3x3 cage with lid?

[RayniasPiggies]

I've been reading the instructions on how to make a C&C cage, and I'm ready to gather the supplies and get started on it. My boars need the extra space badly! (They came to me in a large size pet store cage, and they fight a lot due to the fact that there's only room for one igloo). I have two boys, and originally I wanted to make a 2x4 cage. But after measuring out the space that they're going to be in, I realize that it won't fit. It'll need to be a 3x3. I could do a 2x3 too, but then that may not be enough space for them both. Is a 3x3 pretty simple to make? I've never bought coroplast before, so I'm unsure if the standard sheet size will be large enough both ways (I know the length of it is huge, but not sure what the width comes as). I've seen 3xsomething cages before, so it must be possible. Also, how would I make the lid for a 3x3 with the shelving? Would I connect 3 strips of shelving together? I have a cat so the lid is a must.

 

[Niki]

A 3 x 2 is too small for 2 piggies esp as they already have "space issues." 3 x 3 is no harder to make than 2 x 4 - it's how you arrange the grids
If the correx is not the correct width you can tape 2 pieces together to make it fit, as for the lid, i would make 3 lines of 3 grids and cable tie them together

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Grids won't work as a lid unless the connectors are used; with zip ties they must have support to hold them up. Even in 2 grids wide cages the lid sags without something holding it up from inside. I have a 3x3 as part of a larger cage, but luckily have not had to worry about a lid (for the first time in 4 years!).

Shelving is the best bet. You should be able to zip tie them together and create one large lid you can just lift off.

 

[Niki]

Grids won't work as a lid unless the connectors are used; with zip ties they must have support to hold them up. Even in 2 grids wide cages the lid sags without something holding it up from inside. I have a 3x3 as part of a larger cage, but luckily have not had to worry about a lid (for the first time in 4 years!).

Shelving is the best bet. You should be able to zip tie them together and create one large lid you can just lift off.

I had "doors" on one i had which lifted upwards & used cable ties but now i think i did overlap the grids

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Yep, I've had the doors that lift up also, and for that cable/zip ties are a must. Overlapping the grids would add quite a bit of strength, that may be why it worked well for you. The connectors should hold unsupported lengths more straight and solid so a grid-lid might work in that way. I'd be interested in seeing a wide cage with different lids.

 

[RayniasPiggies]

I decided to go with the 2 x 4 after all. Just had to rearrange my furniture. (You know we love these creatures when we are willing to re-decorate for them, lol) I figured it'd be easier since I won't have to cut and tape together the coroplast for the bottom. I'll probably stick with the shelving for the lid. I considered the grids for a lid, but decided the shelving sounded sturdier. Thanks for the suggestions! Hopefully I'll get to building it by Thursday since I'll have all the supplies by then. I can't wait for my boars to have more space.