What cage should a degu have?
Often the owners of the Chilean squirrel are tormented by the question of what should be the ideal cage for degus: so that the pet is comfortable, and it serves for a long time, and it would not be difficult to clean it. The choice of housing for a small fidget has its own characteristics. For example, it is better not to opt for wooden models, because a degu is a rodent, and it costs nothing for him to gnaw through a wooden wall. In our article, we will discuss how to choose a cage for such a pet.
Degu is one of the most intelligent and active rodents. Cages for a guinea pig or a chinchilla will not be enough for him. This fluffy baby loves to run huge distances, so the design must be wide and high enough, and also accommodate several tiers or shelves.
The optimal cage size for one (maximum two) degu is 120*50*100 cm. A smaller cage is a bad choice, as it will be cramped and uncomfortable for a moving pet.
It is worth paying attention to the material from which the new pet home will be made. The ideal option would be a one-piece metal construction.
When choosing a metal frame, consider its density and thickness. It will not be difficult for a degu to have a bite of thin rods and get out for a walk around the house. The bottom of the cage is also made of metal mesh, under which the pallet is mounted. The removable tray will help keep the cage clean.
In the cage you need to place a drinking bowl, a feeder, a mineral stone, houses, a bath with sand and toys. In the house, the pet will be able to relax, and in the bath to wash and clean his beautiful fur coat. Toys can be a jogging wheel, swings, ladders and a hammock, shelves and perches installed at different levels. For greater pet joy, place tree branches in the cage. Be sure to put cleaned hay and filler (for example, corn) in the cage. Degu will be happy to dig into them and put them in “order” at his discretion.
It is not always possible to find a cage suitable for a pet degu in a store. It’s not scary: if you want to build an ideal cage, you can do it yourself. What parameters should it have?
The pet’s cage is built taking into account its temperament and natural instincts. Since the animal spends most of its time in motion, the cage should also be very spacious.
How to calculate the dimensions of the cell?
For two degus, the approximate construction area should be 13 cm000.
Three fidgets will need a cage with an area of 17 cm000.
Four squirrels will be comfortable in a 20 cm000 cage.
The volume of 24 cm000 is enough for five pets.
On an area of 27 cm000, six squirrels can comfortably live.
In the calculations we take into account:
With a floor length of 1 meter and a width of 0,5 meters, the cell area will be approximately 5000 cm2.
If a shelf 60 cm long is located on the side wall, then the area of u3000buXNUMXbthe cell corresponds to XNUMX cm2.
If the structure has a level 1 m long and 50 cm wide, then the area of u5bu000bthe territory of the degu will be XNUMX cm2.
In a two-tier structure with one shelf, the area will be 13000 cm2. This area will be enough for two inhabitants of the cage.
When building a cell independently, the following criteria must be taken into account:
For two squirrels, the height of the cage should be within 1 – 1,5 meters.
The distance between tiers and shelves withstands the criterion of no more than 35 cm (for adults, the distance can be increased to 50 cm). This will help prevent injury in the event of a fall.
The distance between the bars should correspond to 1 cm (0,5 cm for puppies).
The material for the construction of the cage can serve as a metal mesh and lining. The frame can be built from lining or special metal fittings sold at a hardware store. We recommend building tiers and shelves from lining. On a mesh surface, the animal runs the risk of injuring its paws: they are very sensitive in rodents.
For the construction of the cage, lining made of ash, maple, mountain ash, walnut or cherry is used. The wood of these tree species is quite hard, so the cage will last much longer.
You will also need:
Chrome-plated or galvanized mesh.
Metal corner or lining.
Plexiglas is suitable for the door.
Screws and wire are used to fasten the elements.
Before starting construction, it is necessary to draw up a drawing of the future house, including all the shelves and tiers in it.
Lastly, the top and pallet are installed.
If you approach the construction of the cell deliberately and responsibly, you will not have to doubt its quality. And maybe even save money!
Remember that the degu cage should be spacious and tiered. The comfort of the pet, the quality of his life and, accordingly, health will depend on this.
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