I changed the order to 1" x 1/2" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Thanks for the tip!
Oh, anyone out there have access to nice long branches of grapewood or manzanita branches? I'm looking for something about 5 feet long with multiple branches, but it has to be 27" or narrower at its widest part.
I've checked ebay but some the 'parrot perches' they have are at least $175 plus shipping!
Thanks

check your pet stores- ours have some larger branches!

and Jen- our cages are over a year old without any issues from the green cloth.. except one spot that I had Bill patch where I caused a problem with how I put the wheel in the cage and the spinning hardware was rubbing the wire.. But I too have thought of switching to kubertanz because its black for future cages... Bill and I have to make some decisions because if we're getting Samson and Zoie we need to build them a cage when we get home from SGGA so I need to order the cloth now... I already ordered the PVC joints because we are going to be stocking them as part of our business anyway..

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> khyricat, my husband's cages are over 5 years old so obviously the hardware cloth showed much wear and tear of the vinyl coating thus the rust started. They have since been replaced with the cages built with the pvc-coated wire from Klubertanz. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />


Jen

Check out ebay for manzanita branches. Some people sell large pieces in bulk that are ready for being made into perches. You'd have to figure out a means of attaching them, but ebay is good for finding larger pieces at a reasonable price.

Sean, I use fresh eucalyptus branches and change them out often because they are usually available for me to cut off the trees. You might be able to find branches that will work for you from safe trees in your area. The gliders do not need thick branches. They are so agile that thin flexible branches work just fine, too.

Thank you jungleflockmom! I've already been out scouting for possible branches but nothing yet that would give me the desired appearance for this enclosure. I did find a nice old cedar root system that I've cut down to an appropriate size and am bleaching as we speak.
This is what I'm hoping to find:
http://www.justdriftin.com/old/Disk5/Mvc-005s.jpg
http://www.justdriftin.com/newpics/bruce%20outside%20perch%20photos%20004.jpg

I'm pretty sure that cedar is bad, mkay? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I think the oils or smell is too much for them! But I'm sure someone more experienced will chime in on that.

You won't need fans with mesh sides, but I would suggest making the back out of mesh as well. Just so you can watch them run on that, too.

I definatly understand your desire for a more natural looking cage. I went a similar route. I found a glass curio cabinet some time ago. It measures 78"x28" round. It hag 3 curved glass panels that made up the ouside, about 6' by 1.5' each. The front panel is the door. I polyed up the inside, like 4 coats, then I replaced the back two-thirds with 1"x1/2", and made a raised mesh floor. It has a small 15 watt light in the top. I recently bought a six foot silk ficus (just check for wires and dye) and put it in, replacing the ropes and plastic chains.

My gliders LOVE it. They seem more active and happy, and they seem more eager to get in when i put them up. Not to mention how COOL they look hugging a tree like they're supposed to! Hope to get some pics up soon!

As far as the moonlight, moon phases are REALLY important to glider habits. Thats why I'm saving up for this (click on lunartracker on the left). Quote from site:

"This is the reason that dimmers are important on a moon light. Many people use dimmers to manually simulate the lunar cycle. However, it is practically impossible to do this by hand. The minute adjustments needed from day to day are too difficult to do with a manual dimmer. In addition, just as the intensity of moonlight varies from day to day, the manual adjustment would have to be made daily as well. Quite a hassle!This is where LunarTracker comes in."

Cool, huh?

ok. I have more of a daft technical type question. How are you planning to hold mesh sides together with a plexiglass front and back. I only ask because I am following this post avidly and while waiting for my quote to come back from the cage builders, I mentioned this to hubby and he really likes the idea of it. If we had to build a similar cage, I would love to steal your ideas if I may <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. There are not many people who can build glider cages around here (I'm in South Africa - Cape Town)and shipping one in makes it quite expensive <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I can't wait to see pictures.

