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The Fence Post

Should I Build or Buy a Pre-Built Rabbit Cage?

December 5, 2019 | by Debbie Page

Rabbit behind mesh cage

A Safe Cage for Your Rabbit

Safety is the most important priority when building and buying rabbit cages. We specifically sell and recommend materials that keep rabbits safe. This article includes information on ready-made rabbit cages shipped from Pennsylvania. It also includes two materials that are safe for building your own rabbit cages from scratch:

                                                                         1. Baby Saver

                                                                         2. Welded Wire Mesh

Customized Rabbit Cages: DIY Rabbit Cage Materials

The Baby Saver (or Protecting Your Kit)

Baby Saver is designed specifically for protecting kits (baby rabbits) in rabbit cages. Unlike standard welded wire mesh which has a 1” x 2” mesh for the entire width, this wire mesh has a ½” x 1” mesh for the bottom 4” which prevents kits from falling or being pulled through the cage. Even though baby saver wire is more expensive than the standard wire used for rabbit cages, the cost is more than worth it to prevent the loss of kits. After all, what good is a rabbit cage if it does not protect the kits?

Baby saver is welded from 14 gauge wire and is available in both GAW (Galvanized After Weld) and GBW (Galvanized Before Weld) finish. The GAW wire will last far longer than the GBW. After the welding process, the mesh is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The weld spots and wires are thoroughly protected from rust and corrosion. Although more expensive initially, you will save the expense and hassle of replacement.

1x2_12.5ga

Dimensions and Planning

Rolls are 18” x 100’. The bottom 4” has a mesh opening of ½” x 1” and the top 14” has a mesh opening of 1” x 2”. It is made of 14 gauge galvanized steel wire for strength and security. Protect your kits from untimely death by choosing baby saver wire so you and your rabbits can enjoy peace of mind! Your Mama rabbits will thank you!

Welded Wire Mesh: Various Possibilities

Although Baby Saver is specified for rabbit cages, there are other options. You can get creative and use what is generally known as welded wire mesh. Welded wire mesh can be used to make rabbit cages and hutches in all shapes in sizes. In other words, you can customize your cages in any way you want. Welded wire mesh in the 16 gauge, ½" x 1" is the ideal mesh size to use for flooring. Widths available - 12", 15", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60" and 72". Galvanized After Weld finish is recommended due to its ability to stand up to the corrosive effects of rabbit urine. The 14 gauge, 1" x 2" mesh is the perfect size for the sides and top. Galvanized Before Weld wire can be used for these panels to save money if needed. These products will keep your rabbits (and other small animals) safe and secure.

Remember that domesticated rabbits have lost some of their ability to cope with life outside and it is preferable that they are kept indoors. A hutch left outside is vulnerable to attack by predators; for example, a raccoon can reach in and do damage. It also must be noted that simply the approach of a predator can cause a heart attack as a rabbit has no capacity to run or hide. Such as in this questionable scenario:

 rabbit on grass in mesh surround

If you have other animals, other meshes are also available that can be used to make cages and pens for larger animals such as:

Be sure to check the Louis Page website for sourcing a huge variety of animal enclosures.

Rabbit Wire

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Topics: welded wire mesh, cages, baby saver, galvanized after, GAW

Philadelphia Zoo Revolution

November 5, 2018 | by Joe Morrell

"Zoo 360" from the Philadelphia Zootiger

Strides are Being Made

Zoo 360 is a campus-wide network of exploration trails--for animals. Featuring elevated trails surrounded with see-through hexagonal wire mesh that allow animals to roam above, across, and around the park. Animals are able to explore, circle through and around visitors, who can see them through tunnels of galvanized mesh, creating more interest and exercise for the animals and revolutionizing the experience for visitors. This allows animals to be observed in action and doing more of what they would do in the wild.  Rather than existing in stationary exhibits--animals can wander, be more active and are less bored, which: 

  • enhances their quality of life
  • lets them travel longer distances
  • allows them to explore a variety of environments
  • links habitats, where appropriate

Some examples:

  • Treetop Trail--smaller primates can visibly walk or swing through tops of trees.                                                                                                                                                monkey 
  • Gorilla Treeway--higher places to observe and explore with an extensive area to move about.                                                                                                                gorilla 
  • Big Cat Crossing--tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards, pumas, and others are able to prowl about and get some exercise.                                                          leopard 
  • Meerkat Maze--an underground world where Meerkats can do what they do--running, digging, popping their heads out of their burrows and observing the scene above.                                                                                                                                                                             meerkat  

Here is a video that will give you a look at the latest developments at the Philadelphia Zoo.

 

And these smart folks at the zoo know that stainless steel mesh resists rust, corrosion, and stands up to harsh chemicals. They also use rust resistant vinyl coated mesh which resists destructive elements such as acid rain and guards against abrasion while the black coating works as an invisibility cloak, creating a non-distracted view--much better than green and not as prone to glare as the galvanized grey. And the happy answer here is less maintenance and replacement, because the galvanization is reinforced with highly bonded PVC which extends the life of the fence indefinitely. 

An Enriched Experience

Inside those walls of mesh--an animal's environment is improved through the provision of:

  • trees with various levels for perching
  • vines
  • a variety of ground, soil and rock modifications
  • nesting and den possibilities
  • programs of positive reinforcement that stimulate cognitive abilities
  • familiar and unfamiliar scents
  • recordings of sounds that would be heard in the wild
  • food that is hidden, buried or scattered so that an effort must be made to attain it as in the wild
  • toys that are of particular interest to a given species
  • programs for which you can sponsor a specific animal and also make contributions for toys etc.

Well done!                          

Progress is being made and the Philadelphia Zoo is evidence of that. We here at Louis Page applaud this innovation and congratulate the zoo's fine work on the behalf of the animals and the visitors!

Shop Online Now

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Topics: wire mesh, cages, zoo, Wire Mesh for Zoos, vinyl coated, hex mesh

Vinyl Coated Welded Wire Mesh For Zoos

February 19, 2010 | by Duncan Page

vinyl coated welded wire bird zoo display

White-Headed Buffalo Weaver Display

16 Gauge, Black Vinyl Coated 1" x 1" Mesh

When constructing their displays and fencing their walkways, zoos frequently use welded wire meshes that have been vinyl coated. There are several reasons this type of material is chosen. Vinyl coated products are:

      • Easy to clean and maintain
      • Available in a variety of mesh sizes - from ¼" x ¼" to 4" x 4"
      • Available in different gauges - from light weight 23 gauge to heavy 10.5 gauge
      • Attractive and aesthetically pleasing
      • Very durable and long lasting 
      • Strong and safe protection for birds and other animals
vinyl coated welded wire mesh bird display
 vinyl coated welded wire bird display mesh vinyl coated welded wire bird display mesh

White Crested Laughing Thrushes   Chestnut Mandible Toucan   Tawny Frogmouth Owl 

14 gauge, black vinyl coated 1" x 2" mesh

Vinyl coated welded wire products can be used in many different areas and for many different purposes including but not limited to: 

      • Bird displays
      • Displays of mammals
      • Effective crowd control
      • Fences along walkways
      • Safety mesh for railings
vinyl coated welded wire animal display

vinyl coated welded wire fence

 
vinyl coated welded wire mesh infill safety panles
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Monkey cage display panel                    Walkway fence                     Observation deck safety inset 
                                                                                                                                                         1" x 1" mesh
 
Vinyl coated welded wire meshes and fencing are versatile products that will safely secure and protect your animals. They are also effective as exclusion barriers. Though initially more expensive, their long lifetime and attractive appearance make them appropriate for many different situations.
 
Do you either plan to or currently use these meshes?
 
All pictures show the different ways the Birmingham Zoo uses vinyl coated welded wire products.   Vinyl Coated Welded Wire Mesh                                                     
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Topics: cages, vinyl coated wire, 14 gauge, 1" mesh

Welded & Woven Wire Mesh For Pet & Animal Containment

January 13, 2010 | by Frank Langone

vinyl coated welded wire mesh

What do your animals need?

Are you planning to get some animals that will need cages or pens?

Do you already have animals and need to upgrade, enlarge or improve their containment?

From hamsters to horses, birds to buffalo - there is a welded or woven wire mesh fencing available to do the job right.

Small Animal Enclosures

There are galvanized before, galvanized after, and vinyl-coated meshes available.

  • Cages for canaries, for example, can be made using light weight galvanized after weave 1/2" hex netting
  • For larger birds, welded meshes such as 1/2" x 1", 1" x 1", 1" x 2" and 1/2" x 3" can be used to make cages
  • Chicken, turkeys and game birds require larger pens; galvanized after weave and vinyl coated hex netting works well for the sides and you can use welded wire meshes for ground wire; the extra galvanizing and vinyl coating extend the life of the wire
  • Cages for rabbits, hamsters and the like can be made using 1/2" x 1"and 1" x 2" welded meshes; galvanized after weld products, when used, will last longest

bunny behind mesh

Larger Animal Enclosures

Stronger meshes made from heavier gauge wire are required, and the opening size of the mesh can be larger.

  • Dogs - smaller dogs can be contained with 16 gauge 2" x 2" woven or 2" x 3" welded wire mesh; for large dogs, 2" x 4" mesh works well; this is available in woven 12.5 gauge and welded 14, 12.5 and 11 gauge galvanized before, galvanized after and vinyl coated
  • Horse corrals can be made with 12.5 gauge flexible woven horse fence in a 2" x 4" or diamond mesh pattern
  • Secure enclosures for sheep and goats can be made using 12.5 gauge 4" x 4" woven mesh
  • For ostrich & emu pens use 12.5 gauge 2" x 4" woven mesh
  • Use field fence for cow pastures; there are different choices of 1047 style available
  • Extra tall (up to 10') woven fences are excellent for deer and wildlife containment or exclusion
 
steer-and-sow-3-1337218-640x480
 
Whatever size and type of animal you have, there is welded or woven wire fencing mesh that will keep them safe and secure.

Care to share your own experiences?
 
Galvanized Welded Wire Mesh
 
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Topics: wire fence, woven wire, welded wire, cages, horse fence

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