...continued...
Step 6
Put yourself and any fires you started from the sparks out(kidding). Lay the lip edge of the shelves against the wood sides and secure with the mending plates (see fig 9) and screws. Look at how the metal bar of the shelf protects the wood from chewing (neat huh?). If you want a door this is the time to leave an opening in one side (fig 10).
fig 9
fig 10
Step 7
Secure all corners with zip ties. Don't forget the plastic caps for the cut ends of the shelving.
Step 8
This particular cage is for a rabbit so the sides must be higher. If it's for a GP you can be finished. I had a height restriction as the cage needed to fit under a desk so I overlapped the shelving, If you have no height problems you can attach the shelving directly on top of the base shelving. Notice that the top layer of shelving is attached with the lip on top (opposite of the base layer) the lip on top will provide a good base for a lid if desired.
To keep the door at the right size I had to cut out a section of the shelving (more sparks). I covered the top with scraps of shelving to keep the rabbit from climbing or jumping out. It's not pretty but will be hidden from view once in place.
fig 11
Step 9 (door)
I used another piece of shelving (a cube would also work well) to build a door. You can simply secure it with binder clips to hold it in place or make a hinge out of cable ties or your own invention. Mine is hinged at the top and clips at the top when opened to allow the rabbit to come and go.
Step 10
add bedding, toys, food, water and pets...
fig 12
Patches is enjoying his new cage. Now to neuter him and find him a girlfriend.