Buying cages

[ava]

Firstly, I'm really sorry I keep asking so many questions... I do look this stuff up but only ever really seem to find conflicting information.

I intend on building my own Degu cage, but I need to know where to get a cage as a backup plan if it turns out rubbish. I've looked on the internet but I can't really tell what is and isn't safe/big enough, especially when half the time there is no size listed. The majority I've seen have had bad reviews also.

So could anyone provide links to good (and preferably not expensive) cages?

Thanks in advance

[fred]

Don't you worry about the questions, this is what this place is for Are you looking for something temporary or for a cage that would be a true alternative? Just wondering because I can't imagine that you DIY cage would turn out that bad.

[ava]

Not temporary, a permanent one - it's not just that, it's also if I can't get the materials, or if it looks like it's going to take ages, or if I just give up out of fear of using harmful/flimsy materials unknowingly.

[emz]

If you're worried about making your own cage John Hopewell has some amazing cages . Some are a bit small for perm cages (more like ones you buy as extensions or temp housing) but most are adequately sized. They cost a bit more then making one however you get peace of mind if you are not overly confident at making a cage.

I'd say a cage like this from his site www.johnhopewell.co.uk/default.asp?template=productdetail.page.xml&productId=319 as a good size for a couple of goos but as you can see it's 200 quid. Sadly you get what you pay for.

Alternatively you can look on ebay for two used chinchilla thickets cages and combine them together - this would make a cheaper solution with very little DIY.

I still urge you to try and make one but if you really don't feel up for it then just buy one if you feel better doing it that way.

[ava]

That does look a nice cage, but yeah, too expensive unforunately. Do you happen to know the average sort of price to build a cage, out of curiosity?

I looked on Ebay but there weren't any of those thickets cages, nor on Amazon. :/

I'm really concerned about this wood issue. Can I use it in the cage construction or not? I keep seeing so many different opinions and just don't know if it's safe or not.

[fred]

I think you can build a very nice cage for £ 100 to 120, all inclusive. This compares favourably with any metal cage which normally will cost you additional money, for additional levels etc. I have used a second hand large vivarium (also because I am no good at DIY) from gumtree for just £ 50 and did pay less than that for all the extras.

As far as wooden cages versus metal ones are concerned, there may be pros and cons, but anyone who says that using wood is not safe is talking absolute nonsense. Nightwishraven, who is the expert in DIY cages, is back from holidays and I am sure he will be able to comment on this and reassure you within the next day or two.

[emz]

You can build a large, cheap cage for not very much. It depends on what you use. If you want glass doors (or plastic) then the price will be much higher.

You can get some hinges, mdf, strips of kiln dried pine, some nails and a roll of mesh it wouldn't be too much.

You can get a box of nails for a few quid, the pine strips would probably be about 15-20 pounds as you'd only need it to edge shelves, the mdf probably about 30 pounds and they will cut it to a size for you, and you can get rolls of galvanised mesh from B&Q for about 25 pounds. The hinges I'll say up to a tenner as you'd need probably 4 of them at least.

That would be around the almost 100 pounds mark. You could easily make something about 1.5 meters x 1 meter x 0.5 meters for that price.

Also I just looked on ebay and found a thickets cage for 20 quid (pick up only) - would you mind telling us your location? We could help with ebay suggestions then.

Oh also keep an eyeout on sites like www.uk.freecycle.org/ you can sometimes pick up some good stuff for nothing.

[malteser60]

Don't forget preloved, there always seems to be some cage option, although granted you're more likely to find a hamster cage.

This is the one I have: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tall-CHINCHILLA-RAT-DEGU-CHIPMONK-CAGE-NCL59-/250854815269?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Small_Animals&hash=item3a681cb625

Some say it's too tall and narrow (it's better for degus if they have running room) however I have since gotten rid of the, very rubbish, shelves that come with it. Made my own two big shelves for it and have lots of little ledges that run round in an upwards circle giving them lots of running. Mine love it. They're forever running up and down it, sometimes for no apparant reason.

[ava]

Thanks for all the information.

I'm in Walsall - West Midlands.

I don't think I can afford Degus by the sound of it... I know £100 isn't much, but it is for me... My fiance seems to think he can get the materials for around £40 though, so I'll let him try...

[emz]

That is awfully optimistic, but I hope he can.

[malteser60]

Unfortunately degus do have an initial outlay of monies. They're not so bad after that, especially if you're good at making toys for them yourself (i.e. toilet rolls, etc), and getting them cheaper treats like oats and shredded wheat cereal, etc. And of course resist going into the pet shop and buying them toys and treats!

[nuttz]

could you not buy a second hand largish cage for them as a temporary home cheaply then start collecting material to make the cage you want, im sure if you start buying things such a hinges, screw one week, maybe the mdf the next week you would be surprised how quickly you could start your cage building project, plus in this time it would give you time to think about exactly how you would like you cage, levels etc..
as maltesa has said, once you have the cage set up, you can make and buy cheap toys etc its the initial cost that seems pretty high!

[ava]

Sorry for the late repy - was on holiday in Wales.

Well, it's good to know they don't cost too much to look after. I think there's a good chance we can get the stuff cheaply, as my fiance has lots of experience in saving money since he hates spending it, lol. How long could they spend in a cheap temporary cage (which would probably be well under 100cm across), assuming I got them at 6 weeks old?

I have a lot of questions about building this cage which I was going to put in one post - should I ask in this thread or make another?

[deguconvert]

I think you may be OK with them in a cage the size you suggest until they are approaching 6 months of age. Beyond that age and you will see a lot of fighting that will have to do with a combined issue of too little space and the onset of adolescense. You really wouldn't want to go past that time before having a larger cage to put them into.

It might be best to start another thread for questions regarding a DYI cage.

[emz]

I agree with DC, a cage that small is fine until the "naughty" age for degus, which hits between 6-11 months usually as a rough average and then they may fight. I also agree with perhaps a new topic as people who may have good advice may not come into this topic due to the title.

[ava]

Ok, thanks