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Post by Cherpi on Oct 12, 2011 21:11:37 GMT
Well, you see when I got Joe and Olly I said to myself "if their cage becomes a state then I'll buy them a new one" and just a few months after buying it it's just become a mess. There are quite a few stains on the shelf from where I haven't imediatley cleaned the wee up and they have been biting the shelves. It wasn't too pretty as I added two extra shelves when I got the cage and they don't fit and the wood is cut all wonky and stuff. So I'm going to be getting them a new cage! I've not seen many I like and can afford, the main is that (ugly coloured) cage the green and blue one. I think it's pretty tall and gives them a lot of room to jump and explore. www.theonlinepetstore.co.uk/product/Tall-Chinchilla-Rodent-Critter-Cage-648?ref=froogleI've not seen any others, although I do like the cages from Ranchhousecages on ebay, that's where I got my current from. Although there are a couple of problems it is a good cage. 1 problem is the fact there aren't enough shelves, another is the fact a degu wheel doesn't fit in the cage, I had to move loads of things :S Still worth £80 imo. www.ranchhousecages.co.uk/index.htmAlso I'd like to ask how many degus do you think the blue and green cage can hold? 4? |
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Post by NightwishRaven999 on Oct 12, 2011 21:31:31 GMT
Hello Cherpi
Hope you are well.
I would not recommend housing degus in this cage. The dimensions are simply too small even for two degus. The 57x46 cm base is simply unnacceptable.
A tall cage is good since you can fit in many levels, but degus are not climbers.
They live on ground and the horizontal space is far more important to them than the height.
This is something you need to keep in mind while looking for a new cage.
For that price, you could build a cage measuring about 100x50x100 cm (suitable for 2-3 degus). This is an option many have taken and it is something you should think about.
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Post by Cherpi on Oct 12, 2011 21:34:24 GMT
I have a tall cage, and they spend most of their time at the top of their cage, the only time they're at the bottom is to go on their wheel and to sleep to be honest, they do play and jump around their cage too. I also can't have a large cage (floor space) as my room is just too small.
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Post by NightwishRaven999 on Oct 12, 2011 21:59:43 GMT
I am afraid you misunderstood what I said.
Degus are ground animals...meaning that in the Chilean steppes where they originate, they live on the ground and not in trees.
Although they do climb, they primarily run and burrow.
This is why the lenght and width of the cage base is vital in determining whether a cage is suitable or not.
If a cage is narrow and tall, of course they will climb...they have no other options beside going up or down.
They will use what space you give them to the full, but it is important for us to maximise the space we dedicate to them.
I can understand you have limited space. Many are in a similar situation. The advantage with building a cage, is that you can build something that will fit the degus' needs and your own needs. If you determine the area of your room where you want the cage to be, you can take measures and plan a cage so it fits exacty in the designated location. This would ensure you are providing your degus with the maximum space you can give them.
Whether or not you purchase a cage or build one, one thing you can do to give your degus more space is to modify the cage by adding complete levels...not just small ledges and perches. Complete levels will double and even triple the amount of running space the degus have.
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Post by Cherpi on Oct 12, 2011 22:11:16 GMT
I know what you meant, and i did used to have the thickets cage from P@H and they didn't seem as happy if I'm honest. Although I obviously can't say they were happy because I'm not them and so I can't say that but visually they seemed happy. I am not building a cage, I would love to but there are several reasons I can't:
1. I don't have the tools avaliable
2. When it comes to DIY I'm so bad it's unreal!
3. I do full time at college and on my days off I go into college to catch up on any work I've not completed. (I've got no life at the moment)
When I leave college, get a job and have my own place I plan on trying to get a two bedroom flat and letting them have their own room and either get a huge cage or build my own. Also I'd just like to say in my current cage there isn't enough room for two wheels (shelves don't allow for much room and this cage would allow me to add another, that's one of the reasons I want to buy it.
I don't mean to sound rude by the way.
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Post by NightwishRaven999 on Oct 12, 2011 22:20:07 GMT
I understand your situation and sympathize.
Some members here (Amie comes to mind) use large cages, far better suited to degus than the one in the link. I am sure some of the other members will be able to point you to better alternatives. When you do purchase a cage, keep in mind that adding large levels is very important.
Glad to hear about your projects for the future.
