How to build a DIY guinea pig cage (C&C) in an afternoon
A step-by-step guide to building a 2 × 4 C&C guinea pig cage with storage grids and a Corflute base from Bunnings, with a shopping list and measurements.
A DIY C&C cage is the most affordable way to give a pair of guinea pigs the roughly 1 m² of floor space RSPCA Australia recommends. This guide builds a 2 × 4 grid cage, about 71 × 142 cm.
Shopping list
| Item | Quantity | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| 35 cm wire storage grids | 12 for the walls, plus 8 for a lid | Homewares stores, marketplace sellers, guinea pig suppliers |
| Grid connectors or cable ties | About 30 | Usually included with the grids, or any hardware store |
| Corflute sheet, 2440 × 1220 mm | 1 | Bunnings |
| Strong tape (duct or packing) | 1 roll | Any hardware store |
| Box cutter and metal ruler | 1 each | Your toolbox |
Make sure the panels are about 35 cm square with small gaps between the wires. Some cheaper cube kits use smaller panels with wider gaps, which small guinea pigs can squeeze through.
Step 1: Build the walls
Connect 4 grids along each long side and 2 grids along each short side to form a rectangle about 71 × 142 cm. Use the connectors at the top and bottom of every join. On the long sides, you can leave one grid unconnected at the top to act as a hinged door.
Step 2: Cut and fold the Corflute base
The base is a tray that sits inside the grid walls, with sides at least 15 cm high.
- Mark a rectangle on the Corflute: floor length + 2 × side height by floor width + 2 × side height. For 15 cm sides that’s about 172 × 101 cm. Your sheet is 244 × 122 cm, so there’s plenty.
- Cut it out with the box cutter against a metal ruler.
- Measure 15 cm in from each edge and score (don’t cut through) along those lines.
- At each corner, cut the square out, or fold it inwards to make a hospital corner.
- Fold all four sides up and tape the corners securely on the outside.
Tip: cut along the flutes (the channels inside the sheet) wherever possible, because it’s much easier.
Step 3: Assemble
Place the Corflute tray inside the grid walls so the sides sit flush against the grids. Add a grid lid if you have cats, dogs or curious toddlers.
Step 4: Furnish
- Absorbent bedding or fleece liners (see our bedding guide)
- Two hides, one per guinea pig, with two exits each where possible
- A large hay rack or hay pile, since hay should make up most of their diet
- Water bottles or a heavy bowl, one per pig
- A heavy ceramic food bowl
Place the cage on a stable, level surface in a cool, draught-free room, away from direct sun. For the full setup, follow our first cage setup checklist.
Expanding later
Adding a third pig? Add 2 grids and a longer Corflute base to make a 2 × 5 layout (about 1.26 m²). That’s the beauty of C&C: it grows with your herd.
Want a properly sized cage without the DIY?
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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.
