Wow, that sounds like a great project! Hope to see pictures once you finish it! I would probably contact the local paint stores/Home Depot type places and ask if they carry non-toxic paint that is safe for pets/kids? That is the only thing I can think of. Anyone else have some good suggestions?
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I think you'll find this site tremendously useful:
http://www.dapper.com.au/grotto.htm
They have built their own cage from a bookshelf, and they didn't use paint for this particular one. Instead, they used adhesive contact sheeting. She does say, though, that you could do a non-toxic water-based paint, but I think you'd soon get the urine soaking through, and you won't be able to prevent the wood from getting bad because of that. I'd go with adhesive contact paper--perhaps a couple of layers--to cover the entire surface that they will come into contact with.
Here are the specific construction instructions:
http://www.dapper.com.au/cagebuild.htm
I love this cage!! I think it would be a fabulous project. Be sure to post photos to show your progress--I'd very much like to see the process of building it!
http://www.dapper.com.au/grotto.htm
They have built their own cage from a bookshelf, and they didn't use paint for this particular one. Instead, they used adhesive contact sheeting. She does say, though, that you could do a non-toxic water-based paint, but I think you'd soon get the urine soaking through, and you won't be able to prevent the wood from getting bad because of that. I'd go with adhesive contact paper--perhaps a couple of layers--to cover the entire surface that they will come into contact with.
Here are the specific construction instructions:
http://www.dapper.com.au/cagebuild.htm
I love this cage!! I think it would be a fabulous project. Be sure to post photos to show your progress--I'd very much like to see the process of building it!
Hmm, that might work? I guess you would have to test it out and see if weight holds with snaps? Just as an extra help, in case you find anything useful with this, here is a link with photos you might like to look at regarding construction and hammock/toy ideas for rats. Fun site.
http://www.80stoysale.com/rathouses.html
http://www.80stoysale.com/rathouses.html
One thing I noticed on the dapper rat site is that they used metal eye hooks actually screwed in place into the cabinet itself, which they then used to attach the hammocks to the cage. Something like this:
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They are safe, provided they are securely screwed into the wood, and they are certainly stable enough to hold rat weight.
They are safe, provided they are securely screwed into the wood, and they are certainly stable enough to hold rat weight.
This is the dresser we're going to convert. I've decided the top level will be a solid floor with a small door to climb down a ladder to the next level. THAT level won't be as deep so they can climb the wire from the level below to get onto the shelf. The level below is going to be a HALF level with a hammock on the other side, the level below that a full floor with another hole/ladder and the BOTTOM level a solid floor. =D We still have to remove the middle chunks of wood so we can have level floors, and of course paint it before we start the building process - it may take a few weeks until it's done but I will be uploading pictures as we go.
Awesome! I'm so excited to see the in-progress photos!
Leaving a drawer in could be really handy! Most cages I've seen have used the bottom space for storage, so I might be inclined to leave the bottom drawer in place, but you should do whichever you think would be easiest for the construction process!
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