5 Ways to Use Wire Grids for Small Pets

Commonly used for guinea pig enclosures, wire grids marketed for creating storage cubes are excellent for other uses as well. Also known as ‘C&C grids’ in the small mammal community, wire grids come in many variants of size and material, making them a staple item in the homes of many guinea pig and rabbit owners.

 

Whether the grids are used for guinea pigs or rabbits, it is important to note that the spacing between the grids is small enough that they will not escape or get a limb stuck. Ideally, aim for grids that are at least 9 squares tall by 9 squares wide for guinea pigs and small rabbits to prevent injury and potential escapees! Bar spacing should be no larger than 1.5” to keep the animals safe.

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1. Enclosure

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Using wire grids to create a guinea pig enclosure is perhaps one of the most common uses for pets. By connecting together grids with connector pieces and fastening them with zip ties, they make amazing enclosure skeletons not only for guinea pigs, but rabbits too! Enclosures made out of wire grids are excellent as they can easily be configured to different spacing and animal needs, budgets, and more.

 

While creating an enclosure, it is crucial to keep the basic requirements in mind. 

 

Guinea pig wire grid enclosures:

• Solid base and lip around the sides usually created from coroplast

• Only needs to be one grid high unless other pets are present in the house, when it may need a lid

• Grids can also be used under the enclosure to elevate the cage off of the ground

• Ready-to-build wire grid enclosures can be purchased from Kavee, GuineaDad, and Guinea Pig Cages Store

 

Rabbit wire grid enclosures:

• Does not need a base made from grids

• Should be at least 3 grids tall, but may need to be higher or have a lid for jumpers

• Helpful to add in a hinged door for easy cleaning access

• Ready-to-make enclosures found online are often much too small- it is best to create your own

 

2. Playpen

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Wire grids can also be used to emulate a dog exercise pen by connecting the grids with zip ties, creating an effective playpen for out-of-cage time. Height requirements mentioned previously should be kept in mind, and solid plastic grids can be used to create playpens for small rodents such as hamsters.

 

3. Pet-Proofing

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These grids are excellent for pet-proofing, as they can be configured in many different ways. They work great for blocking off small areas under couches, beds, or shelves, and also for boxing off restricted areas. For free-roamed rabbits, wire grids work well to block off baseboards from being munched on!

 

4. Enclosure Accessories

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Wire grids can be utilized to create cage accessories such as hideouts, ramps, platforms, and more. When making these, always ensure that there is sufficient support for the weight of your pet(s) when they are atop of the creation!

 

5. Storage Area

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Use the grids as they’re intended for- storage! Spare grids can be used to create a shelving system to store clean cage liners, beds, hay, or whatever else storage is needed for. 

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