Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2016 19:52:49 GMT -5
this is how I make my cages.
I prefer to take into consideration that not only do rodents need significantly more ventilation than reptiles, but also how much they love climbing.
rodents do not chew on the plastic as long as you provide at least some of the following: cagemates, chew toys (cardboard), space, exercise wheels, hideaways.
I have some pictures of my process. they are from two different cages.
so to start you need: plastic bin large enough for the number and size of rodent, hardware cloth (1/4 inch is best for rodents, helps keep bedding in), a tool that cuts through said cloth, brass fasteners, and either a dremel or soldering tool (I personally use a wood burner or pyrography tool since it has interchangeable heads)
next you measure out and draw the windows. I do not suggest leaving under 1.5 inches around the bottom, because you will end up with too much dust and particles escaping. the more "lip" the less mess you will find lying around the cage. however, it also means the less climbing area. I try to find a happy medium. with a simple hand vac, I clean up the dust around the cages that escapes from the relatively low is lips I produce lol.
next, cut out the windows with a rotary or burning tool.
after you've cut out all the windows, you use those pieces as your pattern to cut out the pieces you need from the hardware cloth
I've learned I only need to make the 1/4 inch cloth about 1.5 squares bigger on all sides than the plastic cut out.
next I place the mesh against the window on the bin to Guage where to put the first fasteners. I always start with a corner.
then I make an opening just large enough for the fastener to squeeze through
I place the mesh inside, the head of the brass fastener is inside as well. having the mesh on the insides removes any temptation to chew on the edges of the window. having the head inside removes the possibility of a tiny rodent toe getting snagged.
repeat on remaining corners
aND then any additional fasteners you feel you need for a secure enclosure. (secret: you actually need less than you think)
here's how it looks on the inside
repeat for remaining windows
to attach a water bottle, simply cut out a few bars here and there to fit the nozzle and strap or clamps. most of my bottles fit easily that way, but sometimes they have to go in a corner because the front window is too small
and finally, the finished product
I have created similar cages about a dozen times, and have intentionally used a different model or brand every time so I would have experience in the different types of bins available on the market and what each ones pros and cons are. I find cage building to be a bit therapeutic lol. and I love how much my breeders love them. hope this thread helps someone.
I prefer to take into consideration that not only do rodents need significantly more ventilation than reptiles, but also how much they love climbing.
rodents do not chew on the plastic as long as you provide at least some of the following: cagemates, chew toys (cardboard), space, exercise wheels, hideaways.
I have some pictures of my process. they are from two different cages.
so to start you need: plastic bin large enough for the number and size of rodent, hardware cloth (1/4 inch is best for rodents, helps keep bedding in), a tool that cuts through said cloth, brass fasteners, and either a dremel or soldering tool (I personally use a wood burner or pyrography tool since it has interchangeable heads)
next you measure out and draw the windows. I do not suggest leaving under 1.5 inches around the bottom, because you will end up with too much dust and particles escaping. the more "lip" the less mess you will find lying around the cage. however, it also means the less climbing area. I try to find a happy medium. with a simple hand vac, I clean up the dust around the cages that escapes from the relatively low is lips I produce lol.
next, cut out the windows with a rotary or burning tool.
after you've cut out all the windows, you use those pieces as your pattern to cut out the pieces you need from the hardware cloth
I've learned I only need to make the 1/4 inch cloth about 1.5 squares bigger on all sides than the plastic cut out.
next I place the mesh against the window on the bin to Guage where to put the first fasteners. I always start with a corner.
then I make an opening just large enough for the fastener to squeeze through
I place the mesh inside, the head of the brass fastener is inside as well. having the mesh on the insides removes any temptation to chew on the edges of the window. having the head inside removes the possibility of a tiny rodent toe getting snagged.
repeat on remaining corners
aND then any additional fasteners you feel you need for a secure enclosure. (secret: you actually need less than you think)
here's how it looks on the inside
repeat for remaining windows
to attach a water bottle, simply cut out a few bars here and there to fit the nozzle and strap or clamps. most of my bottles fit easily that way, but sometimes they have to go in a corner because the front window is too small
and finally, the finished product
I have created similar cages about a dozen times, and have intentionally used a different model or brand every time so I would have experience in the different types of bins available on the market and what each ones pros and cons are. I find cage building to be a bit therapeutic lol. and I love how much my breeders love them. hope this thread helps someone.
