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Post by moletteuk on Aug 18, 2015 9:59:47 GMT
Hmmm 6mm is pretty thin, it might be difficult to screw into securely without using battens behind, which would then mean you couldn't fold it up. Sturdiness would also be a factor, would you be making an 'L' shape against two walls or would it be freestanding, is it likely to get knocked into? Perhaps the overall size is also a factor as to whether you can actually lift the whole thing.
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Post by gibworth on Aug 18, 2015 20:58:24 GMT
It'd be freestanding, I was thinking of just doing it 4ft square. I was also contemplating perspex although it looks like that could get expensive.
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Post by moletteuk on Aug 19, 2015 10:15:30 GMT
OK, I'd go with the 9mm purely so you can screw into it, it should be liftable at that size. I wouldn't recommend perspex for a playpen, it's got quite a bit of flex to it unless you get it really thick, and when the playpen sides are see-through it tends to give them more incentive to try to escape. I guess you could try having one side perspex so that you can see what they are up to, that could be good, and less of a risk if it incites them to escapism (you could always cover it with card at low level so they can't see out). I'd be very grateful if you could post some photos, since the original ones got lost. Welcome to the forum
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Post by gibworth on Aug 26, 2015 17:52:29 GMT
So we built one using 9mm mdf cut into 8 61cm squares and it was ok for the first couple of uses but today they seemed intent on escaping. I don't think they could quite manage the leap from ground level but their new digging pit (http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/accessories/cabins/wooden_houses/47841) in the centre of the pen was the ideal launch pad for successful scaling of the wall! We are now considering whether to get netting or just buy one of the enclosed zooplus pens as seen here: deguworld.proboards.com/thread/19484/new-playpen
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Post by moletteuk on Aug 26, 2015 18:15:31 GMT
On that's a shame! Sorry, I just assumed you would go a bit taller than 61cm. You could try stapling on some stiff card to raise the height, or attach more mdf with some flat brackets.
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Post by gibworth on Sept 12, 2015 11:51:54 GMT
Since the escape attempt we've not put the digging pit in the pen and they've been fine. We think not having their wheel in the pen might have contributed to their intent on escaping too so we always put that in too now (we've got a running disc for the pen but they haven't really been interested in using it yet). We got some netting to go on the top but it's better without as we can interact with them - they're getting used to clambering on us now!
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Post by moletteuk on Sept 13, 2015 11:22:26 GMT
Good to know this worked OK in the end I'd be very grateful if you could post a couple of pics.
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Post by Bexi87 on Sept 20, 2015 16:45:23 GMT
I've built a run this weekend so I've updated this thread. Here's a picture of the girls checking it out (definitely no risk of them jumping the sides - it's huge!)
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 20, 2015 19:03:13 GMT
Is it big enough for you to sit in there with them as well?
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Post by Bexi87 on Sept 20, 2015 19:30:18 GMT
Yeah, it's about 1.2m square so more than enough room for me too
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Post by bouncy on Sept 20, 2015 19:37:50 GMT
Dingle87 are you sure you haven't lost one?
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Post by Bexi87 on Sept 20, 2015 20:01:07 GMT
Haha nope, they are all running around their cage like lunatics. They've been asleep all afternoon and have woken up just in time for Downton Abbey. Given them an extra nut in the hope it keeps them quiet for an hour
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Post by deguconvert on Sept 20, 2015 22:58:19 GMT
LOL!! I hope you got to watch your show!
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Post by Bexi87 on Sept 21, 2015 6:03:39 GMT
I did thanks DC, my plan worked
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Post by moletteuk on Sept 21, 2015 11:01:07 GMT
Brilliant Is it 4 separate double leaves, loose at the middle of each straight length? Is that tape down the hinged sides?
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Post by Bexi87 on Sept 21, 2015 13:40:06 GMT
Yep, it's 4 sets of 2 basically.
Yeah, the hinges I had were quite big so when it's open there is gap. I've used the tape to see if they notice but I'll be changing it to something chew proof shortly.
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