Posh New Pads! Yes, we re-did the cages (again)...

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Laura-CCC4

Laura-CCC4

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Yesterday was spent rebuilding the pigs cages again. I loved the large single levels, but I wanted more space for Elijah & Errol and Pandora & Harrison, and I wanted to split the big group fo six up so I could deal with specific medical/dietary needs more easily and allow Gwen a little more peace, less stress.

Old design looked like this:
FullCage15January10.jpg


So now, I have six groups: four pairs, two trios. Six cages, each one a 2x5, in two units.

AllCC2x5.jpg


2x3 fleece section, 2x2 hay section:
CC2x5Setup.jpg


In this unit we have Elijah & Errol at the top, Pandora & Harrison in the middle, and Saffron, Bree & Willa at the bottom:
CC7xPigs2x5.jpg


And in this unit we have Delilah & Sophia at the top, Frankie & Meghan in the middle, and Dexter, Gwen & Jasmine at the bottom:
CC7xPigs2x5a.jpg


I am most satisfied with the fact that I have a three level unit of 2x5s with no supports interfering with floor space. My main pet peeve in all previous cage designs was this need for grids to hold up the upper levels. After seeing an idea on the net where wooden beams were used to support upper levels, my mum found some wooden beams in Homebase. Perfect length, perfect width, to slot in the grid gaps - it holds the upper levels up perfectly.

CCWood.jpg


CCWoodenBeams.jpg


Piggies are all happy, especially Elijah and Errol who absolutely love being high up, and I have so much more space in my room!
 
Ah, silly me forgetting the door pics, it is because it has been so long since I've had this design! I'll go get pics now and upload them, back in a tick.
 
That's great. I've been wondering whether to use a wooden slat to support my top floor so that's perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely piggy domain. x
 
I always enjoy looking at your cages Laura i do like you're new designs.Makes me more and more impatient for the day i can get mine indoors in a c&c!

Elijah and Erroll are just gorgeous x) as well.
 
That looks fab Laura!
Thanks for showing the wooden supports too - I've just redone my cages & have been worrying that there isn't enough support to hold upper levels - I'll be off to Homebase tomorrow to copy you {:|
 
That is a magnificent piggie palace. Wow! Would love that for my lot..
 
Wow Laura it's great!

The beam idea is good too. I didnt like the upright grid thing either as it takes running space away. This is how we have done it

CCuprightbottom.jpg


CCUprightmiddle.jpg


It's a cut up grid so it's just the outside bar and the curve which then slot into the connector and hold each floor up.

I had never even thought about the beam thing but it looks pretty solid!
 
Cor, I already liked your first set up but can see that the second variation gives that improvement of space for everyone. Nice work, that's an excellent bit of DIY. It's like two little apartment blocks now, with some very thorough structural engineering so the piggies can feel nice and safe!
 
Look what happens when I go away for a weekend! I am sure that you have a bevvy of happy piggies!

Your new setup looks great and gives you so much more space in your room! The only problem that I find with my cage is cleaning out my bottom level - I always have to go on my belly for cleaning.
 
Me too Wiebke! The things we do for our pigs....

Thanks for all the lovely comments, I ought to do a "5 year C&C anniversary" thread following all the designs we've had since the first C&C we built in March 2005. I've lost count, this is actually similar to a previous design but it's for six separate groups now, instead of one small group as it was back then. :))

Cage door pics are to follow, just uploading them now, I didn't forget yesterday just got busy with other stuff!
 
They do seem to. Elijah and Errol really love being at the top, right little comedy pair they are. Delilah and Sophia (at the top of the other unit) seem somehow calmer and braver too. The two 'couples' are very happy where they are, suits them very well. The two trios are also settled and loving their cages, they still share floortime and love going in and out of each others cages. rolleyes
 
Love the new set up Laura, it's fab and what a clever, but simple, idea the wooden struts are.:)

Would love to see how your set up has changed over the years, also wondered whether it would be possible to add this (or create) a sticky to show people how different levels/doors can be achieved. Would save having to trawl back through posts at a later date?
 
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