Cover

This is built as a covered cage for cats as Marisa is using the Portal covers over the ramp openings. Because of the special configuration of this cage, the cover needed some additional components as listed below.

How she made it

When creating a special layout, you need to start from the bottom up when building. On cage stands, especially a double stand, it's important to reinforce all the connections properly with zip ties per the instructions as you go. Slow and steady wins the race! With multiple levels, remember -- the perimeter connectors are turned on their edge to accept the grid from the next level. It's tempting to do otherwise; that's why the directions are helpful.

With a 2x5 grid-sized cage with double lofts, it's possible to have the ramps coming down in the front or back together in a "V," but in order to make that happen on single-ramp lofts, you need to do 2 things when ordering, you need to put a comment in the order comments at check out that you one of the ramps cut on the other side and you need to email us with the order number after you place the order pointing that out so that we don't miss it.

Item List

STANDS:

2 XL Cage Stands (This setup does not include our bin sets, leaving the stand open for easy storage access.)

Main CAGE with 1 Wide Loft -- COVERED:

1 XL with Wide Loft COVERED (select the Portal Grid guard option if you have cats)

Additional LOFT:

1 Wide Loft with Ramp (select the Offset Kit)

Additional items needed to complete the COVER:

1 Wonder Bar (needed to support the cover in front of the extra loft)
6 Grids (to cover the additional loft) and some more zip ties.

Doors under the loft

2 Swing Grids (replaces 2 regular grids which may be used elsewhere)

Additional grids needed for the cantilever support on the 1st loft:

2 Grids (because the covered deluxe cage doesn't include the offset option)
(If you decide to go with the standard, vertical grid supports (less of a 'wing' look) -- as shown in this article -- you'll need the full offset support kit here.)

Optional, but strongly recommended:

1 or 2 Cavy Cafe Kitchens for under the lofts. These aren't shown in the main image.
Depending on your location and circumstances, you could add the Undercover Canopy for additional shade for the piggies in the lofts, which would cover the back half of the lofts. If your cage is not covered, the regular Canopy would work.

Some extra zip ties, just in case.

You can always check in with us for a consultation about your cage build before ordering to make sure everything is going to work together properly. We're happy to help.