Actually, I've decided to go the full glass route with the screened top and bottom. I'm going to be adding a large multi branch grapewood or manzanita climbing tree, and maybe a very tall full width lattice work system along the back pane for climbing. A wheel, a few other 'toys', and a large fern or other safe tropical plant on the bottom and one hanging plant near the top to act as a 'canopy', and that will top it off.
There is an easy way to make the screen/glass combo. You simply need to make 4 wood frames and inlay either the glass or the screen in each frame. It is best to router a groove inside each board's inner edge to allow the glass or screen to slide in, like a flat panel cabinet door. Then simply nail three of the sections together and hinge the front or a side panel for a door. Put a top and bottom on and you have your enclosure.
I'm picking up the glass this morning, so I hope to make some good progress today. I'll post some pics if I get anything done <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> The screen is due in Friday. I should have the enclosure completed by late Saturday.
Thanks again for all the suggestions and help.
Sean

I was thinking along the same lines (using a router). Your post had me and my hubby's heads thinking. He came up with some good ideas. We might make one is a few months. But I think we will go with the mesh on the sides too. I like to hang my wheel. If I attached the wheel to the bottom mesh it will be hard to slide out the bottom, for cleaning. We are setting ours up to have a slide out bottom and pan. I would love to see pics of how yours turned out! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" />

My husband and I are also interested in copying this idea (down the road a few months). We have a few cages, so we think we'd like to build one large piece with dividing walls to make three cages in one. We'd love to see pictures when you are done <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

minnimouse- Is that a solid white glider in your avatar? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" />

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />

I definatly understand your desire for a more natural looking cage. I went a similar route. I found a glass curio cabinet some time ago. It measures 78"x28" round. It hag 3 curved glass panels that made up the ouside, about 6' by 1.5' each. The front panel is the door. I polyed up the inside, like 4 coats, then I replaced the back two-thirds with 1"x1/2", and made a raised mesh floor. It has a small 15 watt light in the top. I recently bought a six foot silk ficus (just check for wires and dye) and put it in, replacing the ropes and plastic chains.


<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

I would love to see a picture of your cage... it sounds really awesome! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> yes it is <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Her name is Elise, and she is what is called a Leucistic or Black-Eyed White (BEW).

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
yes it is <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Her name is Elise, and she is what is called a Leucistic or Black-Eyed White (BEW).

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">
Do you ever have any BEW babies for sale?
Is it possible to introduce a new female to a young pair?
I'd love to have one.

Finally! AOL has not loaded GliderCentral for the past week! It's been slower progress on the new glider enclosure than I'd hoped. Waited quite a while for the screen and glass to be cut but its finally comming together. I'm waiting on one more section of screen for the back. I decided to go with 3 panes of glass and one back pane of the 1"x 1/2" black PVC wire.
I ordered my Stealth wheel a few days ago and have a nice large manzanita branch comming from LA next week.
I think the 'sugar' and 'spice' will be moving into their new home this weekend.
Here are a few pics:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04188Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04190Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04191Small.jpg

It looks beautiful! I can't wait to see it with all the accessories and suggies inside! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" />

wow, its lovely... I also cant wait to see ur sugs and their stuffs in there! LOL
Good Job..

Oh wow that is fab, you are sooo clever. what size is the actual living space?

The actual enclosure's dimensions came out to be 28"x28"x46" tall. The entire unit is 30"x30"x72" tall.
I had to cut down the glass because at 60" tall (overall 90" tall) the glass seemed too make the unit 'top heavy' and it concerned me, especially with kids in the house.
I hope this is big enough for my pair.
I finished my doors and a temporary back screen assembly today. I'll post some pics of the 'almost' finished enclosure later tonight if AOL will let me access the site.
Thanks again for all the kind words.

It looks lovely, but is it glider-friendly? Where are you going to place food bowels and water bottles? With all glass sides you have no where to hang them, and its not a good idea to have them on the ground as the gliders can eliminate into their food, and if you use water dish instead of bottle then if it is too deep they can drown. How often were you planning to take them out of the cage to play? Have you considered a bonding tent, or worked on glider-proofing a room? 28 by 28 strikes me as a bit small, but if they are out of the cage frequently (at least 2-3 hours a day/night)then it should be okay. Generally 36 by 36 is the minimum recommended cage dimensions. 28 by 28 doesn't leave a lot of room for a sleeping pouch, a wheel and other toys that the gliders need to be happy and healthy, like I said its a gorgeous cage, but whether its glider friendly worries me.

