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Post by Bexi87 on Dec 27, 2010 20:41:46 GMT
I have managed to make a cheap, decent size run for my girls so I thought I'd share it in case anyone else is thinking of making one (so far it has not been escaped from!) All you need is MDF, Hinges and Screws. Step 1: Buy a MDF board from B&Q and have it cut into pieces. I've got 8 pieces of 100cm (h) x 60cm (w) out of 2 boards of 12mm MDF). Most B&Q warehouses do a wood cutting service. These are the boards I bought. Step 2. Buy as many hinges as you need and wood screws. I've used butt hinges from Screwfix and normal woodscrews. Just remember to check that your screws are the right length for the thickness of the wood! Step 3: Lay two pieces side by side so that one lays flat against the other. Sit the hinge along the joint, making sure it is straight and even. Step 4: Use a nail & hammer to mark where the screws will go in Step 5: Screw the hinge down. I found starting at the ends and working inwards was good so I could straighten it as I went! Finished - you have 1 ready made run! I've chosen to keep my run down to 2 pieces each to make it easier to move and store although you could attach all the pieces together if you wanted. Hopefully this will be of help to someone
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Post by nickymills30 on Dec 27, 2010 21:33:08 GMT
thats really good xx
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Post by smux on Dec 27, 2010 21:34:42 GMT
You can also do similar but use blocks of wood on the edges with grooves in for the wood to slat into...not as flexible as a hinge, but possibly sturdier
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Post by Bexi87 on Dec 27, 2010 21:36:43 GMT
I've not had any problems with the sturdiness, MDF is heavy so 2 pieces together takes some effort knocking over
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Post by chilipepper on Dec 27, 2010 23:57:26 GMT
thats great!!
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tzr
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 155
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Post by tzr on Dec 28, 2010 10:22:39 GMT
I have a run which is 86cm high and one Goo is are still escaping! He sits on the edge of the fish tank (the digging pit) and jumps across a 2 foot gap! The main problem is he has got brave and has started exploring the house - not good when we have a dog that likes to chase. We're going to build a 5 foot perspex enclosure with a door as soon as we have the money 'cos I like my Goos to have the cage open during the day (I don't like animals cooped up), even though they have a huge cage!
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Post by harves04 on Dec 28, 2010 13:49:44 GMT
Thanks for the tutorial - given me the inspiration to make a run for my boys. I'm just about to finish decorating my lounge and I'm afraid I need to put a stop to the totally free access they (and me) have enjoyed - but the skirting boards and doors can't take much more. I see this as a project for the New Year weekend. I wonder if I can do a perspex and MDF combo?
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Post by malteser60 on Dec 28, 2010 17:01:18 GMT
This gives me all sorts of ideas. So simple as well, I've only just discovered that B&Q do a wood cutting service. So I'm going to be busy re-designing the ledges in my goos cage.
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Post by Bexi87 on Dec 28, 2010 17:42:03 GMT
I'm glad it's useful. It is really nice to be able to open the cage when I'm in and let them come and go as they like.
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Post by xtratime on Nov 6, 2011 16:43:23 GMT
Do they not get out of that height? The thing we have tried to make is higher but one used the corner and climbed up it lol...
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Post by Bexi87 on Nov 6, 2011 17:03:02 GMT
The only time I have had one escape is when I have left something too close to the edge of the run that they can climb up and take a leap of faith. To be honest they are more interested in chewing my floor & their cage to try and escape
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Post by xtratime on Nov 18, 2011 17:05:14 GMT
Another quick question - does it fold away nicely. It looks like it might do.
PS just noticed your a fellow claret too :-)
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Post by Bexi87 on Nov 18, 2011 23:20:10 GMT
Yep, it just folds away by the side of the cage. Woop for a fellow Claret!! Attachments:
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mhb
Burrowing Degu
Mystified and Entertained on a daily basis
Posts: 173
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Post by mhb on Apr 12, 2012 12:45:45 GMT
That is really good. Thanks for the tutorial!
I think my recently mantra is 'when I build...', 'when I build...' but once the new enclosure is completed (lol) I am going to create something similar, but using the wire mesh of the the Thickets cages and some pine runners top and bottom. But this is a great tip.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2012 13:29:38 GMT
This looks brilliant. I have this sudden urge to make things!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2012 13:31:54 GMT
There is an advert at the bottom of my page for the MDF board you are talking about. This is too ironic! I'm officially spooked.
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Post by dyzired on Sept 30, 2012 16:13:30 GMT
Could someone tell me what the size of each individual piece of wood is in inches? It looks fairly small. I'd like to build one of these soon because I need something to contain my goos while its cleaning time! And I love how this folds up!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2012 16:28:01 GMT
I really want to make one of these. I feel kind of bad that my goos are kept in the cage all the time apart from cleaning when they are put in the bath. Also, since they have quite a lot of toys, its getting a bit cluttered.
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Post by Kins on Oct 1, 2012 8:19:34 GMT
I think the height of the sides is the main thing you need to be aware of, as you probably know goos can jump pretty high. I would say the higher the better, but as a minimum I would think maybe a meter if you can manage it.
Anyone else have an opinion?
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Post by moletteuk on Oct 1, 2012 10:00:03 GMT
Dingle used 60cm squares which is 24" The lowest bit of my pen is the same height. TZR's is 86cm which is 34" Kins is suggesting 1m to make sure which is 39"
I think it varies A LOT how high they will jump to escape.
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