FN vs. CN cage...

[broderp]

FN cage
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

CN cage
http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Critt...1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1295796378&sr=1-1

I know that the FN cage is popular, but what is the biffernce between it an the CN (Critter Nation) cage? They seem to be the same manufacturer, and size. From what I can see, the only difference is in the horizontal wire vs. the vertical, and the price.

I'm assuming they both have the same flexibility, add a level, close off the top cage or make one two story cage etc.

Is there any advatage of obe over the other? Why the price difference? Its tax time, and I'd like to get our babys a better cage.

 

[GorillaJTA]

The biggest differences in FN vs CN that the FN has wider bar spacing, which is great for scritches through the cage, but not baby safe. The FN also requires bolts and connectors to be put together while the CN is made to just slide together.

 

[broderp]

The biggest differences in FN vs CN that the FN has wider bar spacing, which is great for scritches through the cage, but not baby safe. The FN also requires bolts and connectors to be put together while the CN is made to just slide together.

Does the construction of the FN, with bolts make it any sturdier? Also, do the vertcal wires of the FN make shelf placement (wood shelves) difficult or less safe as if something comes loose, the shelf can slide down?

 

[GorillaJTA]

No. The CN is made just as sturdy as the FN. As for shelves. I have not had any problems as I usually install them where a vertical/horizontal intersect.

 

[mistywaterwoman]

I like the FN bar spacing better as it allows for scritches through the bars.

 

[Chin_Up_Sunshine]

I had the same question and it was also brought up to me that the CN was a bit more money. I know the first crappy cage I got with my boys had similar bars to the CN and I had a hard time with attaching items to them (like my food dish which was the "coop cup") but with the FN I had a much easier time. The boys liked to climb up the CN similar spacing a lot though. All in all, I'm happier with my FN for scritches and an easier time attaching pieces internally.

 

[broderp]

I had the same question and it was also brought up to me that the CN was a bit more money. I know the first crappy cage I got with my boys had similar bars to the CN and I had a hard time with attaching items to them (like my food dish which was the "coop cup") but with the FN I had a much easier time. The boys liked to climb up the CN similar spacing a lot though. All in all, I'm happier with my FN for scritches and an easier time attaching pieces internally.

Choices, choices. :hmm: I found them on Petsmarts web site, with similar pricing. I'd like to buy from a brick & mortar in case I need to return something, but the amazon price is best.

Still hung up on CN vs. FN. I would have thought the CN would be easier to install shelves and stuff as you have many more places to put it due to the horizontal wires. They are BOTH nice, maybe I'll head out to the store and see if anyone has one in stock I could look at.

 

[Sdo9396]

Choices, choices. :hmm: I found them on Petsmarts web site, with similar pricing. I'd like to buy from a brick & mortar in case I need to return something, but the amazon price is best.

Still hung up on CN vs. FN. I would have thought the CN would be easier to install shelves and stuff as you have many more places to put it due to the horizontal wires. They are BOTH nice, maybe I'll head out to the store and see if anyone has one in stock I could look at.

If you wanted the FN, print out this page and bring it to Petsmart and they will pricematch. (I called yesterday and confirmed that they do this)

http://www.carealotpets.com/Products/Midwest-Ferret-Nation__5032b.aspx

Make sure you change the drop down to the double unit if you want the FN 142. =)

 

[broderp]

If you wanted the FN, print out this page and bring it to Petsmart and they will pricematch. (I called yesterday and confirmed that they do this)

http://www.carealotpets.com/Products/Midwest-Ferret-Nation__5032b.aspx

Make sure you change the drop down to the double unit if you want the FN 142. =)

Wow, thats a good price! I'll see what I can do with the add. It looks like its about $51.78 in shipping though....:cry3:

I either get this from:
1. Amazon for $202 and free shipping (no tax)
2. Petsmart for $229 plus $41 shipping (no price match) + tax = $284 TOTAL
3. PetsMart for $160 plus $41 shipping PLUS tax $11= $212 TOTAL
4. The link you gave me: $160 + shipping = $212.

If I can find this locally and just pay tax and price match, this would just make my day.

There are simiar issues with the CN cage, Petsmart has $6 shipping, but it costs more...:impatient:

There is no clear winner in my book. (As an engineer, I tend to analize everything.....:err: I'm about 30 seconds from creating a spreadsheet....:banghead

 

[fanofdmb84]

Don't worry about placement of shelves in a FN, I put my shelves all over the place, not just at horizontal cross bars. As long as your shelf has a few attachment points and large enough washers, it works just fine. I would think that the larger bar spacing would make it easier to install stuff like that, but I never had a cage with bars like the CN so that's just speculation. I'm glad I went with the FN and not the CN, I like being able to put my fingers in their and pet noses

 

[Sdo9396]

Wow, thats a good price! I'll see what I can do with the add. It looks like its about $51.78 in shipping though....:cry3:

I either get this from:
1. Amazon for $202 and free shipping (no tax)
2. Petsmart for $229 plus $41 shipping (no price match) + tax = $284 TOTAL
3. PetsMart for $160 plus $41 shipping PLUS tax $11= $212 TOTAL
4. The link you gave me: $160 + shipping = $212.

If I can find this locally and just pay tax and price match, this would just make my day.

