Guinea pigs rarely attempt to escape from their cages, even when an opportunity presents itself. So there's no need for a cover unless there's other animals or small children you want to keep out.

Two methods for covers are by using "Closetmaid" shelving OR using the grids themselves fastened together with cable ties. Shipping the shelving isn't cost effective, so we don't offer it for purchase, but you can order additional grids for the cover to be shipped with your cage kit.

IMPORTANT: Closet maid shelving is most commonly found in white. So if you prefer a black cage, you may want to purchase additional matching black grids for your cover. Quantity of grids to purchase for a cover are noted below.

Instructions for both types of covers are below.

Closetmaid shelving type of cover (our recommendation)

Directions for this type of cover are specified in the instructions that come with the kit. They are also outlined below. Closetmaid shelving can be found in Home Depot, Lowe's, and many home improvement stores. It's sold per foot and they'll cut it for you at no charge. They're very study and look neater than grids. You just attach with cable ties that are provided with the cage or you can purchase slightly thicker ones.

Materials you will need to purchase:

• Two lengths of linen-style shelving (see specific lengths for your cage size below)
• Small end caps to cover the cut edges
• Optional: slightly thicker cable ties
• Linen-style shelving has 1 ½" overhang. It's not critical to use this style, but it does work well.

Length to purchase:

• Jumbo 2x6 grid cage: Two 92" lengths of 16" linen-style shelving
• XL 2x5 grid cage: Two 76" lengths of 16" linen-style shelving
• Large 2x4 grid cage: Two 61" lengths of 16" linen-style shelving
• Medium 2x3.5 grid cage: Two 55" lengths of 16" linen-style shelving
• Small 2x3 grid cage: Two 46" lengths of 16" linen-style shelving
• Xsmall 24" x 37" cage: One 41" length of 12" and one 41" length of 16" linen-style shelving

Place both shelving pieces on top of the cage with the overhang on the outside of the cage. The shelving will sit on the connectors. Attach one of the lengths as the non-lifting side to the cage with cable ties. Attach the other length only where the two meet using 4 (or more) cable ties as hinges.

Grid type cover

A grid cover is made by overlapping grids to strengthen them and attaching to the cage in the same way as the shelving cover. One side is "fixed" and the other is hinged to open. You can arrange and fasten them as you feel necessary for strength. Using a wooden dowel across the center of the cage and cable tying the grids to the dowel often helps to support the cover nicely on the larger size cages.

• Jumbo 2x6 grid cage: Order at least 17 additional grids
• XL 2x5 grid cage: Order at least 14 additional grids
• Large 2x4 grid cage: Order at least 11 additional grids
• Medium 2x3.5 grid cage: Order at least 9 additional grids
• Small 2x3 grid cage: Order at least 8 additional grids
• Xsmall 24" x 37" cage: Order at least 6 additional grids