Set up of cages may require two people. PVC glue should be used outside
or under the hood. Be careful with sewing pins and machine.
Set up of the cage takes 15-20 minutes once you know how the pieces go
together. Allow more time for the first set up.
| Step |
Image |
| Get the desired screening cover out of the blue
containers and a matching size frame from the stack next to the
containers. Frames are color coded with spray paint by length
(pink=4', black=10', and grey=
11') See construction plans in section below for frame assembly
guides. |
|
Place the cage cover on the bench. The
bottom of the cage should be directly on the bench. The cage at right is
a small cage. The bottom may be discolored if the cage has
been used previously. Otherwise, the labels above the doors
will be on top if the door area is
held up. If setting up a larger cage, align the fitted end of the cage
with the desired final location for the cage. The loose end will be
gathered up later. |
 |
| Remove doors if necessary and place PVC frame
pieces inside cage. |
 |
|
Begin attaching pieces together starting with the bottom horizontal
pieces.
Put 2 vertical pieces in place on one side at the fitted end of
the cage. Attach the upper horizontal piece. Continue attaching
pieces around the cage in this manner.
Straighten PVC pieces and cover as needed.
|
 |
| If setting up a larger cage, close the loose end of the cage by folding
and using large binder clips to hold. |
 |
The number and size of thrips screening to cut are given. These include
a 1" seam allowance. The edges of the fabric were folded over before
sewing to provide a stronger seam. Velcro (hook type)
was attached in a square around the door hole. Loop side of the
velcro was attached onto the hooks. Thrips screening was then pinned
on the velcro, such that the doors were unique to each hole in the fabric.
Label the doors and the cage before removing the pinned screening and
velcro. Frame diagrams are in PDF format at the links
below. PVC measurements are the length of 1/2" PVC to cut.
Allowances for couplings are included in the measurements.
