IKEA DIY cage help

The Hamster Cloud · 05-28-2017, 12:16 PM

Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum but I've been keeping hamsters & gerbils for a while so mostly know what I'm doing! However, I just got a new Syrian, Cloud, and I've decided to go with a DIY cage as I cannot find a cage or tank big enough.

I'm kind of obsessed with this cage - an IKEA hack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocdcl-82ybE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocdcl-82ybE

So I went to IKEA to get the bits today and we're gonna go get the tools tomorrow. The thing I wonder is just how 'pee-proof' a DIY cage is going to be. Have any of you had an IKEA DIY cage and did it stand the test of time OR did the pee eventually ruin it?

I am just wondering whether I should get some kitchen lino to line the bottom or not?

Thoughts?

flowerfairy · 05-29-2017, 02:43 AM

I dont think you would need lino as the tables are kind of shiney and seem waterproof to me.

cypher · 05-29-2017, 05:35 AM

I'm pretty sure that would be pee proof so no need to worry, you definitely wouldn't use lino in a ham cage anyway as it would be a hazard if chewed, generally if any wood needs water proofing people us Plastikote water based enamel paint but I don't think you need to with that.

JLPrairie · 05-29-2017, 09:07 AM

877 sq. inches might be a little small for a Syrian, so Cloud may start showing signs of the need for an expansion. If so, you may want to buy another Ikea Linnmon (gosh, these weird names) and attach them together by removing the side walls.
The thing won't need waterproofing, as the wood is already treated. You should though buy some aquarium sealant to go in the edges of the cage.
Happy cagemaking, and be sure to give us photos of the finished product!

The Hamster Cloud · 05-30-2017, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypher

I'm pretty sure that would be pee proof so no need to worry, you definitely wouldn't use lino in a ham cage anyway as it would be a hazard if chewed, generally if any wood needs water proofing people us Plastikote water based enamel paint but I don't think you need to with that.

Yeah I bought some of that from Amazon to protect his wheel, which is wooden. I have aquarium sealant too so should be ok.

I just wondered if anyone on my his forum had a DIY cage and if it stood up to the test of time?