DIY cage idea - is it suitable?

[MsBaru]

I am thinking about making a DIY cage, since pet store cages are way too small, but my space is limited and I want to fit it into a certain corner.
If anyone knows a YouTube channel Guinea Dad, he made a video of himself converting a piece of furniture into a guinea pig pen. My idea was to put two 120x80cm ikea tables into an L shape upside down, cover the bottom with pond liner, attach the table legs and use them as posts for cage sides. I would like to buy two more tables, build and put them in the L shape as well and use them as a base for storing guinea pig items. There is also a variation in which one of the base tables could become an enclosure as well - it could be connected with the upper level with a suitable ramp.
I hope I managed to explain it well. My question is, would this be a feasible way?

 

[Swissgreys]

This could potentially work based on the sizes of the tables, as in it would give enough space, but to be honest I think there would be much easier ways to achieve the same thing.
Have you looked at C&C grids at all? These can also be used to crate a cage in any size and shape, as the grids can be overlapped if needed.
The problem with upside down tables is they need a liner and sides, and by the time you have done all of theat then it may just be easier to go for grids of some sort.

 

[MsBaru]

I haven't been able to buy any grids in my post-communist country, the only option to get them was buying them online from the west, but the shipping is expensive as hell

 

[Swissgreys]

If you are able to tell us where you live (just the country obviously) other members might have some suggestions as to how to source them.
You can use grids designed as shelves and shoe racks too.

 

[Amyrosexo]

hiya,, I made my cage from two ikea shelving units Which are the either the kallax or flysta shelving unit. Or I’m sure you can get something similar or smaller size. The only downside to doing it is putting it altogether as it took me and my partner awhile to figure the best way to put it together, but it’s worth all the hastle as the piggies love it!
I think your idea will work well it might just take a lil planning on how to put it all together x

 

[Peachylady]

hiya,, I made my cage from two ikea shelving units Which are the either the kallax or flysta shelving unit. Or I’m sure you can get something similar or smaller size. The only downside to doing it is putting it altogether as it took me and my partner awhile to figure the best way to put it together, but it’s worth all the hastle as the piggies love it!☺
I think your idea will work well it might just take a lil planning on how to put it all together x

I love your cage so much! Definitelty want to build my own so i can have lots of piggies! Did you glue them together? Would welcome any tips!

 

[Amyrosexo]

I love your cage so much! Definitelty want to build my own so i can have lots of piggies! Did you glue them together? Would welcome any tips!

I would love a group of piggies but unfortunately mine are two males so no more for me in that cage haha..

We used nails to put the whole thing together, the floor of the cage is held together by pond liner so nothing soaks through into the wood ( pond liner is a nightmare to put down )

I would say though that it would be best that if you get separate parts for the floor to glue them together first. All the sides of the cage are screwed onto the edges of the floor.

I would also say to measure out the space and get the wood from b&q or anywhere that sells wood as the ikea shelves were so much hastle having to figure out where they should go and having to cut pieces down for them to fit.

 

[Peachylady]

I would love a group of piggies but unfortunately mine are two males so no more for me in that cage haha..

We used nails to put the whole thing together, the floor of the cage is held together by pond liner so nothing soaks through into the wood ( pond liner is a nightmare to put down )

I would say though that it would be best that if you get separate parts for the floor to glue them together first. All the sides of the cage are screwed onto the edges of the floor.

I would also say to measure out the space and get the wood from b&q or anywhere that sells wood as the ikea shelves were so much hastle having to figure out where they should go and having to cut pieces down for them to fit.

Thanks for replying I have 2 males too so no more piggies for me either!

 

[Amyrosexo]

Thanks for replying I have 2 males too so no more piggies for me either!

I’ve just remembered that to hold their water bottles I use a water bottle holder that you use on bikes. And it works very well just have to screw it to the sides

 

[Peachylady]

I’ve just remembered that to hold their water bottles I use a water bottle holder that you use on bikes. And it works very well just have to screw it to the sides

What a great idea! Thank you for sharing x