Thanks for your concerns, but I think its plenty big enough for these two.
My boys and I take them out of the enclosure at least once, most often twice, a day for play time and for some time outside while on their little leashes.
The back of the enclosure if fully screened in which I have hung their water bottle and food dish up high. I'll have plenty of climbing branches, some thick hanging ropes for swinging, a Stealth wheel, some fleece platforms suction cupped to the sides, and some other toys for them.
I think they'll be happy here. If not, then I'll build them another one <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Oh, a standard bird cage type enclosure measuring 36x36x24 has 18 cubic feet of space. My enclosure has 18.5 cubic feet. Also, I think that the gliders, being somewhat arboreal, will enjoy the height off the ground that this enclosure offers as well as the vertical climbing space.

Cool, sounds like you have everything covered, hope it works for you and your little ones. Just one last thing, you mentioned leashes, by leash do you mean a harness that goes over their neck and around their middle? If so, I have to find the link but there have been discussions about gliders being injured by those type leashes, with their gliding membranes being torn. I know you want the best for your babies, so I just wanted to let you know.

Your cage is beautiful! Great job! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> And I think it's roomy enough for 2 gliders. Usually the minimum recommended size is 2'x2'x3', from what I remember.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> There are several breeders who breed for leucistic. Usually they have a waiting list, and BEW joeys typically cost in the $2000 - $3000 range, I believe. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong; I've never really considered getting a leucistic). In the past it most breeders required a USDA license to purchase one, but I don't necessarily think that's the case any more. To produce leucistic joeys, you must either have two 100% hets or a leucistic paired with a het. If you have a "normal" glider without the leu gene, you won't have leu babies, even if the other parent is a BEW.

If you see a different percentage het advertised, such as a 50% or a 66% leu, it just means that because of the glider's lineage it has a 50% or 66% chance of being a 100% het. Once that glider produces a leu baby, it becomes a 100% het.

Thank you guys.
The leash is a piece of narrow nylon rope that simply goes around the neck like a puppy. The breeder provided us with them. They really are only just a way to keep the gliders from getting away from us outside. We never use them to 'pull' them around.
Here is a pic of the enclosure 99% completed. I will be replacing the galvanized back screen with the 1"x 1/2" poly coated screen when it arrives in a few days, so please no flamming <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I promise it will be replaced the second the polycoated arrives.
I am waiting for a nice tall manzanita tree branch to arrive this week as well. I'll be adding some more things as they come in.
What you see inside is just temporary but the gliders do enjoy the room and the climbing the tree and ropes so far. I removed their sleeping pouch for the pics.
Here are the pics:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04195Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04198Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04196Small.jpg

I have to say that looks absolutely AMAZING!!!!!! Being so close, I would LOVE to come see it! (ahh but life is so crazy busy!)

You did a wonderful job on it!

Reading through the posts, I did see one thing that concerns me...cedar... When cedar gets wet (from urine, water, etc) it can produce toxic oils that can cause respritory/breathing problems for small animals, especially gliders, and should not be used. Being here in KS, I can tell you that elm is plentiful and safe. Just make sure that the tree has not been sprayed for pesticides. If you need some that have not been sprayed, I would be glad to cut some off my trees and drop them off to you. Either fresh branches (that they love to strip the bark off of) or dried (deadfall) works great.

The cage is beautiful and you did a fantastic job...hummm....wondering if I could afford 15 just like it???

That is one of the prettiest cages I have ever seen anyone make here!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> I always thought of making something similar to that. but I think your ideas had mine beat. Very nice! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />

By the way... I love how it matches the wood in your home. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/agree.gif" alt="" />

Thank you Teresa and Jessica for the compliments. The cedar branch you see in the pics is only for a few days. It was pointed out to me earlier about the possible problems with cedar, so it won't stay in the cage but for a few days. A nice old manzanita branch/tree is on the way.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" />That is pigging fantastic!!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" /> Wow it didnt take you long to make..........wish you lived here then you could make me one <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Maybe you could make them to sell?