Mammal cages

You can keep a small mammal in a glass box with a wire top, like the one made for a terrarium or you can make a wood and screen box type. Another cage type would be made of small bamboo slats tied together to make sides, floor and top. Whichever you use, there must be a dish for water, a climbing branch, a small nest box or hollow log to hide in. Old newspapers, wood chips or straw should be provided for nesting material.

This wood and screen cage has a removable top, and should be large enough for two mouse-sized animals. It can be increased or reduced in size depending on your animal. Sizes of wood strips are approximate.

Materials needed:

- 8 pieces of wood 2 cm x 5 cm x55 cm

- 8 pieces of wood 2 cm x 5 cm x35 cm

- 8 pieces of wood 2 cm x 5 cm x 25 cm

- 4 pieces of wood 2 cm x 3 cm 3 28 cm

- 2 pieces of wire screen 40 cm x 60 cm

- 2 pieces of wire screen 30 cm x 60 cm

- 2 pieces of wire screen 30 cm x 40 cm

- nails & hammer

Procedure:

1. For the top:

2 pieces of wood 2 cm x 5 cm x 55 cm

2 pieces of wood 2 cm x 5 cm x 35 cm

1 piece of wire screen 60 cm x 40 cm

nail the four pieces of wood together as shown, and attach the wire screen with small nails pounded in and hammered sideways to lie over the screen.

Nail the four pieces of wood together

2. For the bottom: proceed as for the top.

3. For the front:

2 pieces of wood 2 cm x 5 cm x 55 cm

2 pieces of wood 2 cm x 5 cm x 35 cm

1 piece of wire screen 60 cm x 30 cm

nail the four pieces of wood together as shown, and attach the wire screen with small nails pounded in and hammered sideways to lie over the screen.

4. For the back: proceed as for the front

5. For each side:

2 pieces of wood 2 cm x 5 cm x 35 cm

2 pieces of wood 2 cm x 5 cm x 25 cm

1 piece of wire screen 30 cm x 40 cm

nail the four pieces of wood together as before, and attach the wire screen with small nails pounded in and hammered sideways to lie over the screen.

6. Nail the two completed sides to the completed front and back.

7. Nail the bottom to the sides, front and back as shown.

Nail the bottom to the sides, front and back

8. Nail a piece of wood 2 cm x 3 cm 3 28 cm in each corner for bracing and support

Nail a piece of wood in each corner for bracing and support

9. Lay top on completed cage. It could be hinged on, if desired.

The Cage