Degu's and Cages for them

UPDATE

So Here is a pic of Degu one.


Also i started to build a cage today, Please note my woodworking skills are Zero... So if its terrible please say so :rolleyes:


Started the Cage



various bits for edging and door sliders


Sides, base and back together with bottom bedding keeper iner


The start of the first shelf


Shelf Supported and Bedding keeper in place. The Wood is pine that they can get to, this is so they don't throw the bedding down the front and also so they don't eat the MDF


Diff view to show entrance


Where its at now, The Doors are on show as well.


To put the size on show, Its not small!


I have to leave it outside overnight, Hopefully it doesn't rain, but just in case i covered it up.
Its under a roof overhang anyway so if it does rain only the front will get damp.

Its Measurements are: 110cm x 55cm x 110cm (W, D, H)

Tomorrows plan is:
1. Make roof with mesh for airflow
2. Fit roof
3. Apply Protective layer on each level to stop Degus attacking MDF
4. Figure out how to fit the Sliders for doors
5. Fit the sliders
6. Make ladder / walkway to each level (using pine or various sticks that are Degu Safe)
7. Makes sure all screws are tight.
8. Take inside
9. Fill with Bedding, and other Degu stuff
10. Stick them in.

Then all i need to do is wait for the Sticker stuff to make it look like the rest of the furniture in the house as MDF looks horrible.
 
Looks good - personally I'd add in inclines for them to climb up as well as ladders. How much space is in between each layer? Is there space for a wheel, around 11 inches diameter?
 
Many times I see Degus shut up in some tiny cage meant for Rats, so I'm very glad to see someone getting a cage that is a good size for them.
 
-westy- said:
Looks good - personally I'd add in inclines for them to climb up as well as ladders. How much space is in between each layer? Is there space for a wheel, around 11 inches diameter?
Click to expand...
Thats something i plan to do today, I need to get some more pine for this though, I was thinking about one long ramp for maximum running speed or a set of steps on the side going from 1 level to the next.

CasKirensys said:
Many times I see Degus shut up in some tiny cage meant for Rats, so I'm very glad to see someone getting a cage that is a good size for them.
Click to expand...
:D mee too!

Pestilence said:
How long do Degus generally live? Our chinchillas have been with us for 11 years now, grumpy buggers they are, though.
Click to expand...

Well it can depend on how well they are kept, Max seems to be 9 years, But generally they live till 6 years old. if they are Lonely or kept badly then this can be reduced by a large percentage.
This is one of the reasons i am building this cage, I wish for mine to live as long as possible so i will give them a cage to be proud of.
 
Cage is looking awesome!
We have a 2 tier mesh style one similar to -westy- but bought from internet as it was miles cheaper. We only have one degu as he is adopted from p@h and doesn't get on with other degu's.
One idea for the build would to be to have either the top open up with a way for them to climb out or a small door for them as you will never pick them up as you would a rat, you have to either scoop or let them come to you.
Our cage is in the living room next to where my missus always sits, she just opens the lid (he can jump straight onto the couch) an he comes out for cuddles/tickles/attention/laze around on her arm :P.

Cool pets, take a bit of time but they become very soft and well trained and ours responds to his name and simple instructions. Enjoy!
 
Interested in how this build turns out :)

Had gerbils as a kid, and now I'm looking for something for my kid...narrowed it down to mammals or reptiles...lol
 
We have 2 Degus - unfortunately they have separate cages, as they started to fight when they were a few months old - however we always have the cages right next to each other, so they chitter through the bars at each other, its war if they're put together :p

Finch:

POsbjfw.jpg


Jim:

SBlBFB3.jpg


They also like sleeping in hoods - he stayed like this for a couple of hours :D

7hXmreK.jpg


:)
 
I can top that..

We had a capybara in the house with us for a few weeks, it's mother had abandoned it, so we were bottle feeding it at night until it was big enough to rely just on day time feeds

milk.jpg


Awesome little thing, bloody huge now!
 
Ah i didnt see those last 2 posts!

So cute!

here are some pics of my new cage :D

from building to end.


Getting there


ooh a shelf


You have to protect them from MDF so KD Pine put on edges


Three levels and the doors


Put together with doors on


Old cage vs new for comparison


Aww look! They like the cage (i think)


Hiding next to wheel


Fun for them


Here is Milka




Now then, I changed a lot here, I put Vinyl on each level so that the pee wouldnt ruin the MDF and changed the levels

Here is a climbing ladder for them


Metal ring protects them from MDF


More holes




More ladders




They dont fancy climbing? well they can use the steps!


Full view




Ahh look Biscuit is using ladder!


Thats it for now :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom