How do you make a split cage?

[Cornflakes4ever]

I am going to use the split cage method and did make a split cage, but it doesn't work. I tried it with the gerbils I have and they toar it down. What are the demensions and the materials I need to make one? I have gone all around the internet to find one, but there is no site I can find that has the demensions, but some sites do have the material wich I already have!! I already *think* I know how to use the method, I have read about it in various places. Please Help!

[andreaS15]

I think you need to tell us first what size tank you are using to do this.

I know there are a few sites, if you look back in some other posts here I'm sure it will help give you more ideas.

[callimico]

Who were you trying to introduce to who, and what gender are they? This site will explain in detail how to build a split-cage, if you click the picture it will show more close ups http://homepage.mac.com/kyleekay/tip-of-the-week/tip053103.html

[critterfan]

callmico: you don't need the hinged top.

[callimico]

what hinged top? All my split-cages have been with 20 longs and a diagonal divider that I used this site to help build (I didn't copy it exactly, but used their ideas to improvise my own). My tops are all mesh lids, or locking lids that allow tubes, they've always worked well for me.

[Zouave]

callmico: you don't need the hinged top.

You'd better have some sort of top as I had a gerbil climb straight up the mesh of the split screen and escape, for awhile.

Ever try art supply stores? They may have frames of exactly the right size that you can staple some mesh to.

[Lacre]

I have 30 gallon tubs that have locking lids. I cut the lids out and put the mesh over the giant holes. I poked tiny holes all the way done the sides and fastened the mesh barrier with bread ties that tied from the outside so there was no chance of chewing them. The tubs worked perfectly plus they are so deep my gerbils love to dig and tunnel down in them. Remember I had an emergency and a budget so Wal-Mart had to supply me quickly with what I could get my hands on. Soon my new babies will get big tanks maybe 20 to 30 gallon palaces,lol. But that crappy set up I made worked perfect!

[Zouave]

"Crappy"? Sound a lot better than I could do, if I had the time to get all that stuff and then make it.

[Zouave]

I have 30 gallon tubs that have locking lids. I cut the lids out and put the mesh over the giant holes. I poked tiny holes all the way done the sides and fastened the mesh barrier with bread ties that tied from the outside so there was no chance of chewing them. The tubs worked perfectly plus they are so deep my gerbils love to dig and tunnel down in them. . .


Wait a minute. . . how do you prevent the gerbils from squeezing UNDER the mesh at the bottom?

[Lacre]

Wait a minute. . . how do you prevent the gerbils from squeezing UNDER the mesh at the bottom?

I did the bread tie trick along the bottom as well.

[critterfan]

You'd better have some sort of top as I had a gerbil climb straight up the mesh of the split screen and escape, for awhile.

Ever try art supply stores? They may have frames of exactly the right size that you can staple some mesh to.

Of course you need a top! I meant you don't need a hinged top as I saw on the web site.

[Jiffykat]

When I made my split cage thing, I ended up making it a little too narrow and was worried that they would be able to get at eachother, but so far, they haven't figured out if they shoved together, they could push it almost far enough to get through if they really squooshed. I am so excited, because they seem to be doing really well so far.

[Lacre]

Thats good Jiffykat! Good luck with them!

[Jiffykat]

Thank you..