Goosemoose Pet Portal

I really want to make a grotto style cage, but i have no idea where to go and get a cabinet or a bookshelf :doh:.  Also, types of paints that i should or shouldn't use would be great to know. Along with any other advice you think i need to know. I cant wait to get started. :hyper:

This should give you a good starting off point for cage building: 
http://www.dapper.com.au/grotto.htm
http://www.ratfanclub.org/cagepln2.html
http://www.geocities.com/ratsonthehill/cagecrafts.html


Just be aware that home-made cages are a lot of trouble to build and often don't last very long.  Also, by the time you buy all the necessary and safe materials, you may actually end up spending more than a good wire cage would cost.

Why would it not last long?

If you mean the urine getting through the wood i have a plan i was going to have clear tape, over lacquer (is it rat safe?), over paint (could someone give me rat safe brands), over kilz. 

Generally homemade cages are a pain to clean and I havent seen enough rat safe paints or anything else I would want to use on a cage for my kids. They always end up costing more than a good wire cage.

Its wonderful to see that you are so enthused, but your efforts would likely be better spent on just looking for a really nice wire cage, powder coated of course. You will find its easier to clean and manage in the long run.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do :)

I agree with everyone about the cage not lasting long and costing more... Two years ago I made my own cage because I couldn't afford one of the size I wanted. It held up for awhile, but it got chewed up very quickly and was difficult to clean. It took a lot more time to build it than I expected too, and it needed frequent patching and modification. I ended up spending WAY more than I had planned to build it (about 120$). A year later I found an even bigger used cage on craigslist for 35$, and this is what I use now. Maybe I just didn't plan enough before building, but I would check out craigslist or ebay before you invest in your own cage construction.

I'm thinking they're going to chew the tape right up.  Do you have rats now?  What kind of cage are they in?

I would like to say That I built a Grotto style cage and I love it!! I reccomend it to everyone!! Not only was it cheaper, it looks nicer than a plain old cage, but it is so easy to clean!! I just covered all exposed wood with shelf liner paper, and it is very easy to wipe down and sanitize. I have 5 rats in mine right now, and they havent chewed on any thing! Course I am a firm beliver that it takes a bored rat to chew on things that werent ment to chew on. My rats have plenty to do! ANd lots of room to play and run and of course climb! We had the bookshelf already, we also had the scrap wood, and the welded wire to make the doors. All we had to buy was Hinges, door handles, latches, and the shelf liner. The total cost for us was only 30$!! Our grotto is big enough to house well over 8 rats!! All we had to do was build two doors, cut holes in shelves for ramps, and instal latches and other hardware. Then of course fill it with ratty toys and supplies! My boys love it! And like I said easy to clean. I use fabric or bedding, so I just remove the fabric pieces throw them in the wash, then wipe down the shelves and Voila! Place fresh fabric down and you are done! here are a few pics of the cage after we built it.

The whole thing
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/mjones77/Rats/100_0624.jpg)

Living area(has changed quite a bit since rats have been added!)
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/mjones77/Rats/100_0617.jpg)

Bottom half
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/mjones77/Rats/100_1092.jpg)

top half
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/mjones77/Rats/100_1093.jpg)

I made it so there was two seperate doors, that way if I needed to, I could block of the access, and seperate the rats.

Hope this helped!

ths is the site, where I got my Ideas!
http://www.dapper.com.au/cagebuild.htm

JR: Yes i do have rats now and there in a superpet my first home ferret thing heres a pic
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3215.jpg)

But.... Today i found this: (http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3255.jpg)

ITS PERFECT!!! :hyper:

i would suggest making the shelves out of melamine board, its plastic so it should be very easy to clean. you could also trytto make it so they can slide out to clean.

Very good suggestions!! Definitely make the Shelves removable!! t makes things so much easier!! Have fun building!! :BlueDumboSmile:

well it took me a while, but i got it all cleaned up and ready to get started. (YES!!)  and soon i will post pics of the process.

Awsome!!! Cant wait to see pics!!! :BlueDumboSmile:

Where can i get melamine board?

Ok so far this is all ive got done:
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3257.jpg)

Can you guys post more pics of your homemade cages thanks.

You should be able to pick up the Melamite board at any hardware store like Lowes ect...

I found some grotto cage pics on-line. Hopefully they can help you some.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/mjones77/2389686020079970179S425x425Q85.jpg)

(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/mjones77/grotto.jpg)

(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/mjones77/girlsgrottofinish.jpg)

Here is the layout I used for mine.
(http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/mjones77/Ratcagedesign-1.jpg)

and this site has instructions
http://www.dapper.com.au/grotto.htm

Hope this helps!

Thanks Crittercrazy, those should help a lot.

Hey Guys :wave2: Today I manged to get a little done! I took off the back of the dresser to give the ratties more ventilation, and for me to get even more reachability into the cage. It will have four doors and the bottom will hold a big Tupperware thing filled with litter.  Heres where i need YOUR help :help: I will be Kilzing the outside of the cage and painting it BUT i dont know what color to do.  I have Purple or Blue.  Also, the rats are female if that will help you decide what color. :hello: Thanks again for all your help.
Today's Progress:
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3258-1.jpg)
Paints to choose from:
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3261-1.jpg)

Bye bye old paintjob

I like blue! It is more of a gender neutral colour than purple, so if you ever decide to get boy rats, it will work well.

