jodeg
09-04-2009, 03:35 PM
Here's the instructions I used when I got my first HQ cage. The instructions that come with the cage are PITIFUL, just a picture really.
Many thanks to WindyCityParrot!
A couple of added notes: The cage comes with 2 white plastic feeder dishes. They end up being hard to clean (square corners). I use mine to hold foot toys. Most of us end up getting the stainless steel bowl type feeders, one for food and one for water. They clean up beautifully and no worry about breaking like with the plastic ones. They can be purchased online or at most pet shops.
The cage has two "breeder doors", one on each side at the top. These don't fasten tightly enough to me. I used two zip ties (cable ties) on each door to make sure they were fastened tightly.
Also, as an extra precaution, I used four heavy-duty zip ties, two in front and two in back, to secure the cage to the stand that comes with it, just to make sure the cage stayed on the stand.
You Can Do It!
Assembly will take about an hour for the not-so-mechanically-inclined. We've got it down to about 20 minutes but we do it a lot. Always start by building the stand first. Insert the casters and then proceed to assemble the frame/shelf assembly. 1/4 inch bolts with Phillips heads go into the holes easily. Nuts are comfortable to manage. Put the top horizontal bars on first, the shelf next. Keep everything loose. Go back and tighten things up after all the nuts and bolts are placed in the frame.
We like to assemble the cage right on the frame, especially if we're solo so we don't have to try to pick the cage off the ground and place it on a moveable stand. The cage is fastened with longer fine thread brass screws that go into threaded sleeves already mounted on the cage frame components. We recommend a light duty electric screw driver or a Phillips head driver on your cordless drill (set the clutch slippage high on the drill to prevent over tightening).
It's quicker to remove the all the screws first, you'll thank us here for the cordless suggestion because they're all already threaded half way into the frame. Place a side wall on the stand, a second person would be helpful but not essential to attach the back cage wall by inserting the brass screws through the frame, finger tightening for starters and then finishing with your choice of tools. Continue clockwise with the right wall and the front. The top will go on once the four sides are up. The plastic removable tray and metal grill form the bottom of the cage. Place perches and feeder cups to your liking.
HOPE THIS HELPS!
Many thanks to WindyCityParrot!
A couple of added notes: The cage comes with 2 white plastic feeder dishes. They end up being hard to clean (square corners). I use mine to hold foot toys. Most of us end up getting the stainless steel bowl type feeders, one for food and one for water. They clean up beautifully and no worry about breaking like with the plastic ones. They can be purchased online or at most pet shops.
The cage has two "breeder doors", one on each side at the top. These don't fasten tightly enough to me. I used two zip ties (cable ties) on each door to make sure they were fastened tightly.
Also, as an extra precaution, I used four heavy-duty zip ties, two in front and two in back, to secure the cage to the stand that comes with it, just to make sure the cage stayed on the stand.
You Can Do It!
Assembly will take about an hour for the not-so-mechanically-inclined. We've got it down to about 20 minutes but we do it a lot. Always start by building the stand first. Insert the casters and then proceed to assemble the frame/shelf assembly. 1/4 inch bolts with Phillips heads go into the holes easily. Nuts are comfortable to manage. Put the top horizontal bars on first, the shelf next. Keep everything loose. Go back and tighten things up after all the nuts and bolts are placed in the frame.
We like to assemble the cage right on the frame, especially if we're solo so we don't have to try to pick the cage off the ground and place it on a moveable stand. The cage is fastened with longer fine thread brass screws that go into threaded sleeves already mounted on the cage frame components. We recommend a light duty electric screw driver or a Phillips head driver on your cordless drill (set the clutch slippage high on the drill to prevent over tightening).
It's quicker to remove the all the screws first, you'll thank us here for the cordless suggestion because they're all already threaded half way into the frame. Place a side wall on the stand, a second person would be helpful but not essential to attach the back cage wall by inserting the brass screws through the frame, finger tightening for starters and then finishing with your choice of tools. Continue clockwise with the right wall and the front. The top will go on once the four sides are up. The plastic removable tray and metal grill form the bottom of the cage. Place perches and feeder cups to your liking.
HOPE THIS HELPS!