Hardware Cloth

[Auskan]

I'm not sure exactly what I would be looking for if I went to get some hardware cloth, but have seen it mentioned many times here. Is that all I need to ask for, or are there several types, and if so, what type would I be looking for (for eg, to use for the cut out section of a rubbermaid lid for a rat enclosure)? Also, what part of a hardware store would this be kept in?

[Edwin]

You can find it at any Home Depot. They resemble "chicken mesh" are usually sold in rolls around the lumber area. Just ask any of the employees and they will direct you to the appropriate section.

Here is a picture of a rat cage made with hardware cloth:
http://www.rattycorner.com/gallery/yourcages/big/rp1.jpg

Hope this helps.

[Invictus]

Shouldn't be a problem finding it at Home Depot, Auskan. And yes, it says "Hardware Cloth" right on the packaging.

[sapphire_moon]

get the kind that has holes under 1 inch wide. Also a tip, we used bolts to keep the hardware cloth tightly in place, and suet baskets covered in hardware cloths for food drops...

For the water bottle you can either sit it in the food drop, or drill a hole in the side just big enough to fit the nozzel (sp?) through. Goodluck....:)

[Cruciform]

Edwin,
That's a really cool design!
What are you using to hold them together ? Mini zip-ties?

[sapphire_moon]

Ya thats zip ties, we used them to put the hardware cloth around an old rabbit cage. But if you are going to make a cage like that for pet rats you shouldn't let the rats walk around on the wire like that. It will hurt their feet, possibly break their foot becuase of their odd shapped back feet, and can give them bumble foot if they walk on it long enough.....:(

[Dark_Angel_25]

I agree sapphire moon, rats should have a flat surface to walk on. maybe put down plexiglass or something on the levels to walk on. that is just asking for foor problems in your pets...

[Cruciform]

I always feel sad for the chinchillas and other larger rodents in the cages at the pets stores that are all wire. :(
A tiny little mouse doen't notice medium guage wire underfoot, but it must be very uncomfortable for a larger critter to walk across that kind of surface.

[sapphire_moon]

It is supposed to be. Since my partner conviced me to keep two of the little boys that were going to be fed off (it is a hooded rat with a broken line down his back, and a PEW *pink eyed white* we have been doing research on the proper care of pet rats. Whats even sadder is when people keep only 1 rat. Rats are very social animals, and when you keep one alone it can make them go crazy!
so we are keeping both the boys out the the last 3 and the other is a female, and going to be a breeder. lol
we have a large old rabbit cage (they are all in now) that has a hammock and a leap n ledge........oh well...whats 2 more pets?