Cork Tray 12 cm for Wire Cages

Trixie Cork Tray 12 cm for wire cages

The Trixie Cork Platform 12 cm is a sturdy, natural platform for animals that enjoy climbing, scrambling, and utilizing the height of their enclosure. The platform is attached to the bars with a screw and is therefore particularly suitable for wire cages or enclosures with a sturdy wire section. This platform is not suitable for glass terrariums without bars, as it cannot be attached there.

When it comes to platforms, DRD primarily considers their function within the enclosure: does it offer extra route options, make climbing more fun, and suit the animal? This cork platform is particularly interesting for true climbers such as mice, rats, and degus. It can also be fun for gerbils if the enclosure has a wire section, although extra monitoring regarding gnawing and stability is important for gerbils. Small birds can use the platform as a natural perch and stepping stone.

Pros

✔ Made of natural cork
✔ Sturdy platform for wire cages
✔ Provides extra climbing opportunities in the enclosure
✔ Easy to attach to bars with a screw
✔ Nice as a stepping stone, waypoint, or small lookout spot
✔ Can also be used to place a small snack between the cork grooves

Why choose a cork tray?

Cork has a natural look and provides animals with a different texture under their paws than smooth plastic or flat wood. This makes the platform an interesting addition to a varied cage setup. For animals that enjoy climbing, a small platform can be just that extra stepping stone for moving from one spot to another.

For mice, you can playfully stack multiple platforms on top of each other to create a sort of climbing route. For rats and degus, the platform is primarily suitable as a stepping stone, a staging post, or a small foraging point. Due to its size of approximately 8 × 12 cm, it is not a large resting platform for larger animals, but it is a practical addition to a climbing route.

The cork grooves make it fun to occasionally hide a small amount of food, dried herbs, or a suitable snack. This way, the platform becomes not only a stepping stone but also a small hiding place. Use small quantities and always choose something that suits the animal species.

Important: only for bars

This platform is secured with a screw and therefore requires bars. It is not intended to be placed loosely and is also not suitable for a fully glass terrarium without a barred section. Therefore, before purchasing, carefully check whether your enclosure has a sturdy barred section to which the platform can be securely attached.

• Suitable for wire cages and enclosures with sturdy wire sections.
• Not suitable for glass terrariums without bars.
• Do not use as a standalone platform on the base.
• After installation, check that the tray is securely attached and does not tilt.

For which animals is the Cork Tray suitable?

• Mouse: very suitable for mice that like to climb. You can place multiple platforms diagonally above each other as a climbing route, provided the fall height remains limited and the setup is safe.
• Rat: suitable as a small stepping stone, waypoint, or foraging spot in a wire cage. For adult rats, the size is not intended as a spacious resting platform, but rather as an extra climbing or intermediate point.
• Dwarf rat cage: suitable as a climbing platform or step. Attach it securely to the bars and ensure that your dwarf rats can easily move to and from the platform.
• Degu/Chinchilla: suitable as a stepping stone or natural waypoint in a wire cage. Degus and chinchillas are strong gnawers, so check the cork and fastening regularly.
• Gerbil: may be suitable if the gerbil enclosure has a wire section. In many gerbilariums with glass, attaching it is not possible. Furthermore, gerbils can actively work on cork, so check the platform regularly.
• Small birds: suitable as a natural perch or stepping post in a birdcage, depending on size and species. Check that the attachment fits properly with the bars of the birdcage.

For hamsters and dwarf hamsters, this platform only makes sense if it is placed very low and securely. Hamsters are not true height climbers like mice or rats and are less able to judge height. Therefore, do not hang it high up in a hamster enclosure. For guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, and ferrets, this platform is usually unsuitable due to its size and mounting.

Use for mice: create a climbing route

Mice are true climbers and love making use of differences in height. For mice, you can playfully place multiple cork platforms diagonally above one another to create a small staircase or climbing route. Combine this with tunnels, branches, rope, hammocks, or other safe climbing elements.

When dealing with mice, be mindful of the fall height. Make the route logical and ensure there are always sufficient safe intermediate steps. A well-designed climbing route provides freedom of choice, movement, and an extra challenge without the enclosure becoming disturbed.

For use with rats and degus

For rats and degus, this cork platform is primarily a small waypoint. Think of it as a stepping stone to another platform, a stopover on the way to a hammock, or a spot where you can hide a small amount of food or herbs. Because the platform is compact, it is not intended as a large resting place for larger animals.

Place the platform firmly against the bars and check that the weight and usage of your animal are suitable for the platform. Regular checks are important for strong climbers and gnawers. If you notice that the platform is becoming loose or severely damaged, replace or reposition it.

Use for gerbils

Cork can be very interesting for gerbils, as they enjoy gnawing, digging, and working with materials. This platform can therefore be fun as a climbing and gnawing element, but only if the enclosure has a wire section to attach it to. You cannot attach this platform to a fully glass gerbilarium.

For gerbils, do not place the platform as the only high jumping spot, but as part of a safe setup. Preferably combine it with deep bedding, cork, tunnels, and other stable elements. Regularly check that the fastenings and the cork remain in good condition.

Attach and place

Attach the platform to sturdy bars using the screw. Tighten it securely, but do not force it. Then check that the platform hangs straight and stably. It must not wobble or tilt when your animal steps on it.

• Choose a sturdy piece of fencing.
• Place the platform at a logical height for your animal.
• For small animals, use multiple low intermediate steps instead of one high jump.
• Do not hang the platform high up for hamsters.
• Regularly check whether the pivot screw is still properly tightened.

Dimensions and material

Dimensions: approx. 8 × 12 cm

Material: cork, metal mounting

Fastening: swivel screw for bars

Use: climbing platform, step, waypoint, or small foraging spot

Special notes: because cork is a natural product, the shape and size may vary per tray.

Composition: cork, metal

Good to know

• Offer only under supervision.
• