Vacation/Bedside Rattie Cage

[wickedrodent]

Ok. Two major issues going on.

1) We are going on vacation in June and I am leaving the ratties and piggers in a room (suite by themselves) at a boarding place. The FN is WAY too heavy to carry there and plus it will NOT fit in the room. lol. SO. I need a cage for that.

2)I love having the boys out with me around the house but I wish I had a little cage that could sit beside my bed and they could come in/out as they please.

I think buying another cage (in addition to the FN I already have) is the best thing to do. Problem is, finding the right cage.

I have pretty much narrowed it down to a custom martins or this awesome cage I found on EBAY. Im leaning toward the ebay cage.

Ebay cage:

http://cgi.ebay.com/bird-parrot-ferret-dog-cage-pigeon-Bunny-cat-squirrel-A_W0QQitemZ310031519386QQihZ021QQcategoryZ46289QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262#ebayphotohosting





24in x 17in x 24in.

$70

Pros:
-Pull out tray
-Flip Top
-Large Door
-Matches FN
-On Wheels
-PERFECT size

Cons:
-No levels

I was thinking.. Perhaps one of the FN levels could be attached in it (for the vacation stay).. Im not sure. If that doesn't work, I have left over mesh..

Martins Custom cage..

Pros:
-Levels
-Custom Size
-can add Pull out tray
-can add fliptop
-can add large door

Cons:
-have to custom order
-I don't like to doors very much
-will most likely be VERY expensive..

So.. what do you think? I wrote to Martins asking for a quote today.. Ill let you all know what it is once they write back.

Also, do you think rattie boys (almost 5 months) could fit through 5/8" bars?

[Nokithis]

if the martin's isn't too expensive go for it!
the other can be customized with cookie racks, and the like.  those costs must be factored in as well.  5/8" is safe for 5 month old ratties.

[Myrhme]

Nice cage with good accessable space!  Adding shelves should really be no problem at all.  I usually redo the shelves anyway to make them like I want.  You could put a couple of dowel rods through the bars as shelf supports, resting on those horizontal bars, then add removable shelves.  Or drill holes in cookie sheets and attach them to the bars with wire ties.  Be creative--a lot of things could work.  Looks like two possible levels there & room for hammocks.  I think the lack of shelves would be a pro, not a con, cuz then you could customize the inside to make the ratties a really fun space.

[wickedrodent]

ERG. 

I ordered this cage two days ago and just realized.. I misread the size. Its 17in x 24in x 17in. As much as I like this cage, it is not the size I need. My boys would go nuts in it. I was hoping for a 24in height.

I just messaged them and asked to be refunded before it ships (*crosses fingers that it hasn't yet*)

So.. I am going to be looking for another cage.

Actually.. I am about to try putting my boys in a makeshift C&C. I wonder if they could escape.

[wickedrodent]

Yeah, the boys totally escape through the regular C&C bars. -sigh-


If it comes.. I might just do a little re-vamping to make it large enough... Perhaps.. like this.

[cerulean.blue]

There were two sizes of that cage on ebay. I was looking at that one for quite a while, but another member told me that they had trouble modifying it to put levels in it because of the way the bars were arranged. It'd be a good idea to put some cubes on top if you can find them. The type that bloodraven used for his cage would be good for any size ratties.

[wickedrodent]

Yeah, that is what I was thinking.

I have the pink version of those cubes, but I would find some of those black ones.. Poor boys are already subjected to being carried around in a pink and green purse. heh

[wickedrodent]

Well.. It shipped out on the 20th. 

Still not here.

I'm starting to get a bit worried. 7 days is standard shipping and supposedly they are supposed to be 'fast'. Yeah. Not.

So.. To keep self occupied.. I am trying to find some toys and things to get the cage ready.. Before it even arrives. heh. Any ideas? I know there is the toy thread stickied.. but.. More decoration-like is what I need.

An idea I had was to fasten a tub on top.. Like this..



Or.. Using those mesh grids..

Or.. Using PVC and my left over wire mesh to add on.. As seen below (HUGE versions..)

[1dog3cats17rodents]

Please don't use PVC, it is toxic.  Here is one link, but you'll find a ton more if you google "PVC dangers"
 http://www.bagoliefriedman.com/vinyl_chloride.shtml

[MiniMuffin]

1dog3cats, I asked about the PVC on another board, I don't think that's correct. Because PVC is polyvinyl chloride, not Vinyl chloride, which is more stable, and plus, PVC has been used forever and is used for transporting water and things like that.

[Myrhme]

I read the article at the bagoliefriedman link, but it seemed to me that he was saying the vinyl chloride used in making PVC was the problem, and that people who worked around PVC fabrication were the ones at risk because of the vinyl chloride.  Also, he appeared to be an injury lawyer trying to drum up some business.  I think I'd want a link to some solid research before I'd worry too much.

[cerulean.blue]

An idea I had was to fasten a tub on top.. Like this..

Or.. Using those mesh grids..

Or.. Using PVC and my left over wire mesh to add on.. As seen below (HUGE versions..)

I like the mesh grid idea... though I tend to always pick the hardest way to go for some reason (I don't know if it really would be or not). lol... PVC and wire mesh sounds sort of like a PITA to me, but then again, I tend to have to deal with the mesh myself and you probably have someone to help you with it. The tub could work if you could find the right size. Just cut out some of the sides and bottom and put hardware cloth over it for ventilation. That would probably be pretty easy and you could hang hammocks and stuff.

Anyway you go, I'd love to see pics when you get it and how you've decorated it when it's finished.