DO NOT underestimate building your own cage!!!!

[alan]

Hi everyone. I mentioned before that I had intended to construct my own chipmunk friendly cage/enclosure. Little did I know the workload I would take on. At present, I have all my recycled timber, and have it cut down to the appropriate dimensions. I bought all my brass hinges and most importantly, the double locking bolt lock mechanisms. I also bought  about a dozen brass hooks to hold hammocks and the like!!! I think the brass goes well with the wood grain. Considering this cage will be in my bedroom, I want to ensure it is easy on the eye, so with that, can anybody tell me what I can srray/varnish/paint the frame with? Something non toxic to the chips. My own preferences would be a dark wood stain, but again, I dont want to poison the gang.

My next step is to buy the mesh from Ebay. The entire cage is huge, for an indoor bedroom one. 3.5x3.5x7ft. Although I dont mind it taking up space if the chippies are happy. I will have to relocate my guitars though. I know i am the worst in the world for uploading my pics, but I will try tonight. Some of the new chippies, and a few pics on my progress with the cage. Cant wait until its finished

[elliott]

When i painted my cage i bought a big tub from b and q for about 7 or 8 quid. it was there own brand and the colour was red cedar, although there was other colours. just make sure you check the label before buying to see if it's pet safe

[tarcus]

why not go goth and paint the wood black along with the mesh  blackboard paint in wilko/wilkinson none toxic and good value.

[emab]

hi how much is the blackboard paint? cheers

[alan]

Black with the brass sounds good. I think I just might do that. I have the frame all together now and to be honest its huge. Big as a phone box!!! No, stupid is as stupid does, I dont think its gonna fit through the doorway into the house , I really dont want to have to reduce its size, considering that it looks perfect as is. I took lots of pics, but then my phone died. Ill keep you all up to date 

[tarcus]

hi how much is the blackboard paint? cheers

I got a tin big enough to do mine which is 15ftx6ftx6ft and all the mesh for £4:99 wilkinsons

[pitkin03]

Don't buy blackboard paint in spray form as it doesn't cover very much....as I know after 2 cans of the stuff still have a 1ft x 1ft patch missing lol.  I will be getting a tin next time and will come in handy when I get requests for blackboard signs lol

[DaveB]

Hope you don't have to reduce the size Alan, if it's not too big you could always take the door off the hinges.

Thanks for the price on the paint Tarcus,  that's my next job, it's alot better on the eye's when watching the chippies

[Martyn]

HI Alan,
  I would love to see some pics of your avairy plz
             thanks Martyn
                          www.cheekychipmunksse.webs.com

[alan]

Okay, ive been missing for a couple of days, but I have solved my problem with the over sized cage, by halving it. Its still the full size but will bolt together. Im going to try upload pics right now. I got another new chippie yesterday. Wow, she is so so small. I reckon barely 10 weeks old. But she is very friendly. Ill try put pics up now.

[alan]

Okay. They're are a few pics, and Im not finished the cage yet, so bare with me. I built the entire cage from recycled untreated wood. I had to locate the wood, transport it, clean it, remove all staples, nails and padding. The timber originally transported glazed glass, and would have been tossed out. I cut everything down, and started to build my indoor chippie mansion. I carried out all work by myself, with the exception of the brass hinges and locks. My girlf got to choose that!! Its not finished yet, and it is by no means perfect, but I hope the chipmunks like it.

[alan]

At this point i would like to mention that it was only now I realized that the damn cage would not fit through doors. So, hungover, I unwillingly set out to adjust the cage so that it could be mobile and fit... More pics..

[alan]

and more, as you can see, the cage will be bolted together. There is an outside layer of timber to go on yet, over the mesh. You can see where I have begun my terrace of nests, separate from each other but one lid covering all. Ill post more pics as I progress.

[pitkin03]

Wow, that must be solid with all those braces.  Very nice indeed but like you said its surprising how long it takes to knock a frame up so to speak lol.  Your chips should love it though.

[alan]

Well I hope to god they love it, with the work that is involved!!!