Meshing Zz1 - how do you shut the lid?

alisont · 02-26-2012, 12:42 PM

Hi just spend an hour meshing a ZZ1 and thought I'd done a good job but I can't shut the lid?

Think Wilfred would be out if it won't shut - any tips for what I can do. Must have done something wrong?

Really need to get him moved tonight as he needs more space and will be awake in the near future and on his I'm bored get me out of my small cage routine!

Thanks Alison.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-26-2012, 12:46 PM

Er... Obvious query, have you got the mesh sticking out past the edges of the lid?
Or is it a bit too close to the hinges/closing bit and interfering there?

alisont · 02-26-2012, 12:59 PM

Thanks. I'd meshed to all edges? I'd meshed the back too as worried Wilfred would escape. Ive turned cable tie heads inwards it's better but still won't shut totally. DIY is not a strong point with me and I was so pleased I'd felt I'd done well. Think I'll just have to use it and put heavy books on top. I need to put him inside there tonight.

I'm too tired/achey now to do much more.

If this doesn't work think I'll have to get a Cambridge or something as need a secure home for him - think he will be a little Houdini as he loves being out!

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-26-2012, 01:06 PM

Ah, good luck with it. I'm sure heavy stuff will stop escapes.
Could you maybe post a few photos? Its ZZ2 cages I'm used to faffing with mesh on and pics might let people see the problem

alisont · 02-26-2012, 01:09 PM

My main camera a good ones broken so I'm using a 6 year old one taken few pics but now main pc on a go slow so can't upload photos. I'll add some tomorrow if I get chance at work. On iPod touch now.
Thanks for the advice - I really need it as prob something I've done wrong.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-26-2012, 01:20 PM

Nah, you might not have. Our ZZ2 lids can be tempramental and we did what we were told. Its probably a problem caused by the cage not being made to get meshed rather than anything else.

alisont · 02-27-2012, 12:24 AM

It would be handy if the manufacturers sold a lid with smaller hammy friendly bars as an alternative - I'd of got one!

Well Wilfred is so happy with his new cage - just leaving a heavy book on top of it.

My Mum reminded me the lid never shut that well in the past but it was only a temp cage when I had to bring a guinea inside in the cold a few years back and with the snow was only thing I could carry home on the bus and a miles walk!

He loves the extra space - still need lots of toys and must order megazorb but it's great - he's done miles on his wheel but need to get a quieter one as it kept me awake!

The meshing bit was ok really - got enough mesh form the grid to do another cage in the future.

xJasperx · 02-27-2012, 05:47 AM

My ZZ1 lid doesn't completely close after meshing. Its sits in all the right places but just doesn't fit into the groves to make it firm. I worried that Domino could escape but there is no way he could reach the lid let alone have enough strength to push it up so i've left it as it is and had no problems.

vanilla-yazoo · 02-27-2012, 05:56 AM

mine dosnt close either
i use 0 cable ties doing it, and wound the wire itself around the edges, taking no more then a mill or two around the edges, but it wont close, I have another cage on top atm, but normally use a paperweight when the cage isnt there (dosnt cover the whole lid, its moving soon)
mine holds a chinese, with nothing to climb as high as the roof, but will soon be for breeding, so if theres a way to make it close I am up for ideas

alisont · 02-27-2012, 02:55 PM

I've put a book on the top but he shows no signs of escaping - so glad I meshed the top as he just loves the new home.

This is the lid -

Just needs some tape around the edges on the side as a few sharp bits there - more for me than him as he is not at risk.