how to build a cage?

[Kristal]

Ok, I need some pointers about how to build a good cage for multiple squirrels. Photos of the material and finished cages would be much appreciated. I have to get this done this week as one of them escaped this morning... even though she is still blind. thanks in advance :)

[lelliott]

Here's what I'm working on. I may be able to post photos later. This is intended for one squirrel though - I'm thinking something larger would be needed for four.

I went to home depot and bought a set of shelves like this:
http://www.abtec.com/nexel/00724A.jpg

I took out all the shelves in the middle, and then wrapped the whole thing in 1/2" square hardware cloth (wire mesh). The shelves are 3' wide and 5' tall, and the cloth came in 3' x 5' rolls, so one fit the back perfectly, and split in half another one covered both sides. I trimmed off any sharp edges with wire cutters, and then used a lot of zip ties to tie each piece to the shelving frame. All of the edges of the wire are on the outside of the corner posts so they can't be reached.

Then I built two wooden door frames, each half the size of the front (5' tall, 18" wide), and used a drill bit for stainless steel to drill holes right into the wire shelving unit for hinges. I haven't attached the wire mesh to the wooden doors yet but I'll be doing that this weekend.

I haven't decided how to latch the doors yet. I'm thinking each door will have a hook on the top and one on the bottom that will hook onto the wire shelves, but I need to figure out how to shelter it from being unlatched by little squirrel hands.

I'm going to add shelves, ramps, etc. inside. For the bottom I'm going to use a sheet of corrugated plastic cut and shaped into a box, to form a 6" deep tray. I'm guessing the squirrel will chew that right up though, so I'm getting my father in law to make me a metal tray. I'm also thinking that the squirrel might chew up the zip ties holding the wire mesh to the frame, so I'll be watching closely. If that starts to happen, I'll switch it out and use wire.

So far the thing has cost me about $240 - $100 for the wire shelves, $60 for three rolls of hardware mesh, and the rest is for stainless steel drill bits, zip ties, door hinges and latches, and tax.

I'm happy with it - it's virtually all metal and actually looks quite nice - like a piece of furniture and not like it was thrown together. I'll see if I can put up photos tomorrow.

I also think you might be best off with a plastic pet carrier or maybe an old fish tank for now, as your little guys shouldn't be allowed to climb much (in case they take a fall) until they're about 12-ish weeks old, I think..

[Jackie in Tampa]

there are a zillion threads with cage ideas...
:thinking wonder why we don't have a forum with JUST CAGES and info about cages...huh Admin...can we have a new forum?????
There are a couple threads about the how to's, but they're hard to find...:dono
hey admin...I vote for a new cage forum...store bought cages and hand built...inside and outside...
habitats and release cages...
we have so many creative peeps with gorgeous examples of safe cages...:poke designer stuff too!
Hey Sarah has a Ferrari red cage that has inspired many a cage to be built, not bought!...
We can share ideas, suppliers, materials etc!:alright.gif

[stosh2010]

lelliott wrote:
Here's what I'm working on. I may be able to post photos later. I trimmed off any sharp edges with wire cutters, and then used a lot of zip ties to tie each piece to the shelving frame. All of the edges of the wire are on the outside of the corner posts so they can't be reached.

. I'm also thinking that the squirrel might chew up the zip ties holding the wire mesh to the frame, so I'll be watching closely. If that starts to happen, I'll switch it out and use wire.
Speaking from experience--Plastic Zip Ties are like treats to My Rama Rota. He takes it as a challenge to find and chew through almost every Zip-tie I use.
I suggest that you use wire.
################################################## #################################
Stosh >>> Keeper of the KING ( of Costa Rica )

[Jackie in Tampa]

they do make metal zip ties.

[stosh2010]

On Rama's "castle" they used self tapping screws-with broad "washer type" heads and drilled directly into the metal supports and pinching the wire mesh ( hardware cloth)to the frame. It took quite a few , but it worked great and the self tapping screws dont need a pilot hole. They drill right into steel.

[lelliott]

Hmm.. thanks for the heads up - I'll change it to something else..

I agree about the cage forum - when I came here I was surprised there wasn't one aleady...

[Kristal]

Yes, there should really be a step by step guide... with at least the basics. People like me with unexpected orphan squirrels are bound to be confused about what to do and what to expect. It would be most helpful.

[prncsbabs1]

To hold the pieces together try either Galvanized rings or J clips...you can get them at Chris's Squirrels & More....(below link is the page so you can see them)
http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/index.cfm?currentpage=1&fuseaction=category.display&category_id=1431&all_words=0

[mimipapa]

great idea. would love to see some pictures. Im sure it looks professional.

[CrazySquirrelLady]

here's the cage i built....... 213506

[Rhapsody]

they do make metal zip ties.That was an AMAZING discovery to ME when my husband showed them to me at Lowes. :grin2

[Rhapsody]

Here is the STICKY on "How to Build a Cage" --in the Cages, nestboxes, suppliers, materials and ideas section.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?40471-Building-an-outdoor-release-cage


Cage, Nestboxes, Suppliers, Materials, and Ideals...
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?199-Cages-nestboxes-suppliers-materials-and-ideas

[mdyoung216]

here's the cage i built....... 213506

That's not a cage, it's a condo. LOL