Oooh! Oooh! Oooh! Lookie at what I got today!!!!

[NicInNC]

After realizing that a 75 gallon tank was going to be a huge pain to clean (I honestly never even gave that any thought until last night), I went out today looking for something to make a cage out of. A small little rabbit cage was $40 and I knew I could make one myself that was much nicer.

Don't laugh, but I am making it out of this:



I've already got it completely wired. I've still got to build ramps, attach the tray to the bottom and some other things, but the total cost will be $18.88 (not including the tax)! All the other supplies, I already have here at home. I'm so excited!!!!  I'll post pictures when I have it finished. Hopefully it will be done by Wednesday so I can get my boys in it.

[Rachel_Loves_Rats]

Nice! Kudos for creativity =]

But you are completely right, you can make a cage so much cheaper than you can buy one in most circumstances. I payed about $50 for the cage my girls are in now, and I payed $30 for a self-assembled cabinet from Lowes, as well as about $8 for the wire to mod it with. In the end, after I buy latches, it will cost a little less than their smaller cage.

I can't wait to see pictures once you're done!

[NicInNC]

Nice! Kudos for creativity =]

But you are completely right, you can make a cage so much cheaper than you can buy one in most circumstances. I payed about $50 for the cage my girls are in now, and I payed $30 for a self-assembled cabinet from Lowes, as well as about $8 for the wire to mod it with. In the end, after I buy latches, it will cost a little less than their smaller cage.

I can't wait to see pictures once you're done!

Thanks! Here's what I got finished yesterday using the laundry/bathroom organizer:


I still have to make ramps, attach the flooring on the different levels and cover them, add toys, make hammocks, etc. Last night when I put them in it, they were all over the place climbing across the top upside down and everything! It was like watching a circus act. Now they're acting all scared again.  Hopefully they'll warm up soon.

Oh, and I need to make the door. I'm hoping to get most of it finished today. I'm a bit stumped on the door though so I plan on looking online to get some ideas when I get off work this afternoon.

P.S. Timmy and Max are in the dog bowl in the left corner of the cage. I put toilet paper in there and that's where they've been sleeping. Poor Timmy constantly hides under Max. He's petrified.

[PnutLuv]

Looks awesome!!!!

[cheerio]

Holy wow! That's pretty cool. Lots of hammies should do the trick in terms of making them less scared. You have plenty of hanging space in there! Also, I use the shredded paper we have in the house (shred bills, etc- no magazine print paper though) and chuck it in boxes from Costco. The ones with the from kinda down low, perfect for ratties to play in. Maybe an igloo or two, and a cuddle cup so they can snuggle together. I just put fleece "blankies"/scraps in mine, and they can snuggle together and sleep. I'm also looking in to some PVC tubing for my guys to play in and hide in (make sure to get the big stuff...boys can get chunky  ) They'll come around. Big litter box in the corner, lots of hangy toys, goodness, your little dudes are gonna be super spoiled in no time....actually...I think it's too late 

[Sun of Samsa]

  That looks big enough to be a people cage!

Hurry and decorate it and show us pictures!

[binkyhoo]

that is one nice cage.  I w :bow:ould like one like that some day. good for you.

[binkyhoo]

I ment to say, I would like  one like that.  Sorry I am new to the site.  Still wow!

[Rachel_Loves_Rats]

I like the way it's turning out! Let us know how you make the door. 

[NicInNC]

Thanks everyone!

I'm having a time trying to figure out what to make the door out of, so I'm going to just wait for my DH to get home. My brain hurts too bad to think about it anymore. 

[DamnYankee]

Very cool! What did you use to attach the wire mesh to the laundry rack? And where did you get the rack, if you don't mind sharing?

[NicInNC]

Very cool! What did you use to attach the wire mesh to the laundry rack? And where did you get the rack, if you don't mind sharing?

I attached it using plastic zip ties. The rack was purchased at Walmart in the same isle as the toilet seats, towel racks, behind the toilet shelves, etc.

[KoalaLou2]

The door can be made from the same wire stuff as the walls.  Cut an opening and then cut a piece about 1-2 inches larger than the hole (on all sides).  You can put several zip ties on the "hinge" and should be able to find a spring hook to attach to the door so you can pull it tight and hook it to the wire of the cage.

[NicInNC]

Just wanted to update the pictures since I've added some toys and stuff....


I went to Petco today and got the litter pan. Timmy is AWESOME about using it. I'm so proud of him! Then I headed to Goodwil after reading that other people on here got some goodies there. I got the little pink puppy purse and the caterpiller for 50 cents each! The purse is for kids to carry little stuffed animals in, but it makes a perfect bed!


Another picture of the cage:


Max likes his new bed (I still have to add the fleece. I just washed it all today):


Timmy going potty like a big boy!:

[luvmyratties4]

WoW! That is really very cool! Where were you about a month ago when I needed ideas to build my own??LOL

We ( my oldest son and I ) just got my boys a new cage built this weekend. I made mine out of closet shelving and zip ties. Needed the smaller space bars to keep kitty paws out....but it also gives them alot to climb around in. It is a very large cage.  Also very heavy......lol. I really like it. Here is a smaller picture of it.

I LOVE zip ties!

Brandy

[nancycccslp]

Okay, that is a very smart, inventive cage!  I really like it; extra credit for originality, and an additional extra credit for Goodwill finds!

[cheerio]

It looks awesome decorated!!! And see....litterbox training wasn't as bad as you thought it might be! Is he feeling better too? Glad to see them out and around, your cage is great 

[LOTR_Ratties]

Hey that is really lookin' great. Kudos!
And yay for Timmy going potty!

[dawn_chorus]

Wow! your ratties sure are spoilt! they've got a ton of room there!

[gesticulator]

That is absolutely awesome! I have the same stuffed animal pocket book thing with a leopard print, also from a thrift shop! Do post pics when the doors are done, please.

[beanjelly]

  ...Where did you buy that?!?  I'm looking for something EXACTLY LIKE THAT...for my bathroom, not the ratties....but still!!!