I have been reading over the past week or so about using different materials for cages when my boyfriend suggested that I could use screening material (like for a window). My initial thought was that my suggie's would be able to chew right through the screen as squirrels can do and that the PVC fencing would be a much more durable material. Has anyone tried using screen material? What do others think?
I don't know for a fact whether they could or not, though I don't think they could. But, you won't be able to see through screening as well as with other materials. And the screening wouldn't be sturdy enough without a frame of some sort.
I started building my cage yesterday, and I used Vinyl coated wire shelving, and cut it to fit. I paid about $100 for the shelving. (The shelving I actually used was 12' x 20" close mesh). If you want more info, I can give you the dimensions and cuts needed, etc. I'm planning on putting up a pictoral how-to when I'm done and the pictures get developed.
Re: Cage Material
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#32412 12/28/0407:36 PM12/28/0407:36 PM
Sugar gliders will chew through screen material so it would not be a good cage material. For the cage that was built we used plastic hardware cloth that can be purchased at lowes or home depot. Its a 2x2x4 cage my gliders love their tall cage and trust me they can't chew though it.
Billy Rodriguez Jr.
Delfuego Kennels in Sunny Florida
Re: Cage Material
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#32413 12/28/0407:40 PM12/28/0407:40 PM
I would think something like a window screen would be tough to use - hanging stuff from it, etc. And it's possible the holes may be too small for them to even climb on it easily - their nails could get stuck, or they could tear it.
Most people go with a PVC coated wire or hardware cloth, but I used a plastic mesh with 1/2" square holes, I really like it a lot. It's basically a smaller version of poultry netting - lightweight and easy to work with, and inexpensive as well (I paid $15 a roll for 3x15' rolls at a local feed store in town). And there's no chewing problems whatsoever - mine do like to chomp on stuff every so often, but it's nowhere near as compulsive as any kind of rodent where they have to do it to keep their teeth in check.
Anyway, my cage has been going strong with no need for repairs or anything for almost 2 years now - you can check out pictures of it in my gallery . . .
Re: Cage Material
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#32414 12/28/0407:40 PM12/28/0407:40 PM
That is just what my cage is made out of. It is really nice. And it is easy to clean, I can put it in my tub, if fits snug but get's in there <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> So that way I can spray it off and wash it off really well. I plan to make another one just like this. Here is a photo you can see what my cage looks like for the most part.
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#32415 12/28/0407:42 PM12/28/0407:42 PM
I actually had a small cage that was made out of window screen material for a while. I believe it was aluminum to be specific. It's designed more for reptiles, but I did use for my gliders at one point in time. It worked very well and actually helped to keep their nails trimmed. I've been toying with ways to make a larger version of this cage, but I can't really come up with something that would hold pouches and have no expossed sharp metal edges.
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#32416 12/28/0408:37 PM12/28/0408:37 PM
You can buy 5' X 3' rolls of PVC Coated Hardware Wire at Home Depot for $8.56, some zip (cable) ties, & PVC for less than 50 bucks...It's sturdy but lightweight, easy to clean, & your gliders will love it.
peace~carolyn
"Your mind is the birthplace of ingenuity and then you need your heart as the Mediator..." ~Lil C
Re: Cage Material
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#32417 12/28/0411:18 PM12/28/0411:18 PM
If you have a Lowe's or three near you (as I do) their web site is very helpful trying to find materials, as it actually checks to see if they're in stock locally. The only hard part is that their search engine sucks, so you have to browse through the categories to find what you want sometimes.
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#32419 12/29/0402:24 AM12/29/0402:24 AM
The cage, someone had made it. It came with my gliders when I got them. But I can see (donno if you can tell by the photo) it's made out of those shelves and zip ties, that's it. Oh and bungie cords to hold the doors closed. Eays to get into. Yup it is very sturdy, and roomy. I plan to try and make a second cage just like it for the joeys I'm getting. It's so easy to clean too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" />
Re: Cage Material
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#32421 12/30/0404:40 PM12/30/0404:40 PM
It's hard to tell in that photo, but there is a floor to my cage as well. So the gliders can't get to the paper or food & waste that collects in the bottom (that's just a plastic christmas wreath size box the cage fits into)