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Post by deguconvert on Oct 2, 2011 22:11:37 GMT
LOL!! So know how that bug feels . . . just watch out for the rash . . . that part is nasty.  I look forward to the pictures!!! |
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Post by winic1 on Oct 4, 2011 21:09:17 GMT
I see wire mesh used and mentioned, and occasionally galvanized wire mentioned, but can't find a definitive statement on whether galvanized metal is okay for degus or not. Sometimes find things saying no, other times find things saying yes....
and if galvanized wire mesh is NOT okay, then what kind and where do you find it?
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Post by NightwishRaven999 on Oct 5, 2011 0:50:21 GMT
@ Winic1
Hello ! Yes, I would recommend galvanized wire mesh over regular wire mesh.
The galvanization stops the production of rust.
I do not know where you live, so it is hard for me to recommend a store, but I do know galvanized mesh is quite common in large hardware stores.
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Post by deguconvert on Oct 5, 2011 1:17:15 GMT
The mesh is great for the walls of the cage, but must be avoided anywhere that Degus will be running, walking, or resting. It is the continual exposure of their feet to the wire mesh that is problematic. It will cause a very painful inflamation and infection of the foot tissue.
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Post by winic1 on Oct 25, 2011 15:45:04 GMT
If you are using wire mesh for the doors or sides or top of the cage, how do you secure it to the wooden frame?
When I picture putting it outside of the wood, then I figure they will chew the edges of the wood and maybe get themselves free.
If you put it on the inside of the wood, then the edges of the wire are there and they could get hurt on them? And how do you actually secure it to the wooden frames? Or do you put it on the inside, and then put trim over it to cover the edges, and just keep an eye on the chewing?
Also, in some places I could imagine using metal window screening, but does that work, or can they chew through the thinner wire, or do they get their little nails caught in it so it's just a bad idea, or what?
Trying to figure out how to build something better for my guys, working with stuff we have in the house or can easily get, hubby can be quite crafty but is having major wrist reconstruction surgery soon and will be out of commision for quite a while, so it's quick and easy now, or forget it for a long while.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2011 20:55:32 GMT
Despite not really having room for a larger cage, I do find myself planning a DIY-cage.. no harm in that  I have a question about platforms. Do they have to be made of wood? I was thinking of aluminium plates. My current cage has an aluminium bottom and my goos like to move all the bedding and sit on the metal. Since it's not wire mesh, it shouldn't hurt their feet, right? This is more of a hygienic concern really, since my girls are really good at pushing all the bedding away and pee on the untreated wood. I have put in newspapers under their bedding, but they have done a great job tearing them all to pieces and scattering bits of paper all over the cage. Even though I clean the cage at least once a week, I can't help but thinking of how much better it might be if all my platforms were metal. Then it would be easy to remove the stains and I wouldn't have to worry about damp wood afterwards (it may feel dry, but it really takes ages to be completely dry). Any opinions?  |
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Post by deguconvert on Oct 27, 2011 2:54:58 GMT
Have to get my girlie to bed or she'll be a bear for school tomorrow . . . so . . . thinking on this and will try to reply later tonight or tomorrow.
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Post by fred on Oct 29, 2011 19:40:49 GMT
I don't think there is any reason why you couldn't have metal platforms. However, with a wooden DIY cage you can have deep layers of bedding, which should be the most hygienic solution. I am now cleaning my cage once a month and still feel it isn't yet necessary.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2011 21:05:19 GMT
I was thinking both metal platforms and lots of bedding Right now I have a thick layer of bedding on the bottom floor, but my goos will simply push all of it into a corner and then sit on the metal. I've tried pushing the bedding back constantly, but that just makes them annoyed since they have to pile it in the corner again  I have done a sketch with my cage idea, since I don't have a scanner I'm going to try photograph it and upload that. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2011 21:33:59 GMT
 Here we are.. apologies for the quality and my poor drawing skills The dimensions will be 100cm wide, 50cm deep and 150cm high, which is bigger than what I have now (80x50x115). It's as big as I can fit in my hallway and still be able to go through. In the bottom is a deep drawer that will be filled with bedding to dig in. Under each level is an opening, that is where the aluminium (or stainless steel) drawers will go. My brother is going to make these for me, since he's an industry mechanic and does a lot of welding The doors open at about 5 cm up from the bottom of each level so that no bedding will get out. This also means that I can have a generous layer of bedding all over. I've added "windows" on both sides, both for ventilation and to make the cage feel more open. The ceiling will be mesh wire attached to a wooden frame, so that it can be removed should it be neccessary. I'm also going to have some removable panels in the back, just for ease of access. All this is because I'm having so much trouble with my current wire cage.. It takes ages to clean because there are so few doors and they are badly situated. Getting large stuff like branches or houses (or even the wheels) is also a pain. As you can see, I have only added three levels. I could add more, but I thought it might be better to have three larger levels. That way I can add smaller platforms, hammocks, large wheels, bridges and that sort of thing without it feeling cramped and claustrophobic. Oh, and then the cage is going to be on wheels, because it makes everything that much easier What do you guys think? Let me know if there is anything else I can do to improve it, or if you think I should add a fourth level. I'm really excited about building this cage, I am hoping to get started before Christmas  |
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Post by deguconvert on Oct 30, 2011 20:12:50 GMT
I think that looks great!! I would go for it!
