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Post by Annie95 on Oct 16, 2018 21:00:53 GMT
I'm planning on building my own cage, mostly out of mesh of some sort for ventilation and light, since it'll be a deeper cage.
Any suggestions on how to affix the floors/ledges so they're removable for easy cleaning? I wanted to do wood for the actual shelves. But I wasnt sure how other people did it so they were sturdy but clean able.
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Post by ntg on Oct 16, 2018 21:10:27 GMT
Short answer - it would depend on the building method and what length the cage will be. Best option would be to do something like animalmadchloe's cage if you want something made from mesh - create a wooden frame, make it so the full levels are fixed to the frame and then add the wire around it. You could do an aluminum or steel frame instead if you wanted. If you planned on only using mesh then it would be a bit more problematic as you'll need something that's a strong gauge so that it's thick enough to support the weight. I'll go find some of the threads/webpages I'm thinking of for the wooden frame option as that will really be the most straight-forward and sturdy method  |
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Post by ntg on Oct 16, 2018 21:37:41 GMT
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Post by Annie95 on Oct 16, 2018 21:41:46 GMT
I was going to do a wooden frame with the mesh sides essentially.
I was going to put wooden supports across every foot up the cage to support the shelves that tie into the main wood frame.
I also wanted to put half shelves in, every 6 inches or so but I think I may do a basically smaller 6inch perimeter and leave the middle open.. then use washers and screws to hold those to the wire?
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Post by Annie95 on Oct 16, 2018 21:46:45 GMT
They dont have to be, but I was worried about them chewing.
That is a beautiful cage!! I have more length to work with than height but that should work still shouldn't it?
I was going to put the mesh inside the frame to prevent chewing. Unless they mostly leave it alone? Or is there something I can use that wont harm them to keep them from chewing?
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Post by ntg on Oct 16, 2018 22:41:11 GMT
Yep, length works better than height with these guys What you're suggesting sounds good, but I'd say the shelves every six inches around the whole perimeter would be unnecessary and will likely darken the cage a lot. Maybe a shelf along the back on every other level would be a better idea to maintain light and give you the extra shelving that you're after - remember you'll want an area where you can fit a 12"+ wheel for them too. Unless you choose a flying saucer type that is! |
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Post by ntg on Oct 16, 2018 22:50:31 GMT
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Post by moletteuk on Oct 17, 2018 12:13:37 GMT
The cage will be stronger with fixed shelves. I usually recommend using melamine faced furniture board so they are fully wipeable, and then seal them to the walls so nothing falls down the cracks. Other people have had success with coating plywood shelves with fablon or vinyl tiles or similar. I would also concentrate on your main, full area shelves at approx 14" spacing to provide all the main space they will need. Smaller shelves, perches, hammocks etc can be added later once you have had a chance to see how they like to use the space.
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Post by bouncy on Oct 17, 2018 23:47:15 GMT
I'm sure it's already mentioned (and I'm being a bat), but it's best to protect any wooden frame they can happily get their teeth into!
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Post by Annie95 on Oct 18, 2018 15:13:10 GMT
I noticed the cage posted above used chicken wire.. wouldn't they be able to squeeze through the spaces? I'd love to use it as it's about 1/3 the cost of the small square stuff I was planning But I'm not risking them escaping.
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Post by ntg on Oct 18, 2018 15:27:52 GMT
Babies might be able to escape depending on the size mesh you use. Generally 3/4" mesh would be fine for adults and juveniles, 1/2" may be better for babies but I'm honestly unsure the size that a baby can squeeze through. Either way you should be able to get different mesh sizes to find something that suits. amc might be able to tell you what size mesh she used though |
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Post by winic1 on Oct 18, 2018 16:04:36 GMT
There is smaller mesh chicken wire available, you just have to search for it. Not sure how the cost compares. You will want to check the size of the holes, some large-mesh chicken wire has holes a degu could get its head stuck in, or potentially squeeze out of.
One other thing to consider, however, is that chicken wire is made by twisting strands of wire together to make the pattern, and there are frequent wire ends in among the twists, as they add in new strands. These ends are not secured well into the twists, and can poke out. The wire mesh does not have ends within the mesh, and so there are no poke-able wire ends in it (only at its edges, which will be built into the cage and not able to poke anyone, except you while making it...).
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Post by bouncy on Oct 18, 2018 19:26:29 GMT
Try looking for aviary mesh. If you get a roll, it can be a similar cost to chicken wire.
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