C&C cages: the complete guide for Australian owners
What a C&C (cubes and Corflute) guinea pig cage is, why welfare groups favour it, what size to build, and where to get grids and Corflute in Australia.
A C&C cage is built from two cheap, easy-to-find materials: Cubes (wire storage grids) and Corflute (corrugated plastic sheeting, called coroplast overseas). The grids form the walls, and a sheet of Corflute is folded into a waterproof tray for the floor. The result is a spacious, modular cage that often costs less than a small pet-shop cage.
Why C&C cages are so popular
The advantages
- Lots of floor space for the money. A 2 × 4 cage gives about 1 m², matching RSPCA Australia's guidance for a pair.
- Modular, so you can add grids as your herd grows or reshape it to fit a room.
- Solid floor with no wire underfoot, which helps avoid sore feet (bumblefoot).
- Open sides give good airflow and make it easy to interact with your pigs.
- Easy to clean, whether with fleece liners or loose bedding.
Things to consider
- Takes up real floor space, so measure your room first.
- No lid by default. Add a grid lid if you have cats or dogs.
- Some DIY is involved, such as cutting and folding the Corflute and fixing the connectors.
- Loose bedding can be kicked out, so a taller "hay zone" wall helps.
What size C&C cage should I build?
Standard C&C grids are 35.5 cm (14 inches) square, and Australian sellers usually list them as 35 × 35 cm. Sizes are described in grids, width × length:
| Layout | Approx. floor | Floor area | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × 3 | 71 × 107 cm | 0.76 m² | 1–2 pigs (bare minimum) |
| 2 × 4 | 71 × 142 cm | 1.0 m² | 2 pigs (recommended) |
| 2 × 5 | 71 × 178 cm | 1.26 m² | 3 pigs, or 2 boars |
| 2 × 6 | 71 × 213 cm | 1.51 m² | 4 pigs |
| 3 × 5 | 107 × 178 cm | 1.89 m² | 5–6 pigs |
For a pair, choose a 2 × 4 layout over a 2 × 3. It gives about 1 m², in line with RSPCA Australia’s guidance. Two grids wide (about 71 cm) is easy to reach across for cleaning. If you go three wide, place the cage where you can reach in from both long sides.
Where to get grids and Corflute in Australia
- Grids: wire storage-cube packs are sold at homewares stores and online marketplaces, usually with connectors included.
- Corflute: Bunnings stocks plain Corflute sheets, including 2440 × 1220 mm sheets that are large enough to fold into a 2 × 4 base with raised sides.
Older or budget storage cubes sometimes use smaller 30 cm panels with wider gaps, which young or small guinea pigs can squeeze through or get their heads stuck in. Check the panel size and the gap between wires before you buy. Adding a row of "baby-proofing" (Corflute strips or a second grid) along the bottom is a simple fix.
How a C&C cage goes together
- Plan the layout. Decide the grids wide × long and check it fits your space, leaving a gap from walls and heaters.
- Build the walls. Connect the grids with the connectors or cable ties to form the rectangle.
- Make the base. Cut the Corflute so it’s about 15–20 cm larger than the floor on every side, score the fold lines, fold the sides up and tape the corners. It sits inside the grid walls.
- Add a lid if needed. Use extra grids across the top if pets or kids are around.
- Furnish it. Add bedding or fleece, two hides (one per pig), a hay rack, water bottles or bowls, and a food bowl.
Want step-by-step detail with measurements? Read our DIY guinea pig cage guide.
Rather skip the DIY?
We’re working on ready-to-assemble, welfare-sized C&C kits for Australia, with a pre-cut base and fleece liner. Join the waitlist to hear first when they’re available. In the meantime, see our researched picks for options you can buy today.
Aussie tip: placement matters
Put the cage in the coolest, draught-free room of the house, away from windows that get afternoon sun. RSPCA Australia notes guinea pigs are only comfortable from about 18°C to 23°C. See our summer heat guide.
Want a properly sized cage without the DIY?
We're looking at bringing welfare-sized cages and C&C kits to Australia. Join the waitlist and tell us what you'd want.
This guide is general information to help you compare housing options. It isn't veterinary advice. If your guinea pig seems unwell, contact a vet experienced with exotic pets.
