How to Build a Pet Cage
Datetime:2013-01-06 Hits:
How to Build a Pet Cage
Buying a pet cage is expensive and sometimes the cages available are not appropriately sized for the pet, especially in the case of large animals or animals that need larger spaces. Making a pet cage at home is not only less expensive than buying a cage, but it allows for custom sizing and alterations that suit the specific pet. Making a cage is easier than most people think and it can be a great alternative to purchasing a new cage.
Instructions
1 Measure the location for the cage. This will determine the exact number of organization cubes needed for the project. Obtain the unassembled organization cubes. The exact number of cubes that are needed will vary based on the size of the cage. They are typically sold in sets of six, which will make a good-sized cage for a small animal like a mouse, hamster or rabbit. Larger cages will need more cubes.
2 Set the cubes on the floor, laid out so that there are four walls and a roof. The exact number of cubes used for the walls and roof will vary depending on the size needed for the cage and personal preference. In general, the two length walls of the cage should be around 4 to 5 cubes wide and 2 to 4 cubes high. The two width walls of the cage should be around 2 to 4 cubes wide and the same 2 to 4 cubes high. Exact amounts will differ based on the size needed for the cage and the area available. The roof will differ based on the walls and the amount of cubes needed for the roof.
3 Use zip ties to hold the cubes together to form the walls and roof. Tie the ties in a figure 8 shape for a tight hold. Tighten the ties most of the way, but leave a little extra room so that the cubes can be adjusted if needed. Connect the cubes at the corners so that the cage is held together and then add one to three more along the sides for optimum hold. Keep in mind that one of the walls will have the door to the cage, so pick the wall for the door and avoid connecting the middle so that it can open. The zip ties connecting the door to the rest of the cage should not be completely tightened so that the door can open and close. Add extra zip ties where four cubes connect to form a square that holds the entire thing together.
4 Tighten the zip ties with pliers. Once the ties are in place and any last-minute adjusting has been completed, the pliers should be used to pull the zip ties as tight as possible. Make sure there is no movement between the cubes. The only exception for movement should be the doors, which need to have enough give to swing open and closed. Use scissors to cut away the excess plastic from the zip ties.
5 Attach the dowel rods to the top of the roof. These should be zip tied to the completed roof to give the roof added support. It will keep the roof straight and avoid sagging. If the dowel rods do not reach the full length of the cage, zip tie the dowel rods together until they are long enough to span the entire length of the cage and then attach it to the roof.
6 Zip the walls together with zip ties to form a square. Like the rest of the construction, the zip ties should form figure eights to connect and should be first pulled loosely and then tightened after any adjustments are made. Connect one wall at a time to avoid having the project fall over. Tie one zip tie at the top, bottom and middle first to hold the walls and then add more along the entire wall for a tight hold. The exact number will vary based on the size of the cage.
7 Attach the roof to the walls. The roof should be attached with zip ties at the four corners first and then along all four sides. Make sure the dowel rods are on the outside of the cage rather than on the inside.
8 Give the cage a good shake to ensure that it is sturdy and there are not weak areas. If the cage has areas that look weak, add more zip ties and pull them tight.
9 Place plastic floor runners under the cage, directly above the floor. This forms the floor of the cage. This is the best option for the cage bottom for many pets, especially if the pet is small, because the pet cannot get a foot caught in the bottom.
