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Post by bouncy on Jan 17, 2016 19:38:53 GMT
Mum's been letting the big boys and Squidgygoo interract again whilst I've been away so, being hopeful, I've been thinking about whether I can extend the main environment. I've thought about looking for an old or "seconds" liberta, and using this to add an attic extension (cage integrity), but it only just fits through doors as it is. I've already added another full level within the existing cage, and now I'm plotting again......... The Liberta has an empty space underneath the stand, so I'm now thinking about making them trendy Kensington and Chelsea residents and giving them a basement extension! Has anyone else tried doing this? My plan would be to get a replacement John Hopewell tray, then use the original as the new base. Also can't decide whether to make this a ground floor with solid walls and sliding doors, or mesh/bars like the others? Got to think of the cleaning ease too. Basically, gathering suggestions before I embark............
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Post by cheekyfilly on Jan 17, 2016 21:04:20 GMT
Ooh I like this idea. Why about clear Perspex so you can see them and have sliding doors?
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Post by Bexi87 on Jan 17, 2016 21:24:20 GMT
Haha your boys are spoilt rotten! Can't wait to see what you come up with
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Post by deguconvert on Jan 18, 2016 3:29:34 GMT
What about making wooden frames that are fit to measure, and having the mesh wire on the inside of the frames to prevent chewing . . . can also screw on metal edging to help prevent chewing. You could get a made to measure metal tray from John . . . crap can't remember his whole name . . . makes cages though . . . . How sturdy are the legs that the cage rests on, and what are the measurements of the space beneath?
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Post by bouncy on Jan 18, 2016 7:53:28 GMT
The legs are very sturdy. I was thinking of using a John Hopewell tray with corner cut out for the current floor, and the original base tray as the new floor. The space beneath is 93x63 and, from memory, is around 30 high.
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Post by moletteuk on Jan 18, 2016 11:21:13 GMT
Can you use the exising holes in the legs and horizontals to attach either wooden battens or pieces of steel which you can then put more holes in to properly connect your panels? You can then use plywood, mesh or whatever to make the front, back and sides.
I would think about what kind of space you think the boys would enjoy, more running space, a big digging area, a dedicated area for their collections of stuff, whatever, and let that guide the materials you use. So if you want a digging area than make the back and sides solid. The doors are likely to be the most difficult part to make so think about that as a priority.
I think you might need to keep an eye on the weight you are adding so you don't overload the cage and weaken it.
You can aways make a replacement tray from wood. Steel is more wee proof, but I think I would only pay for a steel tray if I knew it was going to fit without modification.
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Post by cheekyfilly on Jan 18, 2016 16:34:49 GMT
For my cage extension I used stripwood from b&q and a sheet of Perspex so that it was wee proof. It is amazingly light weight. Might be worth considering something like that..
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Post by bouncy on Jan 18, 2016 18:01:49 GMT
Thanks! Because of where it's going, I think the frame is strong enough tobsupport it. Moletteuk, I like the idea of using the structure of the frame - means I can still wheel it around! I also got carried away re the floor. I keep thinking I want to keep the bottom tray whole, and not put a corner cut out in, but I can, of course, replace with a perspex one with aluminium edging, as I did for my other additional floor. I can then still use the original tray on the bottom.
They've never shown any real inclination to dig, so it's more extra space for when Squidgygoo moves in (being very positive).
Slowly gathering ideas! Thanks guys!
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Post by bouncy on Feb 4, 2016 22:13:50 GMT
So, it looks like the Chelsea extension is goingnto take place this weekend! Taking Moletteuk's advice, and considerations for cleaning access and keeping the ability to still move the cage around the kitchen, I have my cunning plan, all of the materials, the replacement tray, and I think it SHOULD take me a couple of hours (unless Spidergoo decides he knows better.......). The tray will be suspended from the lower crossbars using heavyweight straps. The boys won't be able to reach them, to there's no chance of them being chewed. A metal u profile will go along the lower outer edge of the crossbars all the way around with adhesive, partly to support the perspex, and partly to keep it safe from goo teeth when they're out and about. There'll then be a perspex panel for each side, covering the whole space between the crossbar and the bar level with the current base tray. I'm going to use that super strong velcro to hold each panel to the frame, so cleanout times mean I just pull the panels off! I currently use a corrugated plastic panel across the doorway that's held on with velcro, and Spidey has never been able to shift it! Apart from my lack of drawing skills, what do you reckon?
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 5, 2016 1:18:19 GMT
So, you are going to hold the perspex in place using velcro? Will the boys be able to run under this new section and chew from below when they are out for a run?
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Post by bouncy on Feb 5, 2016 2:27:30 GMT
Yes, the perspex will sit in the u profile, then the velcro. The tray is metal. I don't think the boys will be able to fit underneath. The only other thing they could chew when having a run are the side edges of the perspex, which I can protect! Time will tell...........
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Post by Bexi87 on Feb 5, 2016 7:59:38 GMT
Looks good!
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Post by moletteuk on Feb 5, 2016 18:09:26 GMT
I can't think of any obvious flaws, I can't wait to see it!
Has the perspex been made to measure or are you cutting it yourself?
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Post by bouncy on Feb 5, 2016 22:15:29 GMT
I'm cutting it myself, although I'll be sawing after I've double-checked and triple checked my lines and measurements
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 7, 2016 0:03:00 GMT
How is it going today, Bouncy?
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Post by bouncy on Feb 7, 2016 1:17:03 GMT
I've done all the prep work, but will put it all together tomorrow when I change them out. I'm afraid the Six Nations became a bit compelling!
It did give me some time to find out Spidey is getting more aggressive towards Scaredygoo (wouldn't let Scaredy come out during destroy the kitchen time), and that Squidgygoo loves watching Star Wars on my tablet? A degu of class hahaha
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 7, 2016 1:28:52 GMT
Hmmm . . . Spidey is setting the table for a civil uprising, I think. I'm glad you didn't have any trouble cutting the perspex, that stuff can be difficult! And I LIKE Squidgygoos taste!
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Post by bouncy on Feb 7, 2016 10:00:57 GMT
I've been using perspex for years, so have learned the hard way! Small bits score and snap, big bits saw!
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Post by bouncy on Feb 8, 2016 0:05:31 GMT
Ok, progress was initially good today, considering I couldn't get started until 7pm.
Progress also slowed when Spidergoo decided to offer his "help".
So, keeping the top half of the cage intact, I removed the original base tray and the extra full level I put in, moved the tray to the basement, fitted all the panels, filled with substrate, then went to put the new tray in on what was the ground floor. Meanwhile, Spidey has shown me how he can commando crawl underneath still, and he's investigated the new basement to demonstrate that he can't escape through the gap around the tray!
Knew things were going too well! The tray is 1cm too long, and won't go in the cage! I've started cutting the tray down, but it's making too much noise for this time of night. I'll have to finish up when I get back from work tomorrow.
Meanwhile, all three boys are living in the top cage only (the most peaceful they've been for weeks!), and Squidge has watched episodes two and three of Star Wars!
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Post by moletteuk on Feb 8, 2016 11:29:30 GMT
LOL I hope it goes better for you tonight!
What do you saw perspex with?
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