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Post by luluzellbell on Mar 9, 2012 7:19:12 GMT
Thanks, I'll put this into action once I have some pictures to show you- I'm still just cutting wood right now, and drawing extra plans out- I must have done about 7 different ones already!
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mhb
Burrowing Degu
Mystified and Entertained on a daily basis
Posts: 173
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Post by mhb on Mar 12, 2012 12:48:08 GMT
Well I started my DIY box this month.
Technically I have built the cupboard that the box will sit on as currently our double Thickets cage is sat on 6 breeze blocks, which is making the lounge look untidy!
Half of the wood I bought is for the box itself though - worked out the most cost efficient amount of bits I could get out of the MDF from B&Q and ended up having to buy more than I needed this time round.
Looking forward to this.
I'm documenting it as I go so once it's all complete I'll try and put up more details.
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Post by deguconvert on Mar 12, 2012 13:46:39 GMT
Sounds great! I'm looking forward to seeing it all!!
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Post by luluzellbell on Mar 13, 2012 16:14:03 GMT
Hey all,
I was wondering whether I could use oak for some of the shelf edges? I have lots which I am allowed to use, including some big pieces which I could use for shelves. I know it's a safe wood, but everyone seems to use kiln dried pine?
Thanks 😜
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Post by Maravilla on Mar 13, 2012 17:41:14 GMT
including some big pieces which I could use for shelves. I know it's a safe wood, but everyone seems to use kiln dried pine? What do you understand by shelves? For those of us who are building DIY cages, they have about the same size the floor level of the cage has. In my cages this means 200x60 cm or 200x70 cm. And there aren't branches big enough to replace the bought kiln dried pine shelves. Your oak might be suitable for some smaller edges, but these in no case can substitute big levels. |
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Post by luluzellbell on Mar 13, 2012 19:09:08 GMT
I was only planning to use the oak as ledges, or perches near the top of the cage, and level ridges for deep substrate and chewing protection, to stop the large plywood levels being eaten at the edges. As I said, I have quite a lot which I am allowed to use, there are some thin strips, medium sized planks, and some floorboard like pieces which I think are about 25cm wide. I was just curious about whether it is a chewable wood, as it seems to be a debatable matter.
Thanks😝
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Post by hedrush on Mar 14, 2012 18:20:10 GMT
Hi everyone. My first post and it's a question. Ive had my 2 boys (Ratchet & Clank) for 6 months now. They are currently habitating in the standard metal P@H cage. After lurking here for a while and reading up on the use of wooden cages, I decided to take a stab at taking on my first ever DIY job and build my own. Anyway onto my question. I've added a fluorescent light to the top ceiling, but I'm a bit concerned on how bright it is. I'd just like a second opinion before my boys move into there new home although I do need to wait for the glass which will take 7-10 days before its ready. Also is it ok to paint the outside of the cage and what sort of paint to use. Anyway here's a couple of pics of my effort. I've still to add a panel along the top to hide the light and obviously the glass has still to be fitted. Light off http://instagram.com/p/H2KPqbq6J3 Light on http://instagram.com/p/H2KehUK6J8 Oh and the size 120cm x 110cm x 50cm Thanks in advance  |
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Post by moletteuk on Mar 14, 2012 19:14:51 GMT
luluzellbell It's absolutely fine to use oak for edging, ledges or shelves Most people just use kiln dried pine because it's the cheapest and easiest thing to buy, but if you have some oak going spare, that's great. hedrush Awesome, what a great job You can paint the outside with any water based paint, so primer/undercoat followed by satin/gloss would be the standard choice, just check for low VOC content on the tin. I'm not sure about the light, I'd be inclined to let the degus decide, they might enjoy it if it gives off some warmth, just watch to see whether they like to hang around in the light or hide in the shadows
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Post by smithomatic on Mar 14, 2012 20:35:41 GMT
that looks excellent hedrush!!! Well done!!
A couple of things to consider: Adding another runner to the top will help your glass to slide, if you dont want to replace your levels every few months, you may want to protect these with some metal.
I hope the boys enjoy their new home! It looks great well done!
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Post by deguconvert on Mar 14, 2012 20:50:31 GMT
Hello, Hedrush, and welcome to the forum!! ;D I want to say that your cage looks great! I love the little levels you've used below each opening to the next level up. I think that I brilliant!! Well done! |
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Post by hedrush on Mar 14, 2012 21:49:57 GMT
moletteuk Thanks. The light doesn't give off much heat at all, the brightness was more my concern as the bulb is open and not enclosed behind a frosted partition. Don't want there little eyes getting strained. As for the paint, could you give me some recommendations of what kind of paint. smithomatic Thanks. I mentioned in my post that I have still to add a front panel to hide the light. The top runner will be attached to that but I have to wait for the glass to arrive first before I can do that. As for the metal strips to protect the vulnerable edges, I did think of that as an option but thought I'd give the boys the benefit of the doubt first lol. I should probably get that done while I wait for the glass. Again thanks. deguconvert Thankyou. This being my first time ever building anything I wanted to keep it simple. So I thought 2 full length levels with a corner section cut out on either level for access to the above/below would be ideal as I know degus prefer that than to multiple smaller levels/ledges. At the stage it's at now it took around 2 weeks for me to do, with a lot of help from my other half who unfortunately got injured when a BIG piece of MDF fell on her foot, it's ok tho she lived lol. I'll post up more pictures once I have it complete and I'll need to get some pics of Ratchet & Clank aswell. Again thanks everyone for your comments it's appreciated.