I don't think they would know the difference ;D

Yes, but you would! :) :BlueDumboSmile: Why else would we all buy/make the prettily patterned and coloured hammocks and the like for the cages, instead of a little piece of grey cloth?  ;D

That is true!

I definitely second the melamine-coated pressboard. I made two chinchilla cages using it and it's SOOO helpful. When the walls get messy they are SO easy to wipe clean. I absolutely love my home-made cages for the chins, although I have no experience with rat home-made cages. You can get the melamine pressboard at home depot and you can get it cut there, so if you bring a ruler and measure it out, just ask them to cut it. If you don't want to make the shelves removable, caulk the cracks where the shelves fit in so nothing gets stuck in there. It will be easy to clean that way. You can even buy sticky linoleum tiles to put on the shelves for extra protection.

All i have been thinking about is repainting the rat cave ... so it will be changed.  It will still have purple, but I think you guys will like it! ;)

We have a grotto style cage made from Melamine boards (purchase at Lowe's).  I adore this cage and so do the boys.  We used adhesive shelf liner to cover the raw edges of the boards to prevent urine from soaking through.  It works very well and the boys have yet to chew through it.  It was expensive to build but we loved it so much we built another one and connected the two with pvc pipes used as tunnels.  I should post pictures.. 

I see above where people talk about grotto style cages being hard to clean.. but we haven't experienced that at all.  On each shelf we have strips of velcro (rough side only) along all edges.  Our shelf liners are made out of acrylic felt, cut to fit.  The felt sticks to the velcro without having to use the fuzzy side of the velcro (IE: no sewing involved.. and no need to worry about the adhesive velcro coming off of the liners in the wash).  The acrylic felt doesn't fray so it can be washed often while leaving the edges unbound.. (I don't sew!).  The walls of the cage wipe clean because of the slick surface.  Very easy and the boys love it!

But personally, I love the felt because of all the colors it comes in..  You can mix and match or have a themed cage.  Right now the boys have lime green felt...  :rattysmiley: .. *ahem*.. green grass for spring & summer.  :BlueDumboSmile:

 :o Wow! Ashley, you need to post some pics of your cage! :BlueDumboBigEyes:
The NEW paint job
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3279.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3280.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3281.jpg)

I will definitely have to do that. *makes a mental note*  We're doing some construction on the cages now.. new ramps and some additional ledges are being added.  As soon as we finish, I'll post pictures.  :hyper:

The paint job looks fantastic hun!  I'm diggin' it.. especially the top.  :thumbsup2:  Now it's perfect for boys.. girls or both!  :hyper:

Yeah, when I get boys they wont complain too much! ::)

The new paint job looks GREAT! Well done!

Thanks a lot!

Woah, the paint job looks great. :D

Thanks, tomorrow (HOPEFULLY) I will get some wood and hinges for the doors,  and melamine board shelves.


Do you guys think I should paint, or put linoleum tiles on the sides.

Looks great so far!!! Job well done!! Canot wait to see the finished product!!  :thumbsup2:

Hey guys, today i went to Home Depot, and got everything to make a door.  Hope fully i'll have pics by the weekend.

Hey guys, today is a great day! :icon_sunny: :glasses9:, the door was made, kilzed, and halfway painted.  As soon as i get done painting i will post pics.

Here is the freshly painted door!   :D :
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3294.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3296.jpg)

Keep up the good work! :thumbsup2:

LOVE the new paint job!Looks like a pro did it!

Gorgeous paint job!

Hey guys, I went to a friend's house over the weekend, so all that has been done is the door has been latched on. :-\

Well,hurry up!I wanna see it finished! :)

No,really,I'm excited!

I know guys, and gals I think my dad is going to let me get the small animal mesh at Home Depot today, so I will definetly keep you guys posted.  To make up for ti I will show you pics of my girls. :D
Here is my oldest girl Ruggles, she's a big mush :BlueDumboSmile:
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_2893-1-1-1.jpg)
Here they are sleeping Ella is on top ruggles to the right and momo on the left.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3190.jpg)
Heres momo and ruggles
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3165.jpg)
And here is ella
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3167.jpg)

I laughed when I saw Spongebob on in the background of Ella.  Looks like the picture could be in my house. With my 4 kids Spongebob is on quite a bit everyday! :yelcutelaugh:

Hey guys, we went to Home Depot today and priced everything,we will definetly be going tomorrow to get SOMETHING, so there will be progress tomorrow. ;D

Your cage is awesome so far!  :hyper: Definitely has inspired me to look into building this type of cage. Please keep us updated and let me know what it's like to clean  :wink5:

i would prime, and paint then linoleum the sides. if you use peel and stick tiles there is always still a risk of urine getting through the cracks, and a determined rat would make quick work of a tile in general, i would paint and tile, if nothing more then to extend the life of the cage.

