Getting prepared!

[JC-love]

So, I am starting the process of getting things done and ready for the new bunnies!

I added a picture of the space I am working with. It's about 7'X3 1/2' (excuse the mess, we never fully arranged and unpacked from moving in over a yr ago.. lol)

My original plan was to build a NIC type cage. But that has changed. We have a 20+lb cat (picture below, such a big boy lol) That LOVES to lay on everything he can jump up on. So I started worrying that the grids might not hold up to his weight (he is definately not a light footer) and didn't want him to crush the babies.

So, I am either going to buy a big cage or build one out of wood and wire. I am also going to get a xpen for them to have plenty of out time, no matter which route I go. Since I am home pretty much all day, they will have lots of time out of the cage

Our first step will be to clean out the space this weekend, and get the supplies (if we build it) If we don't build it, I will be picking up a cage on the 21st.

The babies aren't ready to leave their mommy just yet, got a few more weeks to go. But we are getting things going so we will be ready :happybunny:

 

[Bville]

An extra large dog crate makes a good sturdy cage. You can build a shelf in it for a small second level and attach an exercise pen to it for when you open the door.

 

[JC-love]

I never thought about using a dog cage, I will check on prices and have to see what the better route for us will be.

thank you for the idea!

 

[Imbrium]

For what it's worth, I have a 2 grid wide x 4 long x 5 high NIC condo with three levels... I've got 2-grid-wide doors in the middle of the front on all three levels (so only the very top pair of grids in those columns are secured together) - in other words, just inside the "doorway" on the upper levels is by far the where the structural weak points are in my condo (though I do have dowels reinforcing things a bit). I also have flimsy coroplast floors (as opposed to something that would add a lot of weight-bearing support, like hardwood plywood). Earlier this morning, I put a mostly full bag of wood pellets (ie a sack weighing 30+ pounds) just inside the doorway on the very top level before I could think better of it... and the condo took it like a champ. That's with just two zip-ties (4''/rated for 18 lbs) holding together each seam between two panels, too.

In other words, if a NIC condo is your top choice, you can absolutely make one that can safely support a 20 lb cat. An extra zip-tie per seam and 1/4'' or thicker hardwood plywood (not softwood like pine, as that's unsafe for bunns unless kiln-dried) and even a massive condo wouldn't bat an eye over your cat going in there .

 

[Imbrium]

Oh, and here's a pic of my condo, for visual reference:

 

[JC-love]

Well now I may just stick to my original plan then lol Thank you!

 

[lovelops]

Oh, and here's a pic of my condo, for visual reference:

You do great work. I wish I had your engineering skills. I couldn't even get the cat play house together for my buns. My husband had to put it together!

Vanessa