Olivander's big boy cage in progress

[maryanne27]

So I asked my dad to build a cage for me and he did a wonderful job.... A little off-plan and bigger than expected, but it rocks! This thing is 4 feet high and about 2x2.5 feet inside. The top is removable like a lid, the cage is removable from the stand, and the stand is a cupboard to house the drainage system he came up with.

I cut a branch that had fallen in my yard and I plan to attach live plants and fake vines to fill it out like a tree. I also put dowels along the sides and back to attach vines and branches so he has plenty to do!

However, since he is still kinda small because he is only 3.5 months, it will be a little while before he can move in. Plenty of time for me to fill it up with plants and fun stuff!! Plus we just painted the room he is in and the green looks AWESOME.

It drains into an old refrigerator drawer!!

 

[Lathis]

Looks very nice!

 

[Nicholasdeaan]

Have him build me a few eh? Lol Looks great!

 

[maryanne27]

FINALLY!!!! Olivander is still sort of small - just shy of 5 months old, weighing in at 21 grams today. I feel like I could have waited another month or two to put him in the big new cage, but his small one was having issues. It was old and partitioned off for his younger self. I started having drainage issues and cleanliness was hard to maintain. Also, I noticed that he spent a lot of time roaming the screen sides, so i figured he might be getting restless in there. So to save my floors and prevent health issues, I decided to spend my day off switching things over!

I added some plastic to the outside of the screen on the three sides to keep humidity up and prevent misting my walls. I attached some hooks to hang plants, and got 7 live plants placed in various places. Then I added some natural branches, followed by his fake vines. The Arcadia light fits perfectly, and I was able to attach the power strip to the back of the cage. The mistking reservoir will sit beside it when I get it fully hooked up in an hour. Plus all of my accessories fit nicely in the cupboard underneath with the drainage drawer! I'm so excited that Oli will have more room to roam, and everything will look nice and contained. Woo!!!

Plants first...

Then branches...

A little reluctant to get in...

Finished and in!

Let's check this out...

I think we're happy

 

[guanagator]

Awesome set up! What did your dad seal the wood with? I use so much water on my quads I'm going to use composite trim boards for the frame of my next DIY.

 

[maryanne27]

Awesome set up! What did your dad seal the wood with? I use so much water on my quads I'm going to use composite trim boards for the frame of my next DIY.

Oh that's a good idea! I honestly have no idea what he used. Hahaha I told him it needs to be pet safe and able to handle being wet the majority of the time. I believe there was outdoor sealant and butcher's block seal (mineral oil?) involved but I don't know what order, brand, or amount. I tried to be involved but he was bored and just sort of ran with it before I could get to his house to help!

 

[Fiona's Mom]

Beautiful! You have a great Dad obviously. I like the refrigerator drawer...that was really thinking outside the box. Love it!

 

[WAMBO]

Very nice! Well done.