There are simiar issues with the CN cage, Petsmart has $6 shipping, but it costs more...:impatient:

There is no clear winner in my book. (As an engineer, I tend to analize everything.....:err: I'm about 30 seconds from creating a spreadsheet....:banghead

I would call a local Petsmart and see if they have the FN 142 in stock and then just pick it up from there! No need to pay for shipping only tax =)

 

[broderp]

If you wanted the FN, print out this page and bring it to Petsmart and they will pricematch. (I called yesterday and confirmed that they do this)

Seems like unless the place is local to the PetsMart, they don't. I called AND went down to speak with the manager and was told unless its a local add or thier own web site, they DO NOT price match. :hair:

I would call a local Petsmart and see if they have the FN 142 in stock and then just pick it up from there! No need to pay for shipping only tax =)

I did this. And I found only one store that had the 142 in stock. (Although it was about $40 more than the best online price, but the wife said she would give me the $40....:dance3

SO........

(^^Please ignore the mess on the counter, I shoved everything onto it so I could build the cage! )

And about 1 hour later...(The chins haven't seen it yet, and its all generic still.)

Playtime tonight will be a big surprise for Chili & Chalupa!


PS. I went local, cause in case mine was damaged, I would have no issues or headaches returning and or exchanging. My box was in perfect shape, as were the parts. Thats probably worth $40 buck or so. right? (this thing is pretty heavy!)

 

[Sdo9396]

Seems like unless the place is local to the PetsMart, they don't. I called AND went down to speak with the manager and was told unless its a local add or thier own web site, they DO NOT price match. :hair:



I did this. And I found only one store that had the 142 in stock. (Although it was about $40 more than the best online price, but the wife said she would give me the $40....:dance3

SO........

(^^Please ignore the mess on the counter, I shoved everything onto it so I could build the cage! )

And about 1 hour later...(The chins haven't seen it yet, and its all generic still.)

Playtime tonight will be a big surprise for Chili & Chalupa!


PS. I went local, cause in case mine was damaged, I would have no issues or headaches returning and or exchanging. My box was in perfect shape, as were the parts. Thats probably worth $40 buck or so. right? (this thing is pretty heavy!)

I can't see your pictures! Did you end up buying the FN 142?? =( I don't know why they didn't pricematch..I read somewhere that another member here got them to pricematch that website at her local Petsmart...maybe if you make a big deal out of it they would. =/

 

[Stackie]

Congrats on the new cage!

Technically, Petsmart is not supposed to price match any online price. Taken directly from their policy:

If you find a product that's in-stock at a PetSmart store for a lower price at a competitor's store (excluding competitor's online sites and catalogs) PetSmart will match the price as long as the identical product is in stock at our store. Proof of the lower price (receipt, advertisement or other confirmation) is required. We cannot match sale prices or prices advertised at clearance, liquidation or other special events. We cannot match "free with purchase," buy one get one free offers or rebates. Price matching is not valid on pets and services. See a store associate for additional details!

http://help.petsmart.com/no-hassle-return-policy/#guarantee

They also do not match sale prices, which are what most of the prices are on online websites.

 

[Chintastic!]

I have an FN, I absolutely love it. I also have a bird cage that has similar spacing to the CN. I find that you have to measure when you want to put in shelves with the bird cage because sometimes the screw will hit in just the right place so you must either bend a wire or drill a new hole in the shelf.

With the FN you can have the bolts pretty much anywhere and it will fit because of the bar spacing.

I agree that both are solid cages, if I came across a used CN I wouldnt hesitate. If I had a choice I would go with the FN.

 

[broderp]

I can't see your pictures! Did you end up buying the FN 142?? =( I don't know why they didn't pricematch..I read somewhere that another member here got them to pricematch that website at her local Petsmart...maybe if you make a big deal out of it they would. =/

Hmm.. I posted them on line here in my gallery and linked to them directly..??? I got the FN cage. I suppose price matching is regional thing, based on sales and competition or management. I've found policies vary depending on these things. (WalMart does not by policy price match, but the store I go to does. Every time I go to price match, I always have to get the store manager involved so he can let the employees know. Its a pain, but I've gotten things up to 40% off that way.)

Congrats on the new cage!

Technically, Petsmart is not supposed to price match any online price. Taken directly from their policy:



http://help.petsmart.com/no-hassle-return-policy/#guarantee

They also do not match sale prices, which are what most of the prices are on online websites.

Thats what they said! :tantrum:

I have an FN, I absolutely love it. I also have a bird cage that has similar spacing to the CN. I find that you have to measure when you want to put in shelves with the bird cage because sometimes the screw will hit in just the right place so you must either bend a wire or drill a new hole in the shelf.

With the FN you can have the bolts pretty much anywhere and it will fit because of the bar spacing.

I agree that both are solid cages, if I came across a used CN I wouldn't hesitate. If I had a choice I would go with the FN.

Yes, I feel I made the best choice with the FN cage. I like the bar spacing and ability to clearly see my little guys and poke a finger in to scratch behind the ears.

Now I have to just start making all the wood shelves and stuff..

 

[panagabko]

I have one of both,...the CN is way better for placing things throughout the cage...ledges, hammocks, hidy houses, everything,...however the FN cage iiiiiis better for chinny scritches...but as i have cats... they think its fun to stick there paws thru..(luckily they love my baby chinny and visa versa.)... So no problems...However i will probably replacing my remaining FN with a CN so i can really deck out my baby's cage *hims is spoiled X) And the CN is better for that Also i want both my cages to be bby safe in case i ever do happen across an emergency adoption or somthing like that..
thats my 2 sence lol