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 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 12 DIY Guinea Pig Cage Plans Are:

  1. Build a C&C Guinea Pig Cage From Pet Helpful

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner Pet Helpful shows you how to build a 2×4 feet 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. Materials

Coroplast sheet One box of grid cube squares Pack of large zip ties Duct tape

Tools

Box cutter Scissors Large ruler or measuring tape Pencil

  1. Build a DIY Guinea Pig Cage With the Kids From Instructables Living

Check Instructions HereSkill 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. Materials

Lumber Plywood Wire screen Plexiglass Wood glue Sandpaper Silicone caulk Pocket hole screws

Tools

Miter saw or hand saw Tape measure Router Sander Clamps Screwdriver

  1. Build Eazy Guinea Pig Hutch

Skill level: Intermediate Build Eazy offers plans for an outside hutch that is perfect for placing on the fresh grass for your guinea pigs. Once the weather turns cold, you can easily move it back inside because it is lightweight. There is a hinged lid with a meshed roof, so you can open the top for increased light and airflow. The instructions are detailed and provide plenty of illustrations. Materials

Variety of lumber Plywood Welded mesh suit T-hinges Nails Screws Staples

Tools

Miter saw Hammer Screwdriver Square Measuring tape

  1. Guinea Pig Mansion From Instructables

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner These plans from Instructables shows 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. Materials

Dollhouse Lawn and garden fencing Glue sticks Spray paint Paper clips 2-inch wood strips

Tools

Hot glue gun Electric staple gun Razor knife or scissors

Related Read: How Often Do I Clean Out My Guinea Pig’s Cage?

  1. DIY C&C Cage by Alexandria’s Animals

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner These instructions from Alexandria’s Animals are for a 2×5-foot cage, with an optional 2×2-foot upper level. It is made from coroplast and wire cube storage, so it is simple to make and not many tools are required. It is an affordable project that provides your guinea pig with plenty of areas to play. Materials

Coroplast Wire cubes Plastic grid connectors Zip ties

Tools

Pen Ruler Box cutter Scissors Strong transparent tape

  1. Guinea Pig Grand Hotel Plans on Instructables

Check Instructions HereSkill 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. Materials

Wooden boards Wooden bars Plywood Enamel paint Screws PVC panels

Tools

Saw Screwdriver Tape measure Angles

  1. Pampered Piggies DIY Guinea Pig Cage

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Intermediate Building a cage is a great way to provide extra room for your guinea pigs. Pampered Piggies has plans to make a 120×60 cm cage that has three levels and a front gate for easy access. There is no base on the cage, so it is recommended to attach a piece of vinyl flooring as a way to protect your floors and make for easy cleanup. Materials

Plywood Pet-safe paint Screws Perspex No more nails tape Shelf brackets Vinyl flooring

Tools

Power drill or screwdriver Jigsaw Tape measure

  1. Coolest Guinea Pig House Plans From Instructables

Check Instructions HereSkill 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. Materials

MDF wood Corner brackets Door magnets Paint Wood glue Fabric Accessories of choice for decoration Adhesive plastic foil

Tools

Handsaw Paintbrush Scissors

  1. Instructables Workshop Guinea Pig Cage

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner This plan from Instructables Workshop uses an old dresser to make a comfortable house for one to two guinea pigs. You will want a dresser that is in decent shape and can hold up to having the drawers removed. This project doesn’t take much woodworking skill and would make a great weekend project. Materials

Old dresser Chicken/rabbit cage wire Staples Flexible storm drain pipe Bathroom/kitchen vinyl flooring squares Picture hanging wire Dog leash clip Eye screw Scrap wood Small hinges

Tools

Drill with drilling and driver bit Jigsaw Pliers Wirecutter Staple gun Dremel with cutting disc Heat gun

  1. Guinea Pig Shed From Instructables Living

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner The author of this Instructables Living plan converted an old play shed into a place for his guinea pigs. You don’t need a shed to complete this project because it can be modified for indoors or outdoors. You can make one run or two, depending on the size you desire. Either way, you will find this is an easy project that can be accomplished in a short time. Materials

Lumber Mesh U-pins Wood glue Screws Linoleum

Tools

Miter saw or hand saw Screwdriver

  1. Outdoor Guinea Pig Cage by DIY Danielle

Check Instructions HereSkill 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. Materials

Variety of lumber Coroplast Hardware cloth PVC pipe Outdoor thermometer Screws Nails Fabric Staples Sandpaper Hook closure Glue sticks

Tools

Screwdriver Shovel Staple gun Sander Jigsaw Glue gun

  1. Guinea Pig Hutch and Extension Plans From Instructables Living

Check Instructions HereSkill 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. Materials

Wood staples Screws Chicken wire Wood Galvanized latches

Tools

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 that allows it 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

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 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 12 DIY Guinea Pig Cage Plans Are:

  1. Build a C&C Guinea Pig Cage From Pet Helpful

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner

Pet Helpful shows you how to build a 2×4 feet 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.

