Ikea platsa

heidii · 03-17-2022, 04:52 PM

Saw online lots of people using the IKEA PLATSA. Decided to give it a go, but it has so far been a failure.

There's a few sizes you can get.

60x40cm - 372sq inches
80x40cm - 496sq inches
60x60cm - 558sq lnches
60x80cm - 744sq inches
60x120cm - 1116sq inches (one I have)
80x120cm - 1488sq inches

I had some issues off the bat. I followed a tutorial who went with the 80x40. Big mistake, because the 60x120 was built differently with different parts.

There's also a misalignment in mine - the wood for either side were different lengths, meaning I'll have to sort that somehow make them the same length to securely attach the acrylic.

I'll get some photos in soon when I've fixed this, but I'm not sure if this cage is worth the hassle.

Pebbles82 · 03-17-2022, 05:25 PM

Sorry you've had all this hassle. I don't know much about the Platsa cages. But I find diy like that can be frustrating. Hope you've managed to sort the issues. I'm sure the finished result will be worth the hassle! But maybe not worth it cost wise and time wise?

heidii · 03-17-2022, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Sorry you've had all this hassle. I don't know much about the Platsa cages. But I find diy like that can be frustrating. Hope you've managed to sort the issues. I'm sure the finished result will be worth the hassle! But maybe not worth it cost wise and time wise?

It's more of just an ache, rather than time. The cage is slot together, no tools needed. But apparently due to IKEA recycling products, some things may be misaligned, which doesn't affect the furniture itself, but definitely not ideal with hamsters.

I need to order another acrylic sheet and find some way to make up for the half inch-inch difference so it can fit on securely.

sushi_78 · 05-30-2022, 05:51 AM

Did you ever manage to make your Platsa cage? I'm thinking of making the 80x60cm size.

heidii · 05-30-2022, 12:26 PM

Yes, I've made the Platsa. I had to repurchase the acrylic though.

I'd say if you were getting acrylic for one of the sides, go with at least 5mm. I went with 8mm for my 120x60. Honestly, not sure if I'd recommend the 80x60 for anything more than a temporary cage.

sushi_78 · 05-31-2022, 06:28 AM

Thank you. I was thinking of, rather than replacing one wood panel entirely with acrylic, cutting out a window and attaching acrylic over that. It could be thinner then, since it wouldn't be supporting as much weight.

It would actually be for gerbils if I made it. This thread just came up in the search results when I was researching the Platsa. I had an introduction between my lone gerbil and another gerbil fail so I need another permanent enclosure. On the hand I might just haul my old 120cm tank out of storage, if I can find a place for it to go.

heidii · 05-31-2022, 11:58 AM

Oh, right! I didn't know gerbils could even be housed in wooden enclosures since they are quite the chewers. I'd worry since it's from IKEA too, the wood is really just reinforced cardboard.

sushi_78 · 05-31-2022, 12:08 PM

It's ok if the sides are completely smooth so they can't get a grip on anything to start chewing. In fact gerbils are actually safer in wooden enclosures with smooth sides than some female Syrians, because whereas they will chew anything "easy", they can't really be bothered with chewing smooth surfaces, not while there are easier things in the cage to chew, whereas some female Syrians have a real drive to escape and will do anything to achieve it!

heidii · 05-31-2022, 12:20 PM

Oh definitely! It is completely smooth, but one more thing to note if that's the case: my platsa came ever so slightly misaligned. It seems to be pretty common with IKEA furniture from what I've read, but there's a small misalignment at the bottom which, in theory, could happen to you and further be something for the little gerbil to chew on.

sushi_78 · 05-31-2022, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heidii

Oh definitely! It is completely smooth, but one more thing to note if that's the case: my platsa came ever so slightly misaligned. It seems to be pretty common with IKEA furniture from what I've read, but there's a small misalignment at the bottom which, in theory, could happen to you and further be something for the little gerbil to chew on.

Thank you. That's useful to know. I can probably cover any gaps with some wood.