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Post by fred on Nov 16, 2011 21:32:17 GMT
This forum now makes cage size recommendations. The requirements are expressed as cumulative available running area (CARA) rather than volume. This thread is to ask questions about calculating CARA for your cage or anything else regarding this novel way of determining cage suitability. Feedback is also very welcome! |
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Post by NightwishRaven999 on Dec 1, 2011 1:46:00 GMT
Going over the cage plans again today, I decide to calculate the CARA of the cage I will be building.
I am set on the 140x70x180 cm measure and have included level emplacements in the newest plan.
Cage base: 140x70
Level 1: 140x60
Level 2: 140x60
Level 3: 140x60
Level 4: 140x60
Total CARA = 43,400 sq cm.
This is much larger than my current 29,000 sq cm cage...and will more appropriately suit the needs of the group I keep.
The cage should be 180 cm of height.
- 50 cm between the cage floor and the first level
- 30 cm between the first and second floor
- 40 cm between the second and third floor
- 30 cm between third and fourth floor
- 30 cm between fourth floor and cage roof
I am really hoping to stick to this plan.
CARA makes planning and drawing a lot more fun ;D
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Post by deguconvert on Dec 1, 2011 4:48:22 GMT
WOW! That's going to be mammoth!!! I am really looking forward to seeing this! I have to chuckle a bit, as it was only two years ago you built your last one. (I think?) Makes me wonder how long I'll be able to resist the cage building bug myself. LOL!
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Post by davx on Dec 1, 2011 22:05:04 GMT
LOL. A also think about building a new cage. My last was from 2008 and was only a little one (but was much work). Actually I intend to build a cage with aluminium frame and acryl glass and mesh for the walls and the "roof". I hope, that this is easier than using wood and protecting against gnawaing with metal bars or strips. *g*
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Post by critterfriend on Mar 27, 2016 14:41:04 GMT
Wait a Liberta 2nd Edition explorer is 93x63 = 5859 sq. cm per level not including shelves. 11718 sq. cm in total... So it's only just big enough for 2 degus? Is that right?
Also wouldn't it need 5 large "half-levels" in the cage to make sure it wasn't actually so tall as to pose a fall danger?
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Post by moletteuk on Mar 27, 2016 16:37:55 GMT
You are correct about the overall CARA and suitability for two degus. It can be improved a lot by extending the half shelves into full shelves. I'm not sure on the height without the stand, but the maximum fall drop risk depends on if you have hammocks or ledges high up, it looks like a fall of about 70cm might be possible which is further than recommended but not too alarming.
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Post by cheese27 on Oct 15, 2018 20:23:13 GMT
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Post by misscatafer on Oct 15, 2018 20:37:29 GMT
Hi cheese, that cage is still much too small unfortunately - too narrow. The levels would need to be completely replaced/covered due to the wiring and you wouldn't have enough room for two 12" wheels. It isn't much bigger than the pets at home cage you have already. It's just deceiving with the extra levels.
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Post by ntg on Oct 15, 2018 20:37:45 GMT
So I wouldn't bother with that cage, they're terrible to clean, need mods for the wire mesh that makes up the levels and ladders and is actually expensive for what it is. You might be better off if its a possibility to find another 1 or 2 (preferably 2) pets at home cages, stacking them on top of each other, or two side by side and then connecting them together. You can often find them second hand for a fair bit cheaper or, apparently you can buy them brand new for £60-70 on ebay. If you can tell us what space you have available we might be able to help think of a different solution though  |
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Post by misscatafer on Oct 15, 2018 20:39:19 GMT
Are you UK based? Edit : duh! Obviously you are UK based as you got your cage from p@h lol! I have baby brain (I'm also pregnant - 6 months) Try looking on gum tree, sphock and preloved, many people give those p@h cages away for free and a couple of them would be a cheap solution like ntg says |
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Post by cheese27 on Oct 16, 2018 8:27:37 GMT
Brilliant!
I could find a pets at Home cage & put it on top of the cage they already have!
Are the different levels and ladders available to buy?
So it’s not just a cage with shelves?
Or would a cage with shelves actually be ok?
The space I have is just slightly larger than the pets at Home cage- so I have the space to go up!
My kitchen side is on one side & my back door on the other, so I don’t think I can go sideways.
Thank you for all your help!
I want to get this sorted soon, so they have one less thing to fight over!
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Post by cheese27 on Oct 16, 2018 9:24:39 GMT
How about this one?
I’ve measured my space & it’ll fit.
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Post by ntg on Oct 16, 2018 9:41:20 GMT
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Post by cheese27 on Oct 16, 2018 10:16:26 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2018 10:23:55 GMT
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Post by ntg on Oct 16, 2018 10:48:46 GMT
@emdalliance she's only got limited space to work with unfortunately so 90cm is the longest cheese27 can manage. Saying that you might be able to get some suitable 90cm lomg vivs.
There's the little friends triple metal cage, although still not ideal as really 90cm should be the very minimum length it's better than the thickets CARA-wise and only requires card to cover the mesh floors...
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Post by cheese27 on Oct 16, 2018 10:57:34 GMT
Ok my space i have for them is
90cm long,
56cm wide,
And about 120cm high...
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Post by ntg on Oct 16, 2018 11:06:27 GMT
How long will it take for your husband to design and build a cage? Just thinking if thats the way you want to go you might not want to fork out too much for a temporary cage?
Also whereabouts in the UK are you? If you happen to be in the NE England then I have a thickets cage I could possibly part with.
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Post by cheese27 on Oct 16, 2018 11:14:41 GMT
Oh thank you, that’s really nice.
But I’m in the South east!
It won’t take him long once he’s designed it, it’s just having the time to get on with it!
He’s self employed so sometimes has to work long hours & 6 day weeks.
I’m just thinking at the moment, anything bigger than what I already have has got to be better!
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Post by ntg on Oct 16, 2018 11:48:13 GMT
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