|
|
Post by fuzzmom on Mar 4, 2007 1:10:39 GMT
Hi. just got a Martin's r695 for the babies, it has 3 levels. The levels are made of half by half wire, is it safe for them to walk on that or do I need to cover it with something...what? I don't want them to get foot problems. Thanks.
|
|
gooey
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 174
|
Post by gooey on Mar 4, 2007 5:08:46 GMT
they do need to have a solid bottom of some sort to give their feet a rest from the wire, otherwise they will develop a painful condition known as bumble foot. whatever you use for a bottom must be something they won't chew up, so either glass or metal (stainless steel is best, their urine won't react with it). we have a glass aquarium as their lower level, but on the upper levels that are made of wire, we have put down some ceramic tiles. our guys seem to prefer spending time on the upper levels and this gives them a chance to be on something other than the wires. you don't need to cover every square inch of a level, but give them enough so that their little feet do get some relief  and as a bonus the tiles are easy to clean! |
|
|
|
Post by ra on Mar 7, 2007 19:39:01 GMT
The ceramic tile works very well on the wire levels. I went to Lowes and had them cut the larger tiles to fit to size. The tiles are easy to clean too.
|
|
Erica
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 159
|
Post by Erica on Mar 8, 2007 2:28:10 GMT
Brilliant! How do you keep the tile in place on the upper level of your cage (i.e. 1/2 levels)?
|
|
|
|
Post by ra on Mar 8, 2007 14:49:27 GMT
The single large tile cut to fit is heavy enough it doesn't move.
|
|
gooey
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 174
|
Post by gooey on Mar 8, 2007 17:15:47 GMT
yeah, if you want to have the tile sized, they will cut it to fit. also, if you make sure the tile is larger than any opening to the ramps then even if they push it around the cage they can't push it down the ramps. cause i don't know about anybody elses guys, but ours think that what goes up should definitely go down!
|
|
|
|
Post by fuzzmom on Mar 12, 2007 2:39:20 GMT
Hi, thanks. Having trouble getting tiles to stay on the ramps, and they do slide them around, one almost got pushed off the uupper levels, I don't want them falling on the fuzzes themselves, that would hurt! Tried sticky linoleum but it kept popping off in places. Also, what about plastic canvas held in place with C rings, would that work? And where can I find good info on socializing these guys. I had 2 escapes while I was trying to catch them to handle them, that's scary as I also have dogs and cats. Got them both back okay but don't want that happening again, almost had heart failufe, lol. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by ilovemydegus on Mar 12, 2007 10:14:41 GMT
Hi fuzzmom, a good place that you could have them when trying to get them hand tame is the bath. Both of mine are hand tame and come straight to me when i open the cage however i am introducing them to eachother slowly and the bath tub has proven to be a great place to do this. Mine have not yet been able to jump out because they are unable to grip on the bath surface as it is so slippery. Give it a go. How many do you have, might be best to get someone to help you first time round until you get the 'nak'. Good luck.!
|
|
|
|
Post by ra on Mar 12, 2007 13:35:08 GMT
fuzzmom, how about drilling some holes in the tile and wire them to the ramps?
gooey, yep what goes up MUST come down in my Degus cage too! Thank goodness they aren't able to push the large tiles off.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sunshinemeg on Mar 13, 2007 17:51:14 GMT
ra you beat me to it! was just about to suggest the drilling holes and wire approach! I have that to fasten a few things in my cages, and it works!
|
|
and as a bonus the tiles are easy to clean!
