Set screening pieces out on the white acryllic sheets.
When working with the glue, gloves should be worn. Work in the hood with the glass as far down as possible. Turning the fan on makes the glue evaporate too quickly and should be left off if possible. The fan may be turned on between batches to remove fumes from the hood. Use caution with the syringe and needle. Leave HID lamp off while cages are setting up in the hood.
About 1 min per cage, total time depends on number of cages.
| Step | Image |
| Cut screening into 1 1/2" squares, avoiding areas of screening that have creases (this will cause the screening to not attach correctly in later steps). | |
Set screening pieces out on the white acryllic sheets. |
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| Use the syringe to place about 20 M (unit on syringe) of glue into a petri dish covered with aluminum foil. The foil prevents the solvent from dissolving the plastic petri dish. Multiple petri dishes may be used at once. |
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| Place cage top down in solvent for 1 min. | |
| Lift cage out of solvent and tilt against edge of dish to drain excess solvent. | |
| Place cage top down on screening and press for a couple seconds being careful not to slide the cage on the screening. | |
| After 5-6 min. carefully remove cages from acryllic sheet, turn them over, and check for a complete seal. Screening may be pressed gently onto cage if needed. If large gaps are present, the screening should be removed, discarded, and a new piece of screening attached. | |
| Place cages top side up in the hood to dry overnight. Handling the cages too soon will cause the screening to peel off. | |
| Trim excess screening with a razor blade. | |
| Attach foam rings to the upper and lower cage pieces. | |