gizmo
Foraging Degu
Posts: 55
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Post by gizmo on Nov 11, 2015 21:08:56 GMT
hi we have nearly finished our cage but we have noticed is that 1 of the shelfs is spiltting is this safe or should we replace the shelf all though it has only been in for around 1 month and what else we have noticed is that just after 2 days they have nibbled away alot of 1 of the support uprights but it only seems to 1 degu that is doing the damage thanks ,
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Post by deguconvert on Nov 11, 2015 21:37:49 GMT
It isn't a big split at all, and as it stands right now, I think it looks fine.
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Post by moletteuk on Nov 12, 2015 10:38:23 GMT
Try and bend it with your hand and this should give an indication how strong it is. I agree with DC that it doesn't look bad at the moment.
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gizmo
Foraging Degu
Posts: 55
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Post by gizmo on Nov 15, 2015 13:08:07 GMT
thank you for your reply i have replaced the shelf as the split was geting worse , allthough we added 6" kick boards instead of 3" the sawdust is still appearing on the out side of the cage , we are thinking of adding 8" kick board instead but a but concerned that it might be to dark for the degu thanks
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Post by moletteuk on Nov 15, 2015 13:31:37 GMT
I don't think you can stop a few shavings escaping the cage, if you watch you will probably see that they fly very high and far if a degu breaks into a sudden run when they get startled. I think it will start to get a bit dark at the bottom with a higher kick board and it will also restrict your view of them and their view out. If the mess really bothers you, I would consider getting a little handheld vacuum to make it easier to clean up as often as you like.
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gizmo
Foraging Degu
Posts: 55
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Post by gizmo on Nov 15, 2015 14:24:33 GMT
many thanks for your reply the only problem is that we are both disabled and cannot clean sawdust away every day , we was thinking of a 8" kickboard with a windows and wire on the inside of the window and perpex or clear glass on the outside , we was woundering if this would work and be safe enough for the degu
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Post by moletteuk on Nov 15, 2015 14:34:57 GMT
I wouldn't use glass at floor level in case it gets broken, although toughened glass like a kitchen cupboard shelf might be OK. I think I would be tempted to try perspex with some metal edging glued on so they can't chew it, or you could rig up 'windows' in wood if it is easier to buy small pieces of perspex.
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gizmo
Foraging Degu
Posts: 55
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Post by gizmo on Nov 15, 2015 14:57:21 GMT
many tanks for your reply , i was thinking of cutting holes in the kickboard for the windows, putting metal wire on the inside of the kickboard where the windows are and then perpex on the outside of the kick board where the windows are , if this makes any sense ? but what sort of wire will be safe for the degu as they will try and chew it , will wire for plants be ok ? as long it is not plastic , i am thinking of wire they use on fenceing but smaller holes thanks
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Post by moletteuk on Nov 15, 2015 20:19:25 GMT
You most often find decent square mesh in big expensive rolls, but you can buy it in single sheets from Wickes www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-13mm-Galvanised-Mesh-Panel-600mmx900mm/p/187723You might not need the mesh, although it would limit them chewing the wood surrounding the 'windows', or you could use the metal angle edging you have on your small shelves, on the window surrounds.
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