Check Instructions Here

Skill level: Beginner

  • Coroplast sheet

  • One box of grid cube squares

  • Pack of large zip ties

  • Duct tape

  • Box cutter

  • Scissors

  • Large ruler or measuring tape

  • Pencil

  1. Build a DIY Guinea Pig Cage With the Kids From Instructables Living

Check Instructions HereSkill 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.

Skill level: Intermediate

  • Lumber

  • Plywood

  • Wire screen

  • Plexiglass

  • Wood glue

  • Sandpaper

  • Silicone caulk

  • Pocket hole screws

  • Miter saw or hand saw

  • Tape measure

  • Router

  • Sander

  • Clamps

  • Screwdriver

3. Build Eazy Guinea Pig Hutch

Build Eazy offers plans for an outside hutch that is perfect for placing on the fresh grass for your guinea pigs. Once the weather turns cold, you can easily move it back inside because it is lightweight. There is a hinged lid with a meshed roof, so you can open the top for increased light and airflow. The instructions are detailed and provide plenty of illustrations.

  • Variety of lumber

  • Plywood

  • Welded mesh suit

  • T-hinges

  • Nails

  • Screws

  • Staples

  • Miter saw

  • Hammer

  • Screwdriver

  • Square

  • Measuring tape

  1. Guinea Pig Mansion From Instructables

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner

These plans from Instructables shows 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?

  1. DIY C&C Cage by Alexandria’s Animals

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner

These instructions from Alexandria’s Animals are for a 2×5-foot cage, with an optional 2×2-foot upper level. It is made from coroplast and wire cube storage, so it is simple to make and not many tools are required. It is an affordable project that provides your guinea pig with plenty of areas to play.

  • Coroplast

  • Wire cubes

  • Plastic grid connectors

  • Zip ties

  • Pen

  • Ruler

  • Box cutter

  • Scissors

  • Strong transparent tape

  1. Guinea Pig Grand Hotel Plans on Instructables

Check Instructions HereSkill 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

  1. Pampered Piggies DIY Guinea Pig Cage

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Intermediate

Building a cage is a great way to provide extra room for your guinea pigs. Pampered Piggies has plans to make a 120×60 cm cage that has three levels and a front gate for easy access. There is no base on the cage, so it is recommended to attach a piece of vinyl flooring as a way to protect your floors and make for easy cleanup.

  • Plywood

  • Pet-safe paint

  • Screws

  • Perspex

  • No more nails tape

  • Shelf brackets

  • Vinyl flooring

  • Power drill or screwdriver

  • Jigsaw

  • Tape measure

  1. Coolest Guinea Pig House Plans From Instructables

Check Instructions HereSkill 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

  1. Instructables Workshop Guinea Pig Cage

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner

This plan from Instructables Workshop uses an old dresser to make a comfortable house for one to two guinea pigs. You will want a dresser that is in decent shape and can hold up to having the drawers removed. This project doesn’t take much woodworking skill and would make a great weekend project.

  • Old dresser

  • Chicken/rabbit cage wire

  • Staples

  • Flexible storm drain pipe

  • Bathroom/kitchen vinyl flooring squares

  • Picture hanging wire

  • Dog leash clip

  • Eye screw

  • Scrap wood

  • Small hinges

  • Drill with drilling and driver bit

  • Jigsaw

  • Pliers

  • Wirecutter

  • Staple gun

  • Dremel with cutting disc

  • Heat gun

  1. Guinea Pig Shed From Instructables Living

Check Instructions HereSkill level: Beginner

The author of this Instructables Living plan converted an old play shed into a place for his guinea pigs. You don’t need a shed to complete this project because it can be modified for indoors or outdoors. You can make one run or two, depending on the size you desire. Either way, you will find this is an easy project that can be accomplished in a short time.

  • Lumber

  • Mesh

  • U-pins

  • Wood glue

  • Screws

  • Linoleum

  • Miter saw or hand saw

  • Screwdriver

  1. Outdoor Guinea Pig Cage by DIY Danielle

Check Instructions HereSkill 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.

Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced

  • 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

  1. Guinea Pig Hutch and Extension Plans From Instructables Living

Check Instructions HereSkill 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 that allows it 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