Gateway to Play!
This setup is not for beginners, as the assembly requires a little custom work and a good amount of patience. But if you've already got your C&C Cage on a stand, you're already a Cagetopian Graduate. Congratulations! You get grids. The BEAUTY of the C&C world -- when done right and properly with 14" strong, square grids -- is that the sky is the limit on what you can do with them. And this setup is worth the effort!
Done right, this addition can add a whole new dimension to your guinea pigs' quality of life, exercise, and enjoyment as well as giving you a whole new way to interact and observe them.
We've engineered this solution with multiple requirements in mind! We actually have experience using this and similar items. We are NOT a 'if I build it, it will work company.' There are many considerations to take into account. That is what sets Cagetopia apart from everyone else.
Features of the Gateway to Play design
It starts on the INSIDE of the cage
Rather than cutting the cage wall to create an opening, we leave the cage whole, replace a grid and use any one of several options that start at the top of the coro wall.
Why this works?
We use a Piggy Perch on the inside of the cage as the platform to exit the cage. This is an easy ramp up to just the 6-inch coro wall height. Guinea pigs are comfortable with this low-incline ramp. Then with this design, they simply continue through the Portal and can exit on the outside at that same incline level. They see what looks like part of their cage as they move forward, which gives them a continued sense of safety and comfort as they venture out. The inside Perch ramp is the same angle and feel as the outside Gateway-to-Play ramp helping their sense of familiarity during exploring.
The outside platform
This can become a favorite hangout spot in addition to a step on the journey to the floor play area.
In fact, you can modify this design such that the platform is the goal and you don't bother with the ramp to the floor and just make this a full grid lookout platform!
Make it even more inviting?
Whether you decide to make the outside platform as shown or a destination itself (Full grid not Portal grid with the final ramp), covering it will make it all the more inviting for your explorers. It's as easy as just clipping some fleece (like a Fleece Flipper Case from the Market) to the top wall grid and the outer platform grid, providing a tent-like feel over the platform.
Enhance the Play Center with Fleece
If cut up a Fleece Forest (the easiest way to go), you can add the strips to the Play Center and you can leave them in even though you need to remove and reinstall the Play Center as you desire. They help provide better visual reference points for helping your guinea pig feel more secure.
Recreate this amazing Gateway to Play with our easy shopping guides below
Please note, prices are base prices. Adding features and options can increase an items' price. You can build all or parts of this creative cage setup, so we've listed the components by section for this cage add on.
The GATEWAY Components
For the GRIDS:
For the RAMPS and ACCESSORIES
Make sure to LINE the PORTAL GRID LANDING with Coroplast to act as a floor and then cover with fleece!
- (2) Reinforced Cage Ramps - $28.99 each
- (1) Piece of Coro to Cut: Cavy Backsplash - $13.99 - with no holes - OPTIONAL - you can also just use some cardboard here covered with some fleece, or scrap Coro (if you have some available).
- (1) Clip Pack - $1.19 (used to assist in construction and to help keep fleece lining in place on Landing)
- (1-2) Pack of Zip-ties - $3.69 (Always best to have more than you might think you need)
The Play Center
For the floor
The Piggy Perch
For the access inside the cage
Instructions for Gateway to Play
Here are our step-by-step instructions for assembling the main structure of the Gateway to Play.