Sugar Glider Community Calendar

Please click here to see larger view
Articles
More coming soon!!
Today's Birthdays
B1u3sky, StellaLuna
Member Spotlight
Feather
Feather
Wisconsin
Posts: 13,979
Joined: January 2008
Show All Member Profiles 
Last 10 Posts
Gliders of the Round Table 10
by Feather. 03/27/24 07:04 PM
Logging in Problem
by Feather. 03/26/24 06:07 PM
Cloaca swollen?
by Hutch. 03/16/24 11:51 PM
Wheels, Toys, Toy supplies, pouches and more.
by Ladymagyver. 03/07/24 11:16 PM
Gliders of the Round Table 9
by Hutch. 03/07/24 10:52 PM
Stewie:" It's MY Mouse!"
by Hutch. 03/04/24 12:12 AM
2024 Sugar Glider Calendar and Cafe Press Store
by theresaw. 02/29/24 08:55 PM
Google+

Facebook
Join Us On Facebook
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? #55175
08/21/05 08:27 PM
08/21/05 08:27 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



I built my cage out of galvanized wire and I have a friend that now told me it was a bad idea. Is this true? Can anyone tell me the dangers around having a galvanized cage? Please tell me what to use instead and if I should make a new cage. I don't want to take any chances with my sugs. By the way, it is a galvanized mesh type material with very small holes. Please give any info you can. Thank you!

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? [Re: ] #55176
08/21/05 08:39 PM
08/21/05 08:39 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



From what i know, there is a possibility of obtaning a urinary infection if galvanized wire is used. One suggestion is to use PVC wire.

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? [Re: ] #55177
08/21/05 08:48 PM
08/21/05 08:48 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
CD_Hanratty Offline
Glider Slave
CD_Hanratty  Offline
Glider Slave

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
i built my giant cage of galvanized... Now im completely scared of it but havent built a new one yet... A urinary infection wont kill, will it? Now im really scared and [censored] out... WAAAH HELP!!


Connor
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? [Re: ] #55178
08/21/05 08:56 PM
08/21/05 08:56 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Urinary tract infections!! I heard those can lead to self mutilation. Someone please HELP!!!!

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? [Re: ] #55179
08/21/05 09:09 PM
08/21/05 09:09 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 16,800
St. Johns, Florida
Srlb Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Srlb  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 16,800
St. Johns, Florida
It is highly recommended NOT to use galvanized wire. Yes, it can lead to a urinary tract infection, and if not caught in time, yes it could be deadly as could any type of illness.

If I were you, I would buy some pvc coated mesh wire found at your local Home Depot and build another cage. It would be cheaper to build a new cage than to have to shell out money to the vet for tests, meds and/or the death of a glider.

Now this is NOT saying that your glider will DEFINITELY get a UTI if you continue using galvanized, however, you must really keep it clean, which in turn makes them mark more, which in turn can lead to rust problems, and in my opinion, it just isnt worth the risk.

I have known of a couple people that had used galvanized for quite a period of time with no problems, been after weighing all the pros and cons and not wanting to take the chances, they switched over to pvc coated.
HTH <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />


Peggy
Critter Love
Critter Love� Diet Center

If you want to know what a person is like, watch how he treats others.

You'll never know what the outcome is if you don't step up and try.

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? [Re: ] #55180
08/21/05 09:16 PM
08/21/05 09:16 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
Xglider Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Xglider  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
Well I will admit to anything … true that is… when I first got mine .. we built a cage… that was totally WRONG….. you can look for my Hexagon Cage post… but I originally used that mesh … and that fear is one of the reasons I got a new cage recently … I have read about the possibility of UTI and just did not want to take that chance … along with other reasons to get rid of the home made cage…


* ~ * John * ~ * Sorry store is closed at this time.. <br>
Link -> [b]~~ XtremeGlider ~~ Home of the original Re~set Toys! ~~[/b] <br>
Oct 2012 update.. miss my gliders and my
glider family and think of my friends often!!!
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? [Re: ] #55181
08/21/05 09:19 PM
08/21/05 09:19 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Where do I find the PVC coated stuff or vinyl coated and how expensive is it?

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? [Re: ] #55182
08/21/05 09:47 PM
08/21/05 09:47 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Dancing  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
If your gliders are not chewers, you can use plastic hardware cloth instead of wire. It comes in 15 foot rolls, 3 foot wide for about $10 a roll at Home Depot.

I am one of those that originally had the galvanized (before I found GC!)and even though the cage was huge, I decided to go with a smaller cage that was pvc coated just to be safe. It just isn't worth the risk. I have HUGE built in cages now for my colony (and another pair) and the cost was minimal for the plastic hardware cloth (found in the lawn and garden section of home depot).


620-704-9109
Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.

I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance


The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55183
08/21/05 09:57 PM
08/21/05 09:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
Xglider Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Xglider  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />

I am one of those that originally had the galvanized (before I found GC!)and even though the cage was huge, I decided to go with a smaller cage that was pvc coated just to be safe. It just isn't worth the risk.


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

Dancing… <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" /> my point exactly… <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> I am glad I am not the only one that made that beginners mistake after I found GC I have really tried to make sure I am doing everything I can to keep them safe – happy – healthy – engaged – loved ….


* ~ * John * ~ * Sorry store is closed at this time.. <br>
Link -> [b]~~ XtremeGlider ~~ Home of the original Re~set Toys! ~~[/b] <br>
Oct 2012 update.. miss my gliders and my
glider family and think of my friends often!!!
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55184
08/21/05 10:37 PM
08/21/05 10:37 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Sometimes when I see things discussed on this board. I hear "that is bad" but I never hear from someone with experience. Is there anyone out there that has actually had a galvanized cage and their glider got a urinary tract infection? Or is it just a possibility?
Diane & Paco, Pepe, Lupe', Trixie

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55185
08/21/05 11:03 PM
08/21/05 11:03 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
CD_Hanratty Offline
Glider Slave
CD_Hanratty  Offline
Glider Slave

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
is there anything i can do to make a glavanized cage.. not galvanized?


Connor
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55186
08/22/05 12:00 AM
08/22/05 12:00 AM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,400
Tulsa, OK, USA
S
SweetGliders Offline
Glider Slave
SweetGliders  Offline
Glider Slave
S

Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,400
Tulsa, OK, USA
The only thing you can do is to find a shop in your town that could powder coat the cage and It will depend on how big your cage is, on how much it will cost. It will be cheaper for you to get a smaller PVC coated cage and then put money back to get you a bigger PVC coated one.

Anita <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />


Anita heart
www.mysweetgliders.com

Owned by many Gliders & Cats + Wife to a Wonderful & Understanding Husband

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55187
08/22/05 12:01 AM
08/22/05 12:01 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,078
USA
BMXgirl Offline
Serious Glideritis
BMXgirl  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,078
USA

I think, but cant say for certain that there was, in the last few years, people that had experienced problems with the galvanized wire. I dont want to speak for anyone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I do know that my personal vet had issues with Galvanized wire. Said it was safer for the pvc coated wire, stainless steel wire, or the baked on enamel finish (almost like a car or something... like some pet cages you see in stores... a hard colored finish <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ). After going to school for several years and studying Animal Science to become a vet (long story), I personally wouldnt house anything that needed to be in a cage, in a galvanized cage (Just my personal opinion)... due to the possibility of health issues the galvanized wire may cause. (I worry about heavy metal poisoning. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worried2.gif" alt="" /> ) If I cant get, or use, pvc coated wire, or the baked on hard finish, Id try to find Stainless Steel wire (may be hard or more expensive to aquire <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" /> ).
I like the PVC coated wire for myself above most anything, not only because I personally think its safer for my furry kids, doesnt rust nearly as bad, but also, cause its so much quiter. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> (With the galvanized, stainless, baked on, etc... sometimes the cage makes more noise, than the hard rubberized pvc coat.)
Just my opinion.... which may not be worth two cents sometimes....LOL. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

(I have heard that the reptariums or pet screen like cages are very good, if you dont have chewers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )

As far as making a galvanized cage, not galvanized... I dont know of anything that is really really good at doing it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" /> (someone else may know). I know you could have it professionally pvc dipped/painted, but it may be just as cheap to build or buy one already done. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


www.GlidersUncensored.com
(Glider Anatomy, Info, & a wee bit of fun.)
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55188
08/22/05 12:37 AM
08/22/05 12:37 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
CD_Hanratty Offline
Glider Slave
CD_Hanratty  Offline
Glider Slave

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
ugh this is one of those problems with parents for me, now i feel like a bad glider owner because i tell my parents that its dangerous to have the gliders in galvanized and they just say 'tough'...


So here I am sad knowing that theres practically nothing I can do.. maybe I could find like.. a rubber spray-on thing or something.. would that work?? GAH! I need help... The cage I built cost like 200$!!! I dont want to have all that work done for nothing! Thats like throwing 200$ into the fire!!!! WHO WOULD DO THAT?!


