Cage Question...

[maherwoman]

Hey guys...

We're planning on building an NIC cage for Bunny, but can't figure out what to do for the floor. We were thinking of creating a plexi-glass pan to sit under the cage (that would also come up about two inches on each side, to help prevent her kicking her bedding out of the cage). The thing I'm wondering is, if we have the bedding in the cage, and the bottom of the cage (being the panels put-together), will this still hurt her feet, or will it be ok?

Another thought...we're not sure what to do about covering the panels that will create the upper levels. We decided on the plexi-glass for under the bottom because we thought Bunny would either get a splinter from the wood, or decide to chew it. We can't go the route of covering it with carpet because she likes to chew the carpet in our bedroom when she's out, and we can't take the chance of her ingesting the fibers. Then we run into the problem of not being able to cover it with more plexi-glass because I'm worried she'll slip around too much. So, what can we cover the upper levels with?

Argh...thanks for your help, guys!

 

[naturestee]

You're putting grids on the floor? There's no need to do that. This is my cage:

I used plywood on top of grids for the shelf, and there's no problem with splinters. They rarely chew on it, but it's safe anyway. The floor has stick-on linoleum tiles. You can find ones with traction if you look hard. Most lino is really slippery. I'm replacing the carpet in my bunny room with lino, and then the cages will go right on the floor.

 

[maherwoman]

So, my bun won't be able to get out if we just put it flat on the plexi-glass? It's something I brought up with my husband last night, but he thought she would be able to get out. ???

I was worried about her slipping around on the plexi, but she'll have her bedding and such. If I find slipping is a problem, I'll cover it with the lino you mentioned.

Another question...would we have to sand down the plywood a little to make sure there aren't any parts of it sticking out or anything? Did you have to do that with yours? Or did you find some that didn't have anything sticking up?

Also, (and this is my second edit...lol), you don't need a ramp or something in-between for them to be able to jump onto the second level? I've noticed a little hesitancy in Bunny wanting to jump too high onto things. It might just be an age thing, though, because I've seen how high she can jump. We have a small cat carrier that sits on the floor as part of her little play area (a little less than a foot high), and she wouldn't jump onto it without a capri-sun box as a go-between level.

Thank you!

 

[naturestee]

I didn't have a problem with the plywood. I checked it all over and didn't find any loose bits.

I don't think the Ladies could lift the cage up if they tried. You can always put a weight on top of it- see mine in the picture? That one is there because the cage was twisting slightly when it was first made. I don't notice it now. I keep the door closed with clips like on a dog leash.

Edit- just saw your ramp question. Some rabbits do better with a ramp or a step/box. I put the shelf slightly below the top of the bottom cube so it's a little lower and easier to get onto. They don't have a problem with jumping, although they did have to get the hang of it.

 

[maherwoman]

Ok, great. Thank you so much for your help here, and all your help with my other questions! Your answers, encouragement, and advice have helped me so much in learning about my beautiful Bunny...thank you so much!

Thank you!