Hey guys, I am so sorry, today I got the mesh on, and I think it looks very good to me. :BlueDumboSmile:

(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3335.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3337.jpg)

It is looking good :thumbsup2:

I love my neighbor right now.  My dad went over there to talk and have a drink with him, and came back with that cabinet wood with Formica(sp?) but it is a wood cover that protects it, and he gave us a TON. so as the rats destroy it I replace I am so excited, and I can actually see this project getting done by Tuesday-when we go on vacation. :hyper: :hello2: :toothy9: :laughing7:

That's cool! :D

Oh,it's looking great!Good job!I can't wait to see it all finished and decorated!

And,my boys are jealous of your rattie's little camo pocket!Is that a helmet cover?That's what my husband said it was.If so,see,my guys need it.Theirs doesn't have a cover!
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii42/rowan138/armyratcage005.jpg)

I honestly don't know what it is.  My dad was cleaning out his car and was about to throw it away, and I thought well wouldn't that make an awesome hammock.   

That is definitely a helmet cover, from what I can see. I need to look through all of my old army gear, and see what I can scrounge up for my boys! LOL! Lord knows I have enough of it.  :BlueDumboSmile:

you'd be amazed what you can make for your ratties for free!My hubby brought me a bunch of ammo bags the other day,and now my guys and my girls have the Army theme going on,since it's free.I'll put some pics up in the FN thread so you can all see!

Hey guys, sorry I haven't replied in a while.  Went on vacation to Universal with family.  Will have some soon
 

Yesterday I got a shelf done woot!  Today I will get some more done so you guys can see.  I will be ordering a bunch of hammocks from Mainley Rat Rescue to decorate the cage when its done.
Here is a pic of the progress so far.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3387.jpg)

Cool! Keep it up!

Well I finished constructing the cage.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3392.jpg)
What do you think?

Cage is cool but, can you guess, I still want the treehouse! :yelcutelaugh: :yelcutelaugh:

That looks really good!Great ventilation and everything!Don't forget to put pics of the rats enjoying it!

Julie- I put it there just to make you jealous :toothy9:
Rowan-I still have a long way to go before its done, but I may let them investigate it.

Things to do:

• Order hammocks from Mainely Rat Rescue
• Get a litter tray for the bottom

• Put in hammocks and accessories
• Add rats!!!!!!!

Just... Not... Nice :P

Well next time you give Goodwill some of your kids old toys, look at those toys, in your rats eyes   :eek:

awsome cage!!!!!!!!!!!   :)

awsome cage!!!!!!!!! =)

I took a shelf off of a tank topper I had lying around add added it to my homemade cage!
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3406.jpg)

Not sure if I missed where you said you were going to, but I would HIGHLY suggest priming the edges of the shelves where the exposed fiberboard is.  Once any sort of liquid or moisture gets to it, it will swell and even rot.  Everything should be primed that is porous surface, such as the sides of the cage on the inside.

Looks great! Job well done! :thumbsup2:

After Scubbs suggestion I kilzed the entie inside, and I think it looks even better than before! :D.  Im going to leave it kilzed, because many people on here have said it is safe.  Have a look
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3410.jpg)

this cage looks fantastic, can't wait till i have time/money to build something like this one day!

Nice Cage! In 3 days we're ordering our 141 (Maybe 143 if we mod) and i just can't wait  :hyper: ! I have thought of making a cage like this with those cheap 20-40 dollar ones at walmart but i got talked out :P
good luck and i can feel your anxiety :D

Yup its almost done, so close  :D So,  I thought the girls would try out the cage for tonight, too bad they will have to be tortured to only sleep in a basket with a shirt inside for two nights while the hammocks arrive. :puppy_dog_eyes: Here is the semi-finished project.
Whole thing:
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3440.jpg)
Bottom:
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3442.jpg)
Middle:
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3443.jpg)
Top:
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3444.jpg)

Cage is looking good!  How did they like it?

They explored all night, probably looking for a way out.  They preferred to sleep on the shelf rather than their nice basket, probably to make me feel guilty they dont have hammocks.  They will be fine once their order comes.

Very Nice! I'm pretty jealous at the moment, our order (put in yesterday for a 141) hasn't started shipping yet so I'm quite Anxious.

Definitely a neat cage!

I have been working really hard on my cage, and I think its finished.
I added a hammock from my MMR order, but the drill died, so it will get completely finished tomorrow.
I also added shelf paper.
Here are the pics so far.
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3468.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3469.jpg)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3470.jpg)

They sure look happy!

Great..just great....now I want to build one! lol. It looks wonderful!

Its true, its completely done!!!!!! Check it out!!
Bottom, the aspen was getting everywhere, so im using towels instead
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3477.jpg)
Middle
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3479.jpg)
Top
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/johnny724/100_3480.jpg)

Awesome! It looks great! I am sure the rats are very happy
 :bow:

wow it looks perfect!!!

I have decided to build my own now that I have seen how great yours worked out! My neighbors were throwing out a big entertainment center and when I saw it I knew it would be perfect! So I have to get started on it tommorow. Thanks for inspiring me!  :BlueDumboSmile: