Attaching Wiring/Bars to a Cage

MissHinasaki · Aug 5, 2009

I'm planning on getting a Super Pet Ferret Home ( http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753322&lmdn=Pet+Type ) and instead of attaching hardware cloth I was thinking about adding more wires to create a smaller bar spacing and then use epoxy paint to recoat it (since that's what it's originally coated in).

I was wondering if 1. this was possible/feasible since it would be more permanent and more aesthetically appealing than hardware cloth, 2. it's okay to use epoxy paint. I was just assuming it was since that's what they coat a lot of cages in, and 3. worth the effort. I know that it would probably be a lot more work than just attaching hardware cloth but if I did it once, I would never have to do it again and seems overall a bit safer than applying 1/2 x 1/2 mesh.

I was also thinking about adding shelving to it and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a good way to go about it or what kinds of materials I should use.

Corpseflower · Aug 5, 2009

Well, I think making bars would be incredibly difficult and time consuming, personally.

I have this cage, I bought a set of corner shelves from the Dollar General for 6 dollars so now it has three extra corner shelves. And strung up some baskets as well which have made great extra levels.

It really is a great cage if you find a way to deal with the bar spacing.

MissHinasaki · Aug 5, 2009

I don't think it would be too much more difficult then bending the wire around with a pliers, soldering it a bit, and then painting it. I have a lot of time on my hands right now so I kinda feel like building something.

If I just put hardware cloth on it would epoxy coating it still work? All I can seem to find around here is galvanized.

Lea · Aug 6, 2009

LOL you're even worse than I am, even I didn't consider adding individual wires--it's an interesting idea though. I've been scheming on how I'm going to make a big cage -- I'm adding a post about it in the other thread, the one about 1/2 X 1 mesh.

MissHinasaki · Aug 6, 2009

lol. We're both so ridiculous.

this_wallflower · Aug 7, 2009

I'm probably getting the same cage and I was just going to add another vertical wire down each of the "panels" on the sides. I think it's four on each side, with that one side having some "pieces" to work around the door. I don't THINK that it'd be wide enough for them to squeeze through, other than to stick their noses out. But I dunno. My boys are pretty small right now and they'll have to grow a bit before I purchase that.

MissHinasaki · Aug 7, 2009

The bars have a 1 inch spacing so that would be pretty wide for babies. :-\

Gabrielle B · Aug 7, 2009

Have you considered the fact that rats still may be able to push through the wire because it will be flexible......

MissHinasaki · Aug 8, 2009

I'm using some pretty tough stuff. I might actually have to hammer it out to straighten it even. I'm thinking I'll have to put some hardware cloth on it for now because I think modifying my cage is going to be a long term project (although I did find out that it would be a bit cheaper than I thought!).

What kind of hardware cloth is good? Is any hardware cloth that isn't galvanized good, or does it have to be coated in something specific?

Lea · Aug 8, 2009

Better make sure the solder isn't toxic too.

Attaching Wiring/Bars to a Cage

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