Idea for a bosc enclosure

fuzzhc · 01-24-13, 10:12 AM

Ok so ive been doing some thinking of the easiest and cheapest way to build a new enclosure for my little guy. Ive had some ideas here and there of what I could do but in all honesty im **** at building things. Even the Ikea type flat pack cabinets ive built have fell apart within a matter of weeks

. So I was in pets at home today buying my usual weekly bugs and rodents when I came accross a rabbit hutch that looked a decent size for a bosc enclosure. I know it would be a mega short cut to what I have to actually build. But with some alterations eg sealing off thw front, glass door etc, do you think this would be suitable for a while? Like would it fall apart with the weight and pressure of the dirt on the sides? Would it hold hunidity with some sealer etc?

Here is a link for one similar to what I seen

Summer Lodge Double Hutch by Sharples N Grant (Available in Store Only) | Pets at Home

Cheers

dinosaurdammit · 01-24-13, 11:00 AM

that seems awfully small, even if you seal it and board up the screen i dont think it would be good at all.

fuzzhc · 01-24-13, 11:14 AM

I know its small at around 5foot long, 4 high and 2 wide but it wouldnt be permanent. Just for the next few months or so till I either move out or can re convince my dad to let me put it in the room originally planned. My bosc is under 1.5 feet atm so atleast this would give me a substrate depth of 2 feet and a basic structure for the time being until I can get something alot bigger.

Lankyrob · 01-24-13, 11:14 AM

Much too small imo. I would look in local papers for a handyman, bet they would build you sometthing cheaper than trying to convert a product that is designed for something totally different

dinosaurdammit · 01-24-13, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

Much too small imo. I would look in local papers for a handyman, bet they would build you sometthing cheaper than trying to convert a product that is designed for something totally different

people who build chicken coups/ dog houses are the best!

jarich · 01-24-13, 12:46 PM

IF its just temporary, the size could work for a short time. It would give you the depth you need for substrate, which is the most important part of the enclosure related to size.

However, thats also the problem with this thing. It doesnt seem like it would be anywhere near strong enough to hold in two feet of substrate. You would have to put in support beams to make it strong enough, and then seal it all really well. After that you would have to put in glass to replace the screen, and mount your lights through the back or top. Sounds like a lot of work to do for just a short term enclosure. If you look for a carpenter/builder you could probably pay them 200 quid and get them to make what you want exactly.

infernalis · 01-24-13, 03:26 PM

If it's any consolation mate, I am the worst excuse for a carpenter in the whole world, and I built my cage by myself.

Human resolve is a powerful thing, when we want something bad enough, we find ways to make it happen.

Tell me what dimensions you want your cage to be, and I will tell you what cuts you need on the lumber.

One of the easiest parts about 8x4x4 is that is the dimensions of an uncut sheet of plywood.

the trickiest part is that some of the support wood (AKA "Studs") have to be cut 3 inches shorter than the others to compensate for the thickness of the wood.

Let me dredge up some illustrations, I will return to this thread momentarily.

infernalis · 01-24-13, 03:43 PM

I found one web site right in the UK..

how to build a stud partition wall

diy woodworking

I have to find some pics on my hard drive too.

Now, if you are terrible with a saw, most suppliers will make the cuts for you for a small fee. I have mine cut that way when I can, it saves time and if they miscut, you don't have to buy the wood.

If you buy it uncut and you make a mistake cutting the wood, they won't take it back.

fuzzhc · 01-24-13, 06:03 PM

It was only going to be temporary for a while as a quick solution right now for a deeper substrate cause although mine is currently holding humidity and burrows, he seems to be trying to dig deeper and I already definetly need deeper anyways.

Thanks alot man ive had a quick look over those links and doesnt seem to be as much of a fail as I thought to build one. I work with tools for fabricating pipework and metal but just wasnt sure of wooden joints etc. Ill have a more in depth look over things at the weekend and get back to yous