Degu mesh cage

[craigdsmith]

I have just adopted three degu with a large all mesh cage. I have put cardboard down on the levels to stop bumblefoot. What wood can i use instead as this would be a better long term solution. Where can you purchase the wood. I have no intention on changing the cage just yet. Any help much appreciated. Thanks

[Ady]

Hello,
you could try lino. I buy wood in homebase as it's around the corner but any other bigger DIY shop will have it. If u wouldn't mind posting picture of your cage, we can give u another advice how to improve.

[craigdsmith]

Picture as you requested. What type of wood for the floors?

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[winic1]

I use coconut-hull mat for lining our wire level. I believe that's what it's called, I know it comes from coconut hulls/shells, it's the stuff you line wire plant baskets and window/porch boxes with. We buy it by the foot off rolls they have at local garden centers. Then you cut it to size to fit your levels. You can take it out and wash it through with a hose to clean it periodically, it takes a while to air-dry but works great.

Just be sure to smell it carefully before buying. We got one batch once where we didn't realize it smelled like pesticide until we got home (store sold a lot of chemical garden products, so we hadn't noticed the smell while there). Now we always buy it from the better store, and still check carefully. Here, it comes in 3 or 4 foot widths, and we buy a yard or two or so at a time so that we have a supply for future changes when it gets too dirty or torn/chewed and needs replacing.

[Ady]

U want to replace all the mesh levels with wooden one? I would say use something cheap like MDF or plywood. Those are not safe for them to chew on so the exposed edges of openings needs to be covered. It could be pine strips (need to be replaced when chewed) or u can use something like www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=110&storeId=10151&partNumber=340289 not sure if that is suitable though. Or even better get some pine timber and edge the whole wooden level and opening. It should be at leat 5cm high so it would hold thick layer of bedding. Some people put lino under the bedding so the wood wouldn't get stain with wee.
If u go throught cage threads on the forum there was similar thread about this about month ago with more advice and photos how the other member replace his shelves.