what to do with this cage?

[sunshineILMI]

I got this cage because it was good sized and cheap.  I originally had platforms from the dollar store in it, but they ended up being too hard to clean and they fell down a lot.  Well, right now the cage doesn't have much in it except a hammock, basket, and a couple small ledges.  That's fine for now, since there are only two rats in it, but I'm getting two more in August so the cage needs more.  The problem is that the top doesn't come off so anything has to fit through the 10x10" doors.  Any suggestions?  Basically, it's a blank slate so any ideas are welcome.

[TheChicagoCrew]

Aww! That's the cage I'm looking to get for my glider! Good prices on ebay for those..yep.  Anyhow.. I would get some of the green plastic coated wire at Home Depot, Lowes, etc and make shelves in there. You can roll up the peices, slip it through the door and zip tie them once they're inside. That will make you a nice 695-style cage. I believe you can get a 15 ft by 3ft roll for $5 each. The key is FINDING a store that has it. Otherwise, you can get similar stuff from www.klubertanz.com

  As for decorating the cage, I'd put in a few more hammocks (especially if they are boys) and perhaps some colorful ferret tubes. You could also get some more plastic baskets at the dollar store and zip tie them to the sides .. kinda like 'drawers'. 

-Melina
-Melina

[sunshineILMI]

Aww! That's the cage I'm looking to get for my glider! Good prices on ebay for those..yep.  Anyhow.. I would get some of the green plastic coated wire at Home Depot, Lowes, etc and make shelves in there. You can roll up the peices, slip it through the door and zip tie them once they're inside. That will make you a nice 695-style cage. I believe you can get a 15 ft by 3ft roll for $5 each. The key is FINDING a store that has it. Otherwise, you can get similar stuff from www.klubertanz.com

  As for decorating the cage, I'd put in a few more hammocks (especially if they are boys) and perhaps some colorful ferret tubes. You could also get some more plastic baskets at the dollar store and zip tie them to the sides .. kinda like 'drawers'. 

-Melina

Thanks!  I'll try going to Lowes or Home Depot this week.  The cage was cheap (like $65) at the pet store so I couldn't resist it.  They always have a lot of those cages so I'm tempted to get more, but I don't want this same problem again.  The rats just put all they're food (dry and WET) in their hammock so I'm going to wash it and then see if they need a new one.  Maybe the boys just didn't like the my little pony design? lol  I'd get them 2 hammocks, but they destroy them so quickly so I'm unsure about that.

[sunshineILMI]

hmmm.. home depot had it, but the wire spacing was 1/2".  Wouldn't that be too big for ratty feet?  That seems to be all they have at that website too.

[menagerie]

hmmm.. home depot had it, but the wire spacing was 1/2".  Wouldn't that be too big for ratty feet?  That seems to be all they have at that website too.

1/2 x 1/2 is what Martins uses on their balconies. It's 1 x 1/2 that you want to avoid because it's the perfect size for a foot to slip through and get stuck.

[sunshineILMI]

hmmm.. home depot had it, but the wire spacing was 1/2".  Wouldn't that be too big for ratty feet?  That seems to be all they have at that website too.

1/2 x 1/2 is what Martins uses on their balconies. It's 1 x 1/2 that you want to avoid because it's the perfect size for a foot to slip through and get stuck.

Oh, ok.  I'll go get it when I go back to Evansville then.

[SunWolf]

Be SURE to get the green "coated" stuff from HD.  It is much easier on ratty feet, and won't absorbe the urine like the plain galvenized will.  It's not much more expensive, and is VERY much worth the extra little bit...I learned the hard way.  I could never get it cleaned very well until I got the coated kind and replaced my levels and ramps. 

Kat

[Sapphire_Rats]

wal-mart---letter baskets and zip ties thats what I did for my cage anyways, and it works great!

You could also use THICK plexiglass and bolts.

[sunshineILMI]

Be SURE to get the green "coated" stuff from HD.  It is much easier on ratty feet, and won't absorbe the urine like the plain galvenized will.  It's not much more expensive, and is VERY much worth the extra little bit...I learned the hard way.  I could never get it cleaned very well until I got the coated kind and replaced my levels and ramps. 

Kat

Yeah, I'm definitely getting the coated kind.  I've heard bad stories about galvanized. 

wal-mart---letter baskets and zip ties thats what I did for my cage anyways, and it works great!

I'll go look at those.

[sunshineILMI]

Well, I bought the stuff.  I don't know when I can put it together, but I'll be sure to take pictures when it's done.

[Sapphire_Rats]

ohhhhhh I can't wait to see it!