Perspexed - Rhi -1 Bar Chewer - 0

[princess-rhi89]

So as some of you may know I have been having a nightmare of a time, with my obsessive bar chewer Maisie.

I tried everything: Cardboard, which she promptly destroyed.
Blowing on her nose, didnt really bother her
More toys, changing toys around, dont think she cared.

Anyway I decided the only option as money was a problem so I couldnt afford a new plastic cage after just buying her the Hamster Heaven was to some how prevent access to the bars but still be able to see her. So I decided perspex would be the best option :) and it worked :D

So here are a few pics as requested of my perspexed hamster heaven :)
Hope this helps alot of you with bar chewers :D

First I measured the cage dimensions for each section taking into consideration the corners where the perspex would meet and took off a few extra millimeters to accomodate. I then used the soldering iron (however you could use a drill, but I like melting things lol) and made some wholes around the top and side edges and attached them to the inside of the cage using cable ties.
http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad31/princess-rhi89/Perspexed/DSCI1056.jpghttp://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad31/princess-rhi89/Perspexed/DSCI1057.jpghttp://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad31/princess-rhi89/Perspexed/DSCI1060.jpghttp://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad31/princess-rhi89/Perspexed/DSCI1062.jpg

I also made small wholes in the middle of some of the perspex sheets so I could still hang things like her salt/vitamin licks
http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad31/princess-rhi89/Perspexed/DSCI1058.jpg

I measured the width of the door but kept the cage height for the front so that the perspex lifts up when I open the door, this prevents quick escapes when trying to fill the food/water bowl.
http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad31/princess-rhi89/Perspexed/DSCI1059.jpg

I also lined the perspex up on the side and back of the cage and melted wholes to attach the shelf to the sides, and also melted a whole to put the water bottle on however Maisie wont be needing this whole now as she has a water bowl, but may come in handy in the future.
http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad31/princess-rhi89/Perspexed/DSCI1061.jpg

It is quite hard to see the perspex as its clear I hope the flash helped to get the idea lol

The only place I didnt perspex is the top, so she still has plenty of air circulation and room to hang toys.

If you have any questions about the perspexing, please ask.

[wofunny]

That looks great!!! You can bearly notice it's there :) well done!

[RachK]

What a great idea. My son's WW has taken to chewing his bars & his constantly wakes him up during the night. Think this looks like a solution for us too. :)

[princess-rhi89]

oooh forgot to mention, I got my perspex for half price in homebase so was only £12.97 for a huge sheet instead of £26.99, Heres the link for you: Liteglaze Acrylic Sheet - 120x120cm from Homebase.co.uk (http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=20001&partNumber=284494&Trail=searchtext%3EACRYLIC+SHEET)

You will just need to check if the stores near you sell it :)
Hope this helps as it can be quite expensive stuff.

[annie81]

thats awesome.... well done. now you will be able to sleep again :-)

[Fidgetthefirst]

Wooo! Its a really simple idea - but very smart ;D

[fluffymunchkins]

brill work Rhi!
I'm sure you will appreciate the sleep and maisie will be grateful for none sore teeth and nose :)

[princess-rhi89]

You would think wouldnt you, Just had to put a sheet of perspex over the top where the shelf is little madame was stood on the ladder biting the bars grrr
Should be fixed now though lol

[Hope]

Well done Rhi this looks fantastic a really neat job!! You are turning into quite the DIY Queen around here!! x x

[princess-rhi89]

hehe I made her a water bottle holder today too.

[ameyjaney]

That looks great :)

[Tish36]

Nicely done Rhi!

That should keep Maisie's nashers at bay ;)