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Post by NightwishRaven999 on Mar 14, 2012 22:36:44 GMT
Hello hedrush.
I am very pleased you have taken the DIY route. You will find many benefits to having a cage like this. I also want to mention that the size of the cage is commendable. Well done.
There is one issue that I am greatly concerned about however.
The ventilation in your cage would be very low with only a small opening at the back.
Since you are going to use glass doors for the front, I would strongly suggest you create a larger opening at the top of the cage. The opening could easily be covered with wire mesh.
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Post by hedrush on Mar 15, 2012 12:15:14 GMT
Hello hedrush. I am very pleased you have taken the DIY route. You will find many benefits to having a cage like this. I also want to mention that the size of the cage is commendable. Well done. There is one issue that I am greatly concerned about however. The ventilation in your cage would be very low with only a small opening at the back. Since you are going to use glass doors for the front, I would strongly suggest you create a larger opening at the top of the cage. The opening could easily be covered with wire mesh. Thanks. I read all the articles on degus-international.org and I have got 2 vents that I will be adding to the roof today. The opening at the back has already been covered, didn't want the little blighters escaping lol |
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Post by moletteuk on Mar 15, 2012 12:36:15 GMT
Yikes, hope the foot injury isn't too bad! If you are concerned about the light, maybe you could get a lower wattage bulb/tube for it? So for paint, I would use quick dry undercoat/primer, usually one product primes and undercoats, it will be in the wood gloss section, look for 'low VOC' and 'clean brushes with water' on the back, all the DIY stores and brands do their own version (just avoid B&Q own brand it's rubbish). Then, in the same section you want a topcoat of eggshell (low sheen), satin (mid sheen) or gloss, look for the same info on the back of the tin. I'd go for a satin finish. You could use a 'durable' emulsion instead, could be worth considering if you want a colour, but you get a slightly less durable finish. Looking forward to seeing pics of completed cage and Ratchet & Clank (great names  ) |
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Post by hedrush on Mar 22, 2012 21:29:28 GMT
I'd just like to thank everyone for there input and everything that was suggested I have implemented. I've posted a picture of the finished cage in the "show us your cage" thread. Again a big thank you to all. I'm going to stick around and learn as much as I can, seems like a very nice informative and friendly forum.
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Post by rockinblondie on Mar 26, 2012 12:39:50 GMT
Hi,
I just wanted to say thank you for this thread. I have had my two girls, Freya and Hestia, for over a year now and have the P@H thickets cage which I have hated since day 1. I only got it because I fell in love with my 2 girls in the shop so needed something for right then.
I have been looking at alternative cages since I got them and never really found anything quite right...
Since reading this thread I am 100% going to be building my own cage and I am so so excited about it. They are gunna love it so much. We are moving next month so my aim is to get it finished by then ready for our new place.
I think I am going to keep it simple for now but I'm sure I'll come unstuck as my DIY is not great so I hope you don't mind me posting questions on here as I go.....
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Post by nuttz on Mar 26, 2012 13:01:08 GMT
hey, thats fantastic news rockinblondie ;D and a huge welcome to the forum!!! you really dont need to be fantastic at DIY to build a cage, the main thing thats important is that you plan it right, take it slowly and im sure in your own time you would of created a fab cage! i shall look forward to hearing more  |
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mhb
Burrowing Degu
Mystified and Entertained on a daily basis
Posts: 173
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Post by mhb on Mar 30, 2012 10:57:02 GMT
A while ago on this forum someone (can't remember who) put up a link either on a blog or on a thread about terracotta rounded tiles as tunnels.
I have tried searching and searching in numerous threads and the search facility, but can't find it for the life of me.
Does anyone have an idea where this is or a better memory?
Thanks
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Post by smithomatic on Mar 30, 2012 14:26:06 GMT
I LOVE YOU MHB! These are my fave accessory lol, I talk about them AAAAALLLL the time haha Hopefully this is the post you are referring to? smithomatic-degu.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/roof-tiles.htmlThats my old blog, I also have a new one here: deguchronicles.weebly.com/Unfortanetly I havent really talked about them yet on my new blog, but stay tuned, becuase I know I will! If you have any questions please feel free to PM me |
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mhb
Burrowing Degu
Mystified and Entertained on a daily basis
Posts: 173
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Post by mhb on Mar 30, 2012 15:03:29 GMT
Oh, the feeling is mutual - you are an absolute star!
I showed them to my better half ages ago and she loved it so we were hoping to get a couple for the DIY box I'm starting.
Now it seems like they are a mandatory feature.
Lol
I knew I had seen them on a blog but I must have clicked on the new one and thought you'd updated it as I didn't recognise it without the green background.
I'll have a scout round and if I do need any help I'll definitely get back to you as we soooooo want to have these!
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