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Post by fred on Oct 30, 2011 22:36:26 GMT
That looks great I would nevertheless add a fourth level. This can be lower; the others will still have plenty of height for all the stuff you mentioned. |
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Post by NightwishRaven999 on Oct 31, 2011 0:28:16 GMT
I am so glad you are planning on building a cage.
I can sympathise with your situation...the hassle of cleaning a tall metal cage years ago is still fresh in my mind. The cage was tall and narrow but only had one access door near the bottom. It was a real pain to work with...one thing I can guarantee is the ease of cleaning a DIY cage. Only monthly cleanings...and no more backaches and pains ;D
I must say, the plan is great and your project looks very well thought out.
You seem to know exactly what you want and how you want it...something that is very important. The size is good and I agree with Fred, add as many big levels as you can.
I have been reading your blog updates and I am really looking forward to seeing your progress here. You will have lots of fun with building the cage.
Keep us updated !
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2011 14:11:49 GMT
Thank you all, I'm glad you like it. I'm going to adjust the sketch to add another level I might add another ten centimeters as well - it's going to be as tall as I am, haha I'm already looking forward to the easier cleaning.. And the fact that I might not have to sweep my hallway twice a day! I shall have to rethink the metal levels though. With four levels I'm not sure an MDF shell will be able to bear the weight of so much metal (with aluminium it would be about 40 kilos, with stainless steel at least 80 kilos). I have no idea how strong MDF is, or how much weight it can take. Seeing as the platforms will be flat and that every corner of it will be covered, would it be possible to have wood treated with something (to stop it absorbing the urine)? I have read the threads about degus chewing at flat surfaces, but mine doesn't seem to be able to do this, nor have they ever tried to chew the floor. I suppose it's a risk to take anyhow, so I'm going to try the metal approach first and see if it works out |
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Post by fred on Oct 31, 2011 14:18:56 GMT
Could you use laminated wood where the urine can't soak in?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2011 14:39:11 GMT
That's not a bad idea, Fred. I found something that I might use, it's a particle board with
a laminated surface (melamine). Or were you thinking of the kind that are used for flooring?
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Post by fred on Oct 31, 2011 14:45:21 GMT
Yes, I think that's what I mean. They use it a lot in Germany. Perhaps maravilla will say a bit more on this.
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Post by Kins on Oct 31, 2011 14:46:19 GMT
I covered my MDF shelves with self adhesive floor tiles, which makes them 'wipe clean'...
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2011 15:21:06 GMT
Oh, why didn't I think of that before! Thank you, Kins Tiles should be safe when it comes to gnawing and also, as you say, easy to clean, so that might be just the thing for my cage I know of a few stores that may sell self-adhesive ones, I'll try and visit a few of them either this week or next. Norwegians are absolute DIY-addicts, so we have loads or stores that compete on having the cheapest building materials. Shouldn't be too hard to find reasonably priced tiles |
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Post by Kins on Oct 31, 2011 15:42:32 GMT
You're welcome. The ones I got were pretty cheap. They do the job wonderfully though. We just made sure they went right across the whole of the shelf and met the pine strips along each edge. Look pretty smart too.
We also ended up putting some of the tiles up parts of the wall near where the goos like to pee the most and the wee was starting to seep down the wall, that solved that problem too.
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