Many of the guinea pig cages that are available to buy are too small for more than one animal and can be expensive. If you have a knack for building projects, then you may want to consider constructing a guinea pig cage. You can customize it to fit any space, and some enclosures are ideal for use inside and outside.
Guinea pigs also like ramps and platforms for play and exercise; placing a cage with no flooring outdoors allows your pet to nibble on grass. Did you know that one guinea pig needs a minimum of 7.5 square feet of living space to be comfortable and happy? With these 12 plans, you can learn how to build a guinea pig cage with requirements that won’t be a problem to meet. Read on to find one that inspires you to create and build a lovely home for your guinea pig.
The 7 DIY Guinea Pig Cage Plans Are:
Pet Helpful shows you how to build a 2×4-foot cage that is larger than you can find at any pet store, and it will save you money too. C&C stands for cubes and coroplast, which are the primary materials for this project. Making a cage from these materials gives you the freedom to design a cage that suits your needs — and it is easy to build.
- Coroplast sheet
- One box of grid cube squares
- Pack of large zip ties
- Duct tape
- Box cutter
- Scissors
- Large ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil
2. Build a DIY Guinea Pig Cage With the Kids From Instructables Living
Skill level: Intermediate
These plans from Instructables Living show you how to build a cage with a base cabinet for storage. Since guinea pigs are social animals, it makes sense to have a cage large enough for two or three to live in comfort. It’s a great project to build with the kids if you have experience with woodworking because you will need basic equipment.
- Lumber
- Plywood
- Wire screen
- Plexiglass
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Silicone caulk
- Pocket hole screws
- Miter saw or hand saw
- Tape measure
- Router
- Sander
- Clamps
- Screwdriver
These plans from Instructables show you how to build a guinea pig cage using a dollhouse and other supplies you may have on hand already. This is a great project for those who don’t have woodworking experience. What’s nice is that you can customize the plans to fit any size and shape of dollhouse.
- Dollhouse
- Lawn and garden fencing
- Glue sticks
- Spray paint
- Paper clips
- 2-inch wood strips
- Hot glue gun
- Electric staple gun
- Razor knife or scissors
- Related Read: How Often Do I Clean Out My Guinea Pig’s Cage?
4. Guinea Pig Grand Hotel Plans on Instructables
Skill level: Intermediate
For an elaborate house, check out these plans on the Instructables Living website. This is not a project for a beginner, and you will need to put aside more than one day to build it. However, don’t let it intimidate you if you don’t have much experience, because it is a good project to learn from. The grand hotel is meant to be placed outside so your guinea pig can nibble on the grass.
- Wooden boards
- Wooden bars
- Plywood
- Enamel paint
- Screws
- PVC panels
- Saw
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Angles
5. Coolest Guinea Pig House Plans From Instructables
Skill level: Beginner
If you are looking for how to build a guinea pig cage or house that is anything but boring, Instructables has a plan that is attractive and fun to make. The finished product looks like a dollhouse, and you can be as creative as you like. It is a project that can involve the kids, and once you’ve added your distinctive flair, your guinea pig will love it too.
- MDF wood
- Corner brackets
- Door magnets
- Paint
- Wood glue
- Fabric
- Accessories of choice for decoration
- Adhesive plastic foil
- Handsaw
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
6. Outdoor Guinea Pig Cage by DIY Danielle
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
DIY Danielle shows you how to make an elevated outdoor hutch for your guinea pigs. Underneath the cage is another space you can create for your guinea pigs to hang out, and they can access it by a ramp. She provides plenty of step-by-step pictures and directions that are easy to follow.
- Variety of lumber
- Coroplast
- Hardware cloth
- PVC pipe
- Outdoor thermometer
- Screws
- Nails
- Fabric
- Staples
- Sandpaper
- Hook closure
- Glue sticks
- Screwdriver
- Shovel
- Staple gun
- Sander
- Jigsaw
- Glue gun
7. Guinea Pig Hutch and Extension Plans From Instructables Living
Skill level: Beginner
This is the perfect project from Instructables Living if you want to customize a cage for your guinea pig. It is an affordable project and easy to accomplish if you don’t have much experience and/or time. You can make the top hinged or non-hinged, and you are guided through making the hutch either freestanding or as an expansion.
- Wood staples
- Screws
- Chicken wire
- Wood
- Galvanized latches
- Electric drill with bits
- Jigsaw or circular saw
- Wire cutters
- Measuring tape
- Right angle
Conclusion
A variety of plans are available in this list that can fit your experience, budget, and time available to build the cage. Having the option to move the cage outdoors fulfills a guinea pig’s need for sunshine and fresh air, and it’s good to know they are safe from predators. Nevertheless, building your own allows you to customize the size to fit into your space while creating an area your guinea pig will feel safe and comfortable.
Looking for professional inspiration? We also have our picks of the best guinea pig cages on the market!
Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