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Post by Cherpi on Oct 12, 2011 22:52:16 GMT
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Post by malteser60 on Oct 13, 2011 12:34:49 GMT
Cherpi, I am currently using the that lurid blue/green cage for my degus. The main reasons I am building them a new cage is that I do have some more floor space so I can give them the minimum base size that NightwishRaven is talking about. Also I got another two degus so that cage is not really ideal for four. However, I personally think it's a good cage IF you don't have the floor space, but my recommendation is to do some internal DIY. First off those shelves that come with the cage can go. I used them initially but it soon became apparent they were more of a pain than anything. They are now used to line the back of the cage levels so that I can place woodshavings on each shelf. So, what i did was went to B&Q and picked out a suitably-sized mdf board and got them to cut it down for me. You can use mdf or plywood for this part. I went for two 'main' levels in the cage, that stretched the length of the cage, fit against the back panel, extended out to 2/3's to 2/4's along the width of the cage. I edged these levels with kiln-dried pine. Again these strips can be bought from B&Q and cut down to size. To attach the strips to the mdf I used long nails, and they've been very secure so far with no movement whatsoever. To attach the shelf to the cage I bought some big washers and wood screws. Then for the other ledges I bought a pack of ledges from Ranch House Cages on ebay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MEGA-PACK-SHELVES-LADDERS-RAT-DEGU-CHINCHILLA-CAGE-/300432974142?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Small_Animals&hash=item45f333613eThe important thing to do with the ledges is to arrange them around the cage in an increasing circle upwards, so that the degus run along the shelves whilst increasing in height. I linked up the bottom with the two main shelves this way, and they can still have some good running space. It does work as you should see them when I clean the cage and put the pile of bedding on the bottom, and the nest box is on the middle shelf. Cinammon in particular does the whole lap going up and down rather than climbing down the bars or jumping down. Hope this makes sense. I wanted to post some pics I took of the cage but my work firewall won't let me access picassa. So, will have to wait until I get home. Edit: Also wanted to say that the only tools I personally used for the interior design is a hammer and screw driver  |
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Post by malteser60 on Oct 13, 2011 12:37:27 GMT
Also, apologies for the double post, but as I'm building another cage I just realised that I'll be selling my cage. So, cherpi, if you are not desperate for a new cage and are willing to wait about a month I can sell you mine for at least half the price of new. It's still in good condition and will give it a thorough cleaning as well. About the only issue with it is where the water bottle has dripped onto the bottom tray making the finacard clump to the base and marking it.
Anyhow, let me know what you think.
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Post by Cherpi on Oct 13, 2011 15:35:28 GMT
Malt, not sure. If you look in a previous post I'm thinking of getting a John Hopewell cage, If I can't get it in my room I'm definitely interested. Would you be able to send through mail? If not I won't be able to buy (unless you bring it up) which may cost a lot.
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Post by malteser60 on Oct 13, 2011 16:24:08 GMT
No problem, I just suddenly thought if you decided to go for the blue/green one then I was gong to sell mine. however sending it up might be an issue. I know mine got delivered by post.
Hmm, I take it you're quite far away then from Warwickshire?
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Post by Cherpi on Oct 13, 2011 20:37:18 GMT
No problem, I just suddenly thought if you decided to go for the blue/green one then I was gong to sell mine. however sending it up might be an issue. I know mine got delivered by post. Hmm, I take it you're quite far away then from Warwickshire? I live in Hull... hmm. Does it come flat or did it come all together? Also can you send a picture? and what would it come with? |
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Post by fred on Oct 14, 2011 11:12:18 GMT
Hi Cherpi, while you had a little break, we have had a lot of discussions here about the recommended minimum measurements for degu cages ( deguworld.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Cage&action=display&thread=8417 ). Some of the new members have the Sky Xtrail cage which seems much better for value than the John Hopewell cage you have mind. It offers twice the running area and can be had for £167 incl. shipping (probably less, I didn't look very thoroughly). As NightwishRaven said, the Tall Chinchilla Rodent Critter Cage is unsuitable for degus (no ifs, no buts  ). |
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Post by Cherpi on Oct 14, 2011 11:24:04 GMT
Is there any way to remove the legs?
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Post by Whizz on Oct 14, 2011 14:58:41 GMT
"The Xtrail cage can be removed from its stand if you wish. The stand is on casters for easy mobility."
So yeah, you can get rid of the legs and stand.
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). 
