When I first got our little herd I started them with alfalfa-based pellets and hay to support their development. Alfalfa had provided the extra calcium and protein young guinea pigs needed, making it ideal for pups under six months old.
As they reached that milestone, we began a gentle shift to a timothy-based diet. We gradually decreased their alfalfa intake and introduced timothy hay observing closely to ensure the transition was smooth and stress-free. Because honestly, our piggies deserved nothing but the best. 💕
During this dietary journey, I discovered a company that truly impressed me Small Pet Select. They offered a fantastic lineup of premium hay and pellets that met the high standards we had come to expect. It was clear they cared deeply about quality and pet wellbeing.
And the best part? They generously shared a referral link with me so that all of you fellow members of We Heart Our Furry Friends could treat your little ones to top-tier feed with $ off any hay or pellet products.
✨ — hope you checked them out and let your piggies munch with joy!
When we first brought our guinea pigs home, we were determined to give them the happiest, healthiest life possible. Like many first-time piggy parents, we started with a store-bought cage, but it quickly became clear that it wasn’t nearly big enough. After diving into research and hearing from other passionate owners, we decided to build a C&C cage and we haven’t looked back since.
🧩 What Is a C&C Cage?
C&C stands for Cubes and Coroplast. These cages are DIY creations made from modular wire grids (the “cubes”) and corrugated plastic sheets (the “coroplast”) for the base. They’re customizable, spacious, affordable, and surprisingly easy to build.
Not handy? No problem! There are pre-made cages available online, or you can find endless inspiration on YouTube and social media.
📐 Why Cage Size Matters
Guinea pigs aren’t low-maintenance pets that can thrive in tiny enclosures. They need room to run, explore, and interact. Most store-bought cages fall short of even the minimum recommendations.
Here’s a guide to cage sizing:
🐹 Guinea Pigs
📏 Minimum Size
🔧 Suggested Grid Size
1
7.5 sq ft
2×3
2
10.5 sq ft
2×4
3
13 sq ft
2×5
4+
16+ sq ft
2×6 or larger
We had 4 beautiful guinea pigs, so we knew we needed something large and flexible store cages just wouldn’t cut it.
🛠️ How We Built Our C&C Cage
We started with a temporary store-bought cage, but quickly moved to building our own:
🧊 Grids: We used Whitmor Storage Cubesin white. Amazon now offers a version under Amazon Basics 6-Cube Wire Grid Stackable Storage Shelves — same concept, more cubes.
🔲 Coroplast: Picked up at Home Depot for around $25-35 for a full sheet.
🔗 Zip Ties: Also from Home Depot, for reenforcing the grids.
🧺 Fleece Liners: Purchased from Joann Fabrics. We layer old towels underneath for added absorbency.
This and videos like it were a lifesaver since I didn’t document our build step-by-step highly recommend checking it out or other videos like it.
🎨 Personal Touches and Themes
One of the best perks of C&C cages? Customization. Ours includes:
A large running area
Cozy hideouts
A kitchen space for hay and pellets
Themed fleece setups (yes, they’re adorable!)
Easy access for cleaning and bonding time
You can even add ramps or upper levels for extra enrichment.
💸 Budget-Friendly and Eco-Aware
For less than the price of a cramped store cage, we built a much larger and more functional habitat. Most of the materials are reusable or recyclable, making this option better for your wallet and the planet.
🧼 Cleaning Is a Breeze
Spot-cleaning is super simple with the open layout. I line the coroplast with fleece, using towels underneath for extra absorption. Everything’s within easy reach, which makes daily maintenance less stressful for us and the piggies.
💖 Why Our Piggies Love It
Since upgrading, our guinea pigs have been:
Zooming with joy across the open floor
Socializing more with less drama
Lounging comfortably in their hideouts
✨ Final Thoughts
If you're ready to upgrade your guinea pigs' setup, go for a C&C cage. It’s an investment in their health, happiness, and overall wellbeing. Whether you build it yourself or buy one ready-made, your piggies will thank you — in their own squeaky way.