Connor
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55189
08/22/05 07:59 AM
08/22/05 07:59 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



you can spend about 50$ at home depot on a huge roll of plastic coated metal hardware cloth (what we built our cage from)... that may help the problem- there are smaller rolls, but I'm trying ot give you a max cost.. put your baby in something else and change the wire on that cage structure you already built!

Good luck!

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55190
08/22/05 08:44 AM
08/22/05 08:44 AM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 16,800
St. Johns, Florida
Srlb Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Srlb  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 16,800
St. Johns, Florida
</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
I dont want to have all that work done for nothing! Thats like throwing 200$ into the fire!!!! WHO WOULD DO THAT?!


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

Personally, if it meant my gliders safety and health over the money issue, I would do that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />


Peggy
Critter Love
Critter Love� Diet Center

If you want to know what a person is like, watch how he treats others.

You'll never know what the outcome is if you don't step up and try.

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55191
08/22/05 08:45 AM
08/22/05 08:45 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Thank goodness I have never had a glider with a UTI. As far as I know that is not the only risk with using a galvanized cage. I have heard that the gliders can lick the metal also, and its possible for them to get heavy metal toxicity. I have never had any experience with this either but would like to know if anyone else has. I would change cages just to be on the safe side and not worry.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Angie

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55192
08/22/05 11:26 AM
08/22/05 11:26 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



I suggest looking into places that do spay on bed liners for trucks. There is a guy locally that said he would be willing to spray a cage for me if I ever needed on sprayed... I don't know how much it would cost though, I guess it would vary by size. But, my stepdad has his truck bed lined for like $300 and a cage is going to use a lot less material than a truck bed... Something else you might want to look into is a spray on rubber/vinle coating of some type. I know there are varioius dips and sprays you can buy that might be able to coat the wire.

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55193
08/22/05 11:44 AM
08/22/05 11:44 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
Xglider Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Xglider  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
What material did you use to construct the rest of the cage,,, the frame, did you use metal or wood?


* ~ * John * ~ * Sorry store is closed at this time.. <br>
Link -> [b]~~ XtremeGlider ~~ Home of the original Re~set Toys! ~~[/b] <br>
Oct 2012 update.. miss my gliders and my
glider family and think of my friends often!!!
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55194
08/22/05 11:47 AM
08/22/05 11:47 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Xglider, if you use the pvc-coated wire like Klubertanz wire, then a frame is not needed as it is self-supporting. However, if you use the hardware cloth like the ones found at Home Depot as the wire is pretty flimsy, then a frame would be needed to support the wire. I hope this helps.


Jen

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55195
08/22/05 12:10 PM
08/22/05 12:10 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



I don't know anyone personally who has had a glider get a UTI from a galvanized cage, but that's because most of the people I do know with gliders know not to use galvanized. It is a common warning given to new glider owners not to use galvanized.

From watching gliders as they crawl along the cage wire, urinating on the wire by touching their cloaca to it, and having seen how galvanized wire oxidizes, I have no reason to doubt that it very well could cause a UTI.

I understand your frustration with your parents saying no, but could you save up your own money to buy a safer cage? I think there is one that's regularly available on Ebay for $85 that I see people talking about here. Or, if you could find someone in your area who also needs a new cage, you could build one for yourself and make up some of the cost by making another one to sell.

I'm going to order enough wire from Klubertanz (if I could ever get hold of them) to make 3 cages and I'm planning to try to sell two of them at the Glider Retreat here in February.

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55196
08/22/05 12:15 PM
08/22/05 12:15 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



What kind of chemicals are in that bed liner though - that one kinda worries me.

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55197
08/22/05 12:21 PM
08/22/05 12:21 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
CD_Hanratty Offline
Glider Slave
CD_Hanratty  Offline
Glider Slave

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
Okay, guys... Heres the thing... The cage wasnt built when we took it in the basement (where we keep the suggs), we built it out of a hardware shelvin unit, so... It's kinda indestructible and not small enough to fit through the door (when I say indestructible, I mean unless we get a welder and cute it in half, and that'll never happen) So if I do end up getting a new cage, this one will be stuck down here... I'd really like to convert it... so maybe just switching the wiring would be a good idea


PS- I have no money to save up... that's not how my family works, I dont get allowance (if I ask for money I get it, but usually less that 20$) And I cant get a job due to the child labor laws around here and all...


Connor
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55198
08/22/05 01:08 PM
08/22/05 01:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
Xglider Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Xglider  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
Hi PixTrix – the reason I was asking what the cage frame is made out of is because I made my first one out of wood – that we did not treat properly and the galvanized wire… the wood got so BAD that I basically had to get a new cage … it was much easier to rationalize getting a new cage so soon because the cage wood just stank.


* ~ * John * ~ * Sorry store is closed at this time.. <br>
Link -> [b]~~ XtremeGlider ~~ Home of the original Re~set Toys! ~~[/b] <br>
Oct 2012 update.. miss my gliders and my
glider family and think of my friends often!!!
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55199
08/22/05 01:47 PM
08/22/05 01:47 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Ok Connor - sounds like the best way to go for you right now would be to remove the galvanized wire & replace it with hardware cloth. I just bought a huge roll for like $5 - it may take a few rolls depending on your cage size, but it sounds like your parents won't object if you explain that they will end up paying WAY more in vet bills if your suggies end up sick. Let us know what happens!

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55200
08/22/05 02:20 PM
08/22/05 02:20 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



I went to Ace hardware and they didn't have the PVC coated wire in the size I needed but they ordered it for me I think I paid $17 dollars for it cause it was a special order but I got the whole roll. It was 3' x25' and then I cut the panels to the size I needed! It is soooo cool! Home Depot would probably do the same for you...I know I also found it on Home Depots web site but couldn't order it cause our credit card was maxed out OOPS! Good luck!!!

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55201
08/22/05 03:30 PM
08/22/05 03:30 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
CD_Hanratty Offline
Glider Slave
CD_Hanratty  Offline
Glider Slave

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
lol... okay i just went to a store (not a hardware store by any means) and I got something thats like a triple thick clear coat... My gliders arent chewers, so would this be okay to apply? would it solve the problem?


Connor
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them?Danc [Re: ] #55202
08/22/05 06:12 PM
08/22/05 06:12 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
CD_Hanratty Offline
Glider Slave
CD_Hanratty  Offline
Glider Slave

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,874
St. Charles, IL
its says 3x Thick Clear Gloss


then lists a whole buncha materials for it.. I'm just worried about it being toxic to them!!!


Connor
Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? [Re: ] #55203
08/22/05 06:36 PM
08/22/05 06:36 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



When I built my cage I used 1/2" x 1/2" hardware cloth found at local feed stores, Lowe's and Home Depot. :o)

Re: Are galvanized cages okay - who uses them? [Re: ] #55204
08/22/05 07:30 PM
08/22/05 07:30 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Connor, I'm really worried about anything that you would spray on. First of all - if it is ok (which I'm wary of), it would have to dry for AT LEAST 24 hours - where will you put your suggies & what about the fumes? Also, what kinds of residue will be left on the bars after the coating dries? I know it seems like a lot of work to replace the bars with hardware cloth, but it's just so much less risky that applying a chemical.

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Moderated by  Feather, KarenE, Ladymagyver 

Sugar Glider Help Page



Please click above to see how you can help!!

Moon
CURRENT MOON
Who's Online Now
0 registered members (), 398 guests, and 92 spiders.
Key: , , Owner, Admin
Newest Members
Mellefrl, klowvrrr, gracefulguardian, KiyokoTheDoll, Hazelneko
7324 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums132
Topics10,374
Posts159,160
posts in the last 24hrs0
Members7,324
Most Online2,693
Jan 2nd, 2020
Last 10 New Topics
Logging in Problem
by Anonymous. 03/24/24 11:43 AM
Gliders of the Round Table 10
by Hutch. 03/07/24 10:50 PM
Cloaca swollen?
by Mellefrl. 03/04/24 02:39 PM
2024 Sugar Glider Calendar and Cafe Press Store
by theresaw. 08/15/23 02:37 PM
Stewie:" It's MY Mouse!"
by Ladymagyver. 05/25/21 09:57 AM
Gliders of the Round Table 9
by Hutch. 02/12/19 11:35 PM
Popular Topics(Views)
849,595 TEXAS
679,084 OHIO
487,174 OKLAHOMA
432,178 UTAH
321,698 NORTH CAROLINA
Supported Browser
This site was tested and is best viewed in Google Chrome & Mozilla FireFox



Firefox 3

Download your copy today!!!
Home Forums Links Sitemap Vets Breeders Sounds Contact Us Names Rules & Policies

GliderCENTRAL
©1998-2024
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software
(Release build 20180918)
Page Time: 0.050s Queries: 15 (0.014s) Memory: 1.4898 MB (Peak: 1.8396 MB) Zlib enabled. Server Time: 2024-03-28 21:07:41 UTC