CAGE CARE & SAFETY

Primal Cages Unboxing Steps:


Our enclosures are ready for use out of the package.
*Check for any shipping damage or cage production issues before habitat preparation*
 We recommend a light rinse or wipe down before set up. Soapy water may be used. Rinse thoroughly and you're good to go!
 
Acrylic Cage Basics & Care
Acrylic is a lightweight, durable material great for displays. The material produces less intense glare than glass. It makes cages easier to move with substrate. The material is flexible and tough, making it more shatter resistant than plastic.
 
Primal Cage enclosures are made from display-grade cast acrylic. We think the material's clarity and photogenic quality is ideal for invertebrate enclosures.
 
A downside to acrylic is that it can be prone to scratches, scuffs, and warping. Care is required to minimize these natural effects. Here are our tips on maintaining your invert in one of our acrylic cages:
  • GENERAL MAINTENANCE: Use water and non-abrasive cleaning cloths or tools to maintain cages
    • Light external cleaning: for fingerprints, light debris, or mud water a light rub with water can be completed with your invertebrate inside
    • Heavy interior cleaning: for heavy excrement or organic build-up. You should remove your animal and place it back after maintenance
    • For heavy cleaning we recommend against use of untested chemicals, solvents, or cleaning detergents which may be harmful to your tarantula or other invertebrate
      • Commonly used cleaning aids: dish soap, rubbing alcohol, vinegar. Cages should be thoroughly rinsed, dry, and odor-free before habitat is set up
  • HEATING BASICS: Keep cages away from direct heating elements to reduce animal injury and prevent acrylic warping
    • Most tarantulas do not require artificial heating. Room temperature (mid-60s to low 80s) is acceptable for most species. Check a trusted tarantula guide for specific requirements
    • We recommend placing heat mats or heat wires 3-4"+ away from enclosures. Many inverts are attracted to heating elements which can cause your animal harm
    • We recommend against use of reptile basking bulbs or over-tank heat lamps. Intense heat can severely dry out habitats and cause damage to enclosures
    • Dry and hot or humid and hot conditions may contribute to warping
    • Related: for very dry room conditions, humidity can be maintained using plug-in room humidifiers or a home-made incubation box
  • STACKING SAFETY: Avoid placing heavy objects or other cages on cage lids
    • Our cages are stackable. The stands & rails carry the weight across the cage frame
    • We recommend terrestrial enclosures be stacked no more than 3X high and arboreal enclosures no more than 2X high to reduce falls and weight-related risk
    • When using heavy substrates such as natural topsoil, we recommend stacking no more than 2X high with any enclosure
    • If you must place objects on a lid, place them towards the sides of the lid and tray
  • SCRATCH CARE: Scratches or scuffs on cages can be reduced with careful handling
    • Avoid dragging plastic, metal tongs, or other cages against your cage
    • Avoid use of kitchen sponges and hard-bristle scrubbing tools
    • Light scuffs can often be buffed out with a cleaning cloth and circular pressure. Brush off sand, grit, or debris before buffing cages
    • Removing lids slowly with a slight lift can reduce contact abrasion
    • We generally recommend against use of common household repair solvents or chemicals for scratches
  • ANIMAL & CHILD TIPS: Keep your cage away from dogs, cats, or small children to reduce chance of accidents, escapes, and injury
    • Our cages use strong self-sealing magnetic locks to prevent animal escapes. There are no hard-locking hasps or padlocks
    • Our cages are display-oriented items that have pointed edges
    • We recommend placing enclosures a safe distance away from unwanted contact. High shelves or enclosed space, such as a wooden bookshelf or glass cabinet, may be used to secure your cage
  • LID MAINTENANCE: Acrylic lids may naturally bend due natural weight, climate conditions, and gravity
    • If your lid becomes difficult to slide in or out, you may remove the lid and try to gently bend the material back into form
    • If your lid is damaged or becomes significantly warped, please contact us about a replacement

  • JOINT REPAIR: Cage stability is essential to keep yourself and your pets safe
    • In the event a panel needs re-bonding, we recommend acrylic solvents or cements such as SCIGRIP Weld-On 4 (solvent) or SCIGRIP Weld-On 16 (cement) over cyanoacrylates (superglue)
    • Application Prep: Repairs on cages should be be completed in a cool, well-ventilated room with pets removed from enclosures until bonds are fully set
    • Application: Hold, press, or fix materials together during working time (typically 1-6 minutes). Allow for bonds to fully set according to the instructions on the agent used (typically 24-72 hours+)
    • Tips: Apply bonding agents with care and in moderation as to not get unwanted marks on panels. You can practice applying onto scrap plastics or materials before repairing your cage. Cements are thicker-bodied than solvents and may be easier to use. Cements don't require an application syringe and may be easier to apply than solvents
    • Note: Cements and solvents perform chemical welds. They are generally considered safe for use near water and pets when fully set. Rinse before use for better peace of mind
    • We recommend to check cages thoroughly for signs of possible damage or joint weakness upon unboxing (visit our return policy page for more)

Other Troubleshooting! If there are persistent issues with any of our cages we're here to help! Send us a message at: officialprimalcages@gmail.com. We will do our best to solve problems with your cage. We can also provide general tips on care, finding enclosures, and more.