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Post by moletteuk on Sept 14, 2017 9:55:28 GMT
If the digging area is lined with a solid material on 4 sides you will need to think about ventilation. If you line it with wood, you can drill holes in it which should work OK, although they will probably chew at the holes, but it should be fine if the wood is quite thick. This is what I did for my digging box along with the access holes top and bottom. I think you will need to suck it and see with the coco soil, and I'll be keen to hear how you get on Because the space is more enclosed you will need to consider dust levels and moisture levels from wee soaking in, there needs to be enough ventilation for the pee to evaporate and damp substrate not to go mouldy.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2017 16:51:36 GMT
The digging area will be made of wood and will have a side that's at half height to add ventilation.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2017 20:06:31 GMT
UPDATE
I have ordered 3 bags of coco soil which totals up to roughly 200 litres!!!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2017 23:29:46 GMT
QUESTION
I've just had an idea to put wood sheets inside of the cage at the back in front of the bars so the cage looks slightly better (and so I don't just see my wall behind the cage lol). What type of wood is safe for this can of use? Can I use plywood since it'll be a flat surface?
Also, I'm wanting to paint/dye/stain this wood black so the the light wood contrasts with it etc. What can I use to safely colour the wood?
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 15, 2017 4:06:49 GMT
Hmmm!! Pine in planks is fine . . . plywood is OK. You probably don't want it to be too thick so as to take up too much room. As for paint . . . not sure what to suggest. If you were to use an acrylic type, you would want to give it a few days to set up, and to off gas so that there is nothing to trouble their breathing.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2017 14:55:45 GMT
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 15, 2017 15:32:22 GMT
Anyone got an opinion on the paint? I personally do not like aerosol paints . . . it puts a lot of chemical into the air that just sits there for a long time. Don't really like aerosol anything actually. Anyway, I don't think I would use it.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2017 15:43:52 GMT
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 15, 2017 19:58:43 GMT
I like that!! Sounds good!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2017 11:11:21 GMT
UPDATEThe Coco soil has arrived!! I need some containers to keep it in and to mix it in since it needs to be watered.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2017 13:45:39 GMT
Here's what the coco soil looks like when it's been mixed with water:
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Post by moletteuk on Sept 16, 2017 17:36:21 GMT
Do watch out for mould on the coco soil. I'm looking forward to hearing what the goos make of it Plywood is fine if they can't access the edges. I think you have the right plastikote enamel spray there, it's the child safe one you want, and there are pics of toys on that one, so I think that is right. The sprays don't go far, it took me two tins just to fully cover a wheel. I painted my wooden cage with Cuprinol 'garden shades', I can't say for certain it is totally safe, but some rabbit people seem to use it and I haven't had a problem. Some people also use regular water based gloss/satin/eggshell paint. I think the important thing is to give it plenty of time to dry out and 'offgas' before you put it in the cage.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2017 18:08:57 GMT
moletteuk I'll be sure to keep a close eye and to update on how my goos find it!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2017 19:18:27 GMT
QUESTION
Could I add sand to the coco soil? I've just mixed some sand with some dry coco soil and it seems to work fairly well. Also, before cleaning out my degus (which I'll do in a few days time), how dry does the soil have to be? I know it can't be dripping wet but does it have to be bone dry? Guessing it'll have to be pretty much dry since mould could grow?
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 17, 2017 19:43:57 GMT
Yeah . . . I would think it should be pretty dry.
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Post by misscatafer on Sept 18, 2017 9:15:19 GMT
When we prepared the cocosoil we let it dry out for one week before putting it in the cage. Hope this helps!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2017 11:06:49 GMT
What sand could I use to mix in with the coco soil? Can I use non toxic child play sand? This isn’t for their sand baths so I’m guessing it doesn’t have to be the bathing sand type?
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 18, 2017 15:23:34 GMT
I would think that should be fine, Jack.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2017 23:20:58 GMT
UPDATEI have used the coco soil that I ordered for about a week or two ago and I've came to a conclusion. I hate this bedding! Even now it's still damp and some chew toys have tiny pieces of mould on them (I've put them in the bin)!!!!! I have been checking it daily so the mould has to have sprouted very recently!!! I'm going to use it in the garden since I have a bag of Finacard on its way
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 29, 2017 4:44:14 GMT
Perhaps small amounts wetted and allowed to dry work better than a large, all at once, amount? I'm sorry it is such a disappointment, Jack.
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