Converting a dog crate into an outdoor beardie place?

[iheartmrnn]

I don't have the measurements for the crate but I want to make sure its safe for my beardie before I try to 'refurbish' the dog crate. Its the usual kind of metal with the removable little bottom tray. It does have black paint on it, and my dog didn't like being in the crate so she kinda chewed and bent the bars, and some of the paint got chipped off.
Is it safe for me to turn this into her outdoor playpen? I was going to put some levels and some wooden peices that she could climb on, maybe some flat rock for the bottom of it. But I can't help but be paranoid about maybe the rusting metal or how things might try to get in at her. Shes about 16 INCHES (sorry) and I don't think she'll be able to fit her fat butt through the spaces between the bars.
But my main concern is whether or not its SAFE for her health. Can someone help me out here?

 

[PastelBeardie]

I'd be concerned about being able to monitor the temperatures and what might crawl or fly into the enclosure and get eaten, but that's just me.

 

[iheartmrnn]

I'd be concerned about being able to monitor the temperatures and what might crawl or fly into the enclosure and get eaten, but that's just me.

I'm paranoid about that also, I even considered wrapping the whole darn thing in mesh to keep buggies out, but I dont want to keep out too much sun. And as for temp she won't be out there 24/7 or when its too hot even for me, and I dont do hot. I was planning on keeping it maybe on the front porch, and the porch has mesh screening.

 

[rafa2k]

what I would do is seal it all with modpodge, a couple coats, just to be safe. I would also get some chicken wire for the top to protect against predators but still let sun in. I'd actually use it on all sides as well but you can get away with some screen material for the sides. This will also prevent her from getting out. You'd be surprised how easily she'll be able to squeeze out.

 

[Blinksmama]

I think it would be fine, and I have a crate I can use for the same purpose
I do think it would be a good idea to put window screening, or similar, around the lower 1/2 or 2/3's of the crate, to keep out some creepy crawlies and to prevent her from squeezing through. As long as she can't reach the unscreened portion, and predators can't get to her through it, I wouldn't worry about it being screened. You'll have to provide cool shady places in there for her

Thanks for the great idea!!! :headbang:

Amy

 

[Blinksmama]

I forgot about the main concern

A dog crate shouldn't have any toxic finishes, owners would be irrate if something like this were to happen, at least they would here in Canada. If you know the brand, make, model or w/e of the crate you could do a quick google search to see if you can find any info about it. If you can't find any information about it's materials, then I would do as rafa2k suggested (i was typing my last reply when he/she was ) and give it a coat of a non toxic sealer (waterproof/resistant).

Post pics when it's refurbished, I'd love to see it

Amy

 

[iheartmrnn]

Alright! So that's chicken wire for the top and maybe all around depending. Maybe mesh screening too just in case. Modgepodge to seal the metal, again just in case. My dog bent some of the bars and I can see where the metal is rusting so that was a main concern for me. I checked a couple other threads so I know what to do if I find a cool piece of wood outside. Oven time and sealant yes? And of course rocks. Plus I might get some stuff from other pet sections. I swear fish and turtles get all the cool stuff! But I'll make sure to put some stuff in there to make cool spots for her.

Thank you guys so much! This will be a great fixer-upper for me! And I can't wait because I do want to give Newt some more running around space! I'll post pictures as soon as I can! Of course I'll have to try to remember how...haha! Thanks again!!

 

[rafa2k]

Ya the reason for the modpodge is just in case she licks the exposed rusted metal.

This is the chicken wire I used along the fenceline near my garden to keep my neighbor's dog from getting in.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/YARDGARD-1-in-x-2-ft-x-10-ft-20-Gauge-Poultry-Netting-308400B/202285865#.UXgaraIqYuc

I'm sure you can line the entire dog cage with one roll

 

[Blinksmama]

If you're concerned about toxic insects like fireflies and monarch butterflies ( imagine their caterpillers too), it's probably a good idea to use a mesh or screening small enough to keep them out, around the bottom part. Maybe I'm overly cautious though, I have an anxiety disorder LOL

Also, I ought to stop reading posts too quickly, I missed the bit about rusted bars.

 

[iheartmrnn]

Oh thank you! I didn't know about the monarch butterflies! As for fireflies, I dont think I've seen any for a while. We used to have a lot but their population is almost totally gone. So I'll keep an eye out for that. And I talked to my mom, she has a LOT of art stuff so she'll have the modgepodge, so we'll be able to seal off the rusted parts no problem.

 

[shara]

This thread is just what I was looking for!

What about using window screen mesh? It's not the screen sun kind. I have a roll from Home Depot that I bought for my dubia enclosure 'vents'. Does that filter too much light?

I am thinking about wrapping a bird cage in the window screen to make an outdoor hanging enclosure (and altering the 'perch' to something thicker to support her weight).

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Shara and baby bd Napoleon

 

[iheartmrnn]

Alright! I got some good flat rocks for the bottom, but I'm not sure about being able to oven bake this one rock, looks to be roundish the size of maybe a cantelope. I'm not sure about being able to put it in the oven. BUT. Can I get away with just scrubbing it with cleaner or bleach? the cleaner I have is Natural Chemistry "Healthy Habitat". says its a natural product and its made for 'reptiles rodents birds and more'. They have a website www.naturalchemistry.com and I've been using it to clean all the stuff for my leos and my beardie.