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Post by iamplankton on Dec 15, 2022 4:07:11 GMT -8
So the PawHut is finally finished (just a wooden door knob to be fitted and another small shelf to place a second Silent Runner as they struggle to use the 12” silent spinner). Wanted to share here and note the modifications that have been done to gerbil-proof this cage and make life easier for cleaning etc. All interior wood has been treated with Plastikote and I decided to remove the second shelf for extra digging space. 1) Custom-sized acrylic panels that cover half of the mesh fitted to roof to prevent mesh-chewing and cats attacking gerbils. 2) Aluminium corner profile trim (10mm x 10mm) fitted to all ledges/corners where chewing could occur. 3) Sprung box hasps fitted to secure lid. 4) Continuous piano hinge fitted to lid to provide extra stability. 5) Front panel not screwed in, has instead had mini hinges, spring box hasps and turn latches installed which allows front to be secure but also opens outwards like a cupboard door. Wooden door knob to be fitted. 6) Pull-out base has been nailed in to the cage. 7) Castor wheels have been installed (2 front ones have brakes) in case cage needs moving around. 8) 3D-printed bottle holder screwed to door to hold Midi Crystal water bottle and sand bath acts as a step!
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Post by Markpd on Dec 16, 2022 16:25:33 GMT -8
Looks very nicely done, good job How deep is there bedding? Can we get a better shot of the water bottle holder? Interested to see, and good to hear 3D printers making it to the gerbil world , a friend of mine has a very good one, always tempted to get him to make something, but can rarely think of a good idea! (thanks for all the good photos btw ).
Oh btw, don't they chew the plastic see-saw tube? Seems like tempting fate with that item...
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Post by iamplankton on Dec 17, 2022 1:48:07 GMT -8
So the bedding is still being added to periodically so as to not cause issues (or do you think I should be ok to just dump a big load in and mix it in?) The girls have such a strong bond and absolutely no issues displayed whatsoever. The water bottle holder is the midi version here and screws in to the wood and the bottle pushes in from the top and sits in place beautifully and was just over £6 on eBay: And yes, the seesaw was one that came in a bundle with the Silent Runner and they had started to chew it so that’s been removed.
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Post by Markpd on Dec 17, 2022 8:49:20 GMT -8
I don't recall what the situation is with your girls, so I would stick with whatever advice Lilyanddaisy, betty et al have given you. I thought that tube might be chewed , are they able to reach the bottle holder to chew that? Or are they not interested in it?
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Post by iamplankton on Dec 17, 2022 10:05:10 GMT -8
I don't recall what the situation is with your girls, so I would stick with whatever advice Lilyanddaisy, betty et al have given you. I thought that tube might be chewed , are they able to reach the bottle holder to chew that? Or are they not interested in it? They’re not interested in it and mine are the 4 females I adopted almost a month ago that are 2 mums and a daughter from each of them
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Post by betty on Dec 18, 2022 5:24:44 GMT -8
Wow - that is quite the palace. Great work.
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