Cost of Building a Cage?

[PaperMoon]

For those of you out there who built your own cage, how much approximately does it cost?

I want to compare the cost/time to make a cage vs to buy a FN.....

Please and thank yous!!

 

[EveningChin]

I thought about it for a while but when it came down to it I went with the fn. It was that with all the materials and time and the design it was just too much.

But look at http://klubertanz.com/ Great prices and they will cut it to size for you.

 

[Huffnpoof]

For my 2x3x3 ft cage it cost approximately $125. I messed up on a few of the pieces, but overall it's about the amount. It will also depend on the trimmings you want, such as wheels, type of lock, handle bars, ect. It was expensive and not completely perfect, but IMO totally worth it. I love the look of it.

 

[Sheri]

I do my own cages. For a 2 cage stack of 2'x2'x30" (each cage is this) it costs me about $100 for everything. Total time for build is about 2 1/2 to 3hours.

Most of that time is building the door and putting on hardware. I used a program on my puter that I use to do basic home design to plan it out.

 

[PaperMoon]

what about some pros/cons for building vs buying? like portability? a cage you can just take apart easily...whereas one that you build may be huge and not so easy to move around....by moving around i mean taking apart without having to tear out the screws and stuff....

 

[EveningChin]

If you are still comparing it to the the fn thats a hard choice. The FN single unit will fit in the backseat of my car but there is some disassembly involved to do so. But if you made yours you could design it to be easily esperated in to peices that would fit easily into your car (would become more expensive). I did this with the design I made, if you would like the blue prints let me know. It was stackable and made to fit in a corner and that backseat of a small car. The fn 141 would fit in the back of a large car but the legs/casters seem like a hazard I wouldn't take but they are easy to take it apart (in my opinion) and I have cat carriers for the trip.

Hope thats helpfull.

 

[Spoof]

Pro's of a wood cage are that you get to design/put it together yourself.

Most will run you (first time startup) around $150 for a 2 x 2 x 3. I don't know how building savvy you are, but I'll assume you don't have the tools, hinges, screws, little things laying around (unless you do, then it will be half that). Each consecutive cage afterwards would be considerably cheaper. Factor in the cost of gas/truck to go get the wood/shelving unit or whatever you are going to use.

With the FN - lighter, more portable - 'instant' - everything will work when it arrives. Easier and takes less time of course.

 

[Anne-Lise]

I build a cage myself. Then bought a FN. My choice: BUY a cage. It is much stronger, no wood (they'll find a way to chew believe me) and metal and wire is just too easy to clean compare to wood. I tried both and I'll continue buying cages.

 

[chins1222]

i think it is easier to buy as well
making one does take some time and tools
also they are usually heavier and harder to move imo

they can get chewed up and ruined which means you have to replace parts

and if you made a cage that was the same size of a ferret nation i think it would be ablout the same price especially if you get the ferret nation for around 160-180

 

[soqrbrad]

I am in the process of building one. Dimensions are about 6 ft. high by 32" wide by 16" deep.

I am using a converted melamine shelving unit I found on craigslist. Cost breakdown is as follows:

Shelving unit: $25
Lumber: ~ $35
Metal linings to protect Melamine: ~10
Screws ~ $6
Wire mesh ~ $20

Total cost: Under $100

We also used the Brad nailer and finishing nailer guns that belong to my girlfriend's dad but the cost of those nails are pretty negligible.

I have pictures of the cage process but I didn't have enough time to transfer them from the camera to the computer but I promise this week they will be up in the chin housing and supplies section. I promise.

 

[Chinniechantel]

My main thing is- you can use a FN forever, but a homemade cage really only lasts about 2-3 years, IME. You need to replace the bottom, some of the walls, it is SO heavy, and hard to put toys, water bottle, etc.

I love my FN cages, just so much easier!