Changing cages

[ladysown]

okay new cages will run me $1900 for what I have now.

I can't afford that new.
BUT I want to change how I have my rabbits housed.

As much as I like having the long connected cages, they are a PAIN to clean. If I want to clean ONE cage then I need to take out three/four cages (a section) at once.

So I thought of getting stackers...but many stackers are connected so they won't slide off each other. I don't want that either.

I want to be able to build a rack that I can slide a cage on to so I am just taking out one cage at a time as I have need.

building the rack will run me about $100 or so (I have scrap wood and nails/screws etc).

So I had the brain storm this morning of perhaps using my old cages and just cutting them apart or something. buying the ends (cost $1 each). But then I just need to cut the bases down to fit the sizes that I want. Figuring those side walls will cost $10 by the time I'm done (I have some already that I didn't use).

I can use coroplast or plexi glass as urine guards.

My biggest problem will be the pans....I need to price out what pans are. $10 each for 24 x 30, $13 for 24 x 36 so about $300 for trays unless I can figure something else out.

So what do you think? is it doable? can cages be successfully renovated?

 

[skysthelimit]

I am thinking the same thing. Th units made it easy to build a frame, but impossible for me to move or clean without dismantling the whole barn. And the stacker is a heavy pain. Pans for me would be more like $20 for a 24x24.

But if you can, I would do it, and at some point I will.

 

[coffeenutdesigns]

Where are y'all finding pans for those prices? I could use more pans, especially for the stackers I'm refurbishing, but all I find are more expensive.

 

[akane]

Metal bass equipment pans are only like $12. We are getting 2 for our chin cage with half eaten plastic pans and 2 custom ones to modify our large bird cage in to another chin cage. All for less than $15 each. Their plastic pans though are more like $20.

 

[grumpy]

Ladysown:

Yes...it's doable. You'll lose that one small space where you make the cut.
30X30....29X30...no big deal. You could even run waterlines behind the cages.
And attach them to the framing itself. It can work!!

The trays...Not quite sure about those. You could build them?? (dunno)
They've got an epoxy paint out that water-proofs wood.
Make a few extra to put in and wash out the old...then let them dry.

I've never done trays.. When I used multiple rows,
I always slanted them to the rear.

 

[ckcs]

Since most cages are made of separate panels I would think you could cut them and cap the ends. Redesigning when you have a budget sucks. I make my 28" x 28" pans from corrugated plastic sheets for $7 a piece. Your prices for pans seems very good so for the few dollars saving I'd be buying them.

Possibly you can come up with a plan that allows you to build the type of setup that you really want in stages. My biggest headache about raising rabbits is cleaning always seems to be as hard as it can be. Something that should take minutes with proper equipment and layout, takes me hours.

 

[skysthelimit]

. My biggest headache about raising rabbits is cleaning always seems to be as hard as it can be. Something that should take minutes with proper equipment and layout, takes me hours.

So true, and since I have a concrete floor, it just cannot be allowed to fall to the floor. I can't get what I need to get the slope right, had to go back to trays. What I'd give for some of those flush clean trays.