How to Build an Animal Cage
Datetime:2013-01-08 Hits:
How to Build an Animal Cage
A sturdy cage is required to safely house animals. Animal cages vary in size, design and material, depending on the particular type of creature they house. Large, active animals that move around a lot require cages with ample space, while small or slow-moving animals do not need as much room to live healthy lives in captivity. Always keep animals in the largest cage possible.
Instructions
1 Cut 12 2-foot lengths from a 2-by-2 inch beam. Make clean, straight cuts to ensure a strong, stable cage. Sloppy cuts will lead to a wobbly cage. Sand the ends of the wood beams with 100-grit sandpaper.
2 Construct three separate squares using eight pieces of wood beam that are 2 feet in length. Join four of the beams at the corners to create a square. Screw together each corner using an electric drill and one metal wood screw per corner. Repeat the process to complete the second and third squares. Two of these squares will serve as the top and bottom of the animal cage, while the third will serve as the cage door.
3 Attach two of the square frames. Use the four remaining wood beams as side supports between the corners of each square on the top and bottom. Attach the four corner-support beams using an electric drill and one metal wood screw per corner. Drive each screw through the corner of the square frame and into the end of the corner support beam to complete the three-dimensional wood frame box.
4 Stand the box frame on end and place the third 2-by-2 foot square frame on top. Align the square frame with the square end of the box frame to create a door for the animal cage. Attach two hinges to the third square frame and the wood box with small wood screws and a screwdriver. Attach a hook-and-eye latch to the door so it can be securely locked.
5 Cut six squares that measure 1-foot-11-inches by 1-foot-11-inches out of metal wire mesh. Use tin snips to cut the metal mesh.
6 Attach the squares of wire mesh to the sides of the wood frame box to complete the animal cage. Center the wire mesh squares on each side of the box frame and use a staple gun to neatly tack the wire to the wood.
