Post by Manix on Jan 19, 2005 6:53:08 GMT -8
I'm trying to resolve a few issues with the gerb.'s current tank setup. I need some help approaching this issue.
Some of you may have seen these at the pet store: www.petcarecentral.com/sp-60003.html
It comes with three platforms, two ramps, one bowl, one water bottle, and a house. All plastic. I trashed all but the platforms.
Currently, I've been cutting a piece of sturdy cardboard and making a second floor. The three platforms provide support for the floor and the hole (for the bowl the tank topper came with) that's located on one of the three platforms is the perfect size for a straight tube. Thus allowing access to the 2nd floor without taking up alot of space. While I like this idea, and it easily gives the gerbils more room and ventalation (maybe LESS ventalation on the tank portion), It creates a few messy prolems. Eventually, the carboard needs replacing. The only way to access the cardboard floor is through the bottom of the tank topper (the top portion has a small door only). SO, this means I have to remove the plat forms. Not so bad really, if they didn't snap in to begin with. This leaves me struggling with the entire setup.
What would be nice, would be to have a floor that did not rely on the platforms. Perhaps something hinged to one side of the cage and locks in place on the other. That way when it needed cleaning I could simply unlock one side, swing the floor down, wipe it clean, then lock it back in place. This could be done, but my next and more pressing problem is what has me puzzled.
To keep the upper portion fairly clean, bedding is a must. The 2nd floor is, by far, the gerb.s favorite place to be. It naturally fouls up much quicker. The problem is obvious, there is nothing there to keep the bedding IN the cage. I've tried lining the lower half of the tank topper with something to help keep the bedding in. Unfortunatly, there is always a gap on the inside of the cage, between the floor and the bars. The bedding still manages to make a large mess. Add some sand to this from the sand bath and I have a very gritty filthy floor surrounding the tank that must be vaccuumed on a daily basis.
I'm close to eliminating the sand problem but the bedding problem is still there. I've bought some aluminium screen for doors and windows that should fix the worst of the problem if I line the INSIDE of the cage portion with it. It should also keep fairly good ventalation. My question is how to best apply it? I'd rather not waste it by trial and error. If I know how to apply it, then I can cut a pattern for it. I've never worked with screen before though. Tips and advise are what I'm looking for. I need a solid plan before making an even larger mess!
Things I need to keep in mind are how to use and apply the screen in a fashion that will not pose a threat the gerb.s trying to climb or chew on it. Oh yes, on elast thing. I've considered using the fine meshed screen as a possible floor medium. If the gerbils spend most of their time on it. Will it hurt their feet?
Thanks for any ideas and advise!
Some of you may have seen these at the pet store: www.petcarecentral.com/sp-60003.html
It comes with three platforms, two ramps, one bowl, one water bottle, and a house. All plastic. I trashed all but the platforms.
Currently, I've been cutting a piece of sturdy cardboard and making a second floor. The three platforms provide support for the floor and the hole (for the bowl the tank topper came with) that's located on one of the three platforms is the perfect size for a straight tube. Thus allowing access to the 2nd floor without taking up alot of space. While I like this idea, and it easily gives the gerbils more room and ventalation (maybe LESS ventalation on the tank portion), It creates a few messy prolems. Eventually, the carboard needs replacing. The only way to access the cardboard floor is through the bottom of the tank topper (the top portion has a small door only). SO, this means I have to remove the plat forms. Not so bad really, if they didn't snap in to begin with. This leaves me struggling with the entire setup.
What would be nice, would be to have a floor that did not rely on the platforms. Perhaps something hinged to one side of the cage and locks in place on the other. That way when it needed cleaning I could simply unlock one side, swing the floor down, wipe it clean, then lock it back in place. This could be done, but my next and more pressing problem is what has me puzzled.
To keep the upper portion fairly clean, bedding is a must. The 2nd floor is, by far, the gerb.s favorite place to be. It naturally fouls up much quicker. The problem is obvious, there is nothing there to keep the bedding IN the cage. I've tried lining the lower half of the tank topper with something to help keep the bedding in. Unfortunatly, there is always a gap on the inside of the cage, between the floor and the bars. The bedding still manages to make a large mess. Add some sand to this from the sand bath and I have a very gritty filthy floor surrounding the tank that must be vaccuumed on a daily basis.
I'm close to eliminating the sand problem but the bedding problem is still there. I've bought some aluminium screen for doors and windows that should fix the worst of the problem if I line the INSIDE of the cage portion with it. It should also keep fairly good ventalation. My question is how to best apply it? I'd rather not waste it by trial and error. If I know how to apply it, then I can cut a pattern for it. I've never worked with screen before though. Tips and advise are what I'm looking for. I need a solid plan before making an even larger mess!
Things I need to keep in mind are how to use and apply the screen in a fashion that will not pose a threat the gerb.s trying to climb or chew on it. Oh yes, on elast thing. I've considered using the fine meshed screen as a possible floor medium. If the gerbils spend most of their time on it. Will it hurt their feet?
Thanks for any ideas and advise!
. I;m guessing it's the wire diameter. If your gerbils don't chew it, then there isn't a problem, though.