How to Build a Deep Base for a Savic Rat Cage

How to build a deep base for a Savic rat cage:

The deep base is built into the storage section underneath the cage.
This makes your cage slightly larger.
We have used DIY correx bases in the past, but they are usually destroyed within days.

A Perspex only base can be very expensive.
Alternatively, you can build a base from a cheaper plastic sheeting and an aluminium frame protecting it from being chewed.

We decided to still make the front panel from Perspex so we can see into the base.
The deep base is perfect for adding coco peat, creating digging and foraging opportunities.

See PDF for measurements.

You will need the following:
Aluminium angle strips for the frame
Equal 25 mm angle aluminium for the bottom and sides and unequal 25 x 12.5 mm for the top.
Rivets and washers to assemble the base
ABS plastic sheeting or something similar for the panels on the bottom and sides and various tools to measure, cut and drill.

Measure and cut:
Remove the bottom grid and measure the inside of the cage.
The aluminium frame will be about 1 cm smaller than the cage.
Measure the sections of the aluminium strips and cut into lengths.
Cut the edges of the top and bottom frame in 45 degrees angles so they fit neatly together.

Assemble:
You can either build the complete frame and then fit the panels or build complete sections with panels and assemble afterwards.
Use rivets to fasten the sections of the frame and panels.
Make a single cut on the ABS plastic using a blade and bend it on the cut to have a clean break.
Carefully drill holes on the panels or use a soldering iron to make holes
Use rivets to fasten the panels to the frame
With this base the Perspex panel was inserted before the frame was assembled

Fill the base with litter and add rats
Either use regular litter like kiln dried pine and replace weekly or convert into a bioactive digging box which will last for months!

The deep base keeps the area around the cage cleaner and the rats happier!

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