how to build our own cages?

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ppsamm

ppsamm

the chinchillas addicts
Joined
Mar 4, 2009
Messages
126
Location
sg, central
I was planning to do my own cage since i was not able to find large size for my bonded chins. Anyone have experience building their own cages?:)

what are the assembly tools and components needed?
How do we join the piece of wire mesh together?
how do we have smooth, rolled edges of the wire?
how do we attach the door to the cage?
Any Pictures would be great.
 
I looked into making my own wire cages a few years ago, as there was a company 3 miles away that had rolls of wire and accessories. [doors, trays, feeders etc.]
After I realized I'd have to by a H/D brake [to bend the wire square] and a special cutter to avoid sharp edges, and a 200 ft. roll of wire, I would have to make about 25, and sell 20 to keep 5 and break even! Not counting time or errors!
If you can't find something close at Quality Cage, draw something up, and talk to Nancy there, as she's real experienced with custom cages. You'll not regret it!
 
I agree with Rickman. Bending the wire itself is just not something you can do without special equipment, or else it will be curved forever. While you can buy smaller rolls of wire like at Tractor Supply...it's also gonna be curved to death. That kinda wire is only really good for mesh on doors of melamine cages (what I used it for), but even when it's stapled down onto the wood, it's still bowed (sp?) out one way.

Assuming you could find flat pieces of wire (dunno where you would, but for sake of argument, let's say you could), you would need some sort of metal clips and the tool required to close those clips in order to attach the sides of the cage together.

I suppose you could use pliers to turn all the sharp edges back on the wire, but let me just tell you that would take FOREVER. I tried to do this for the exposed wire on the doors of my melamine cage. After about a foot of wire was turned, I decided it was fine and my chin wouldnt injure himself on it (and he hasn't).

Regarding what Rick said about asking QC to make up a custom cage for you - in my experience, it's not worth it (money-wise). They have to draw up your plans into their machine, and so the cost is proportional to the time that all takes. I asked them once how much it would cost to get a 18x18x30 cage. That's smaller than the QC Condo. The cost ended up being about $50 MORE than the QC MANSION!! The QC Mansion is about 4 times the size of the cage I wanted! They explained to me that it's because they have to re-program their machine to do specific cages, but in my experience, it's not worth it - find something close to what you want and buy it, while it may not be exactly what you want, it sure as heck is cheaper than having them do a custom one...

Just my 0.02....
 
I'm not sure where you are located, but Klubertanz Equipment in southern WI builds all wire cages more reasonably than most people can build there own, unless you have the right wire cutters, j-clip pliers, clips, rings, wire, someone to make a custom sized metal drop pan, etc...I've built my own in the past, some melamine, some all wire, some combinations and its a great learning experience. You learn how time consuming it is, how many wire scratches you can get in a day, and all the things you'll change the next time you do it!!

Best of luck, whatever route you go!!
 
Actually I have found unbending the wire from a roll isn't all that hard. If you use flush cut wire cutters it doesn't leave too much as far as rough edges, but you can just file it if it does (I have one pair that cuts it pretty good & doesn't need filing & another pair that does need a little filing). As far as connecting, you can use either j clips or blunt tip c rings; each has their own tools for clamping them on.
 
Or just search the forums here for cages, many people post their designs and stuff. I used an old melamine shelf and turned it into a cage. Hopefully I can work on the front this weekend.

My cage:

http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3311

Just be creative!!! All you have to watch for are a few things:

Chins will chew EVERYTHING, or at least it is good to assume that. all materials they have access to better be chinsafe or bite proof

Eliminate big falls. Chins get really hyper and aren't the most graceful of creatures when they are excited.

Think about cleaning, are you going to use bedding, felt, others? Do you need a removable pan? don't wait until the end to plan that out.

Also think about toys and wheels. If you look at that big hole on the bottom of my cage that hole is 15" wide and 8" deep... The chin spin I am putting in there will take up all 8 of those inches... I now have to go back and make that hole deeper... Measure twice cut once....

Any other questions post here or if you have any questions about my cage pm me!
 
I do considering to ship a QC Condo/townhme but the shipment is extremely expensive as I am situated in Singapore. I do not know if it really worthwhile as I never have seen an physical QC cage, only seen them in forum posting and pictures.

Getting the cage making materials shouldnt be a problem here but in fact the cutting and bending of the wire I somehow aware it is not an easy thing to do without any equipment...that was the reason I was wondering if anyone have build their own cage successfully.
 
I gotta disagree with most of the replies here. Making wire cages can be very cheap and easy. Although you do need a brake to make a good bend, you do not need to bend the wire to make a cage. By simply making the four sides out of a heavy enough wire and clipping them together you will end up with a collapsable cage much like what you find in store that does not need bending. As for cutting wire there are lots of options from using regular diagonal cutter and a file up to using a Abrasive cutting tool to cut the wire then grind down the edges in a flash(something like this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=95578). The bigge r problem most people run into is finding a source for the custom sheetmetal needed for litter pans.
 
Just wanted to add my 2 cents - I had Quality Cage make a custom sized collapsible cage for me, to use as an evacuation cage, and I found the cost to be comparable to the sizes they already offered. I wasn't charged any outrageous "custom" fees or anything. I just needed a cage about 4" longer and 2" more narrow than any they were offering (for my guinea pigs) and they made it for me with no problem. :)

I also wanted to say that I have built a cage before out of melamine pressboard panels and although they were ridiculously heavy, which made them hard to work with, making the actual cage wasn't that difficult. Since you are in Singapore, I suggest you look around and find a suitable medium that is available for you to work with. Maybe you could build the cage frame out of kd pine and use the rolled wire inside the frame?
 
My fiance makes all my cages, he is making one now he is calling to hotel. 6 cages 3 on the bottom 3 on the top big enough for colonies. When it is done I will get some pictures. We (he lol) builds a wooden frame, then puts wire around it. Turns out great they even have lights in some of them. It is easy to do if you are handy.
 
I have self made a cage years ago but it wasnt very successful using KDpine shelfing and wire. I ended up with pee stained and a smelly chewed cage. :hair:

How long can a QC Cage last without rust? 5-10Years?
 
I got on the Klubertanz site last night, and figured a 24 x 24 x 24 cage [I've already 4] with a slide out galv. pan, no cutting, [door excepted] just clip it together.
It came out to $67.30 including the door hardware, but need pricing on 3 bends and shipping,
I used their pre-sized heavy gauged floor material [1 x 1/2] so they can be stacked, and I've assembled/modified cages here, so cutting/installing the door shouldn't be a problem.
Some 1 x 8 KD pine for shelves, and a "hidey house" and I'll be good to go for under $100!
 
I would avoid the melamine pressboard (way too heavy - you'll end up getting rid of it) - so spoiled chins is out. You can still go cheaper with a pine frame and rolled wine or the tile board for sides.
 
I actually have all melamine cages, and I love them! They are heavy, but I just put mine on casters so they are easy to move. Plus, you can't beat the melamine for ease of cleaning and durability. Just make sure any exposed edges are covered with metal, so the chins can't chew them. Melamine is toxic for them if they eat it.
 
anyone tink if I can use a jump hole to connect 2 cage together? Will that works? My cage size I am using around 65cm length and 55cm tall.
 
ppsamm said:
I was planning to do my own cage since i was not able to find large size for my bonded chins. Anyone have experience building their own cages?:)

what are the assembly tools and components needed?
How do we join the piece of wire mesh together?
how do we have smooth, rolled edges of the wire?
how do we attach the door to the cage?
Any Pictures would be great.
Click to expand...

I built my cage and it was very simple! I used KD Pine, rolled wire and ceramic tiles for the flooring. I'd say the overall cost was around $80. I really like it because it's safe for the boys to chew on and I can easily replace any wood part if necessary. Here's a pic:

DSC00523.jpg


Top
DSC00521.jpg


Bottom
DSC00522.jpg


I'd be happy to answer any questions!!
 
Thats a very nice cage! I wish I could take the time to build my own! Maybe one day
 
We have a cage we built ourselves, and did two jumpholes in between the top and the bottom of the cage. It allows access from either the top or the bottom, but if we need to seperate them, as we have already, we can very easily slide a pan in over both of the holes and we are good. So, yes, jump holes are a good idea, In my opinion.
 
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