M&P
Foraging Degu
Posts: 93
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Post by M&P on Oct 7, 2016 15:03:30 GMT
Has anyone ever built down in their metal cages? I have the tall aventura metal cage for my 2 Degus and am thinking about extending down to the space where the wheels are. I still want to be able to wheel it though so maybe to the bars mid way down? Has anyone ever tried this and if so did it work out for you? I'm not really DIY minded so ideas would be really more than welcome. I don't want to try it and butcher my cage haha! This is what I have: So I was thinking a Perspex level along the bottom ending where the bars above the wheels are. I was also thinking about using the existing metal tray on the bottom of the cage as the floor for the new Perspex level somehow? Something like this was what I had in mind:
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Post by deguconvert on Oct 7, 2016 16:23:44 GMT
Yes, there are a couple of members here that have done exactly that. I was looking to see if I could find their pictures of the "basements" but have had no luck. Hopefully they will catch sight of your thread!
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Post by skardsen on Oct 7, 2016 17:51:38 GMT
bouncy has exactly this kind of extension on her Explorer.
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Post by bouncy on Oct 7, 2016 18:59:44 GMT
Yep, guilty, I poshed up my goos with a Chelsea extension. I had an extra mid level tray made (a full level tray with a corner cut out) by John Hopewell, swapped that with the existing base to provide access to the Chelsea extension, and used the original ground level tray down below.
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Post by Emziedee on Oct 7, 2016 21:44:32 GMT
I did this also but with mesh wire. Eventually I want to get and cut some plexiglass and stick on with Velcro as bouncy suggested.
Where did you find that pic? I love how they have taken out the base and it's one big area for climbing and jumping! I also love that they seem to have a glass tank that has slotted underneath so perfectly! I tried looking for one that would match my dimensions but had no luck 😞
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Post by skardsen on Oct 8, 2016 7:55:56 GMT
I really want to do this at some point for the degus, since it's effectively another full level to run on. Would this create issues in moving the cage around though? Not that the wheels on an Explorer don't make it difficult as is.
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M&P
Foraging Degu
Posts: 93
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Post by M&P on Oct 8, 2016 9:20:48 GMT
That looks awesome bouncy.
Do you mind me asking if it was expensive?
Also was it easy enough to do? How did you attach it? I'm really not that great at DIY!
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Post by Emziedee on Oct 8, 2016 11:00:11 GMT
That looks awesome bouncy. Do you mind me asking if it was expensive? Also was it easy enough to do? How did you attach it? I'm really not that great at DIY! She cut the plexiglass with a hacksaw and stuck on the cage with Velcro strips. Not expensive at all i imagine 😀
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Post by bouncy on Oct 8, 2016 13:36:55 GMT
The tray was the biggest expense, but I guess you could make one from wood instead. Like you, I wanted to keep the tray off the floor. I've used straps under the frame, but you could reduce the height of the space and rest the tray on batons across the bottom of the frame.
You're better off using a fine tooth saw to cut the perspex - it's quicker and a hacksaw limits the lengths you can cut. Just remember to use masking tape along the cuts. I'm not sure about the aventura, but you may need to fill the gap between the edge of the tray and the sides of the cage.
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Post by bouncy on Oct 8, 2016 13:39:17 GMT
P.s. Blocked off the outside because my lot run about in the same room as the cage, and Sillygoo just likes going underneath and saying "Ner Ner Ner Ner Ner" when it's time to be go back in!
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Post by moletteuk on Oct 9, 2016 9:45:22 GMT
You can get perspex custom cut from Midlandplastics.co.uk
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Post by Emziedee on Oct 9, 2016 14:05:28 GMT
What made you get a new custom tray bouncy? Couldn't you have cut a hole in the existing tray?
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Post by bouncy on Oct 9, 2016 20:38:58 GMT
Same rationale as Cieloennegrecido - thinking long term and not wanting butcher the original cage! You never know when this gs will change for better or worse, and parting with the cage with its original trays is much better! Didn't fancy an alternative across the frame with a finite life, especially as it would mean precise corner cut outs, which they could chew. Metal was the only real obvious choice!
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Post by Emziedee on Oct 9, 2016 21:17:36 GMT
Good thinking, although I'm sure you have increased property value with your Chelsea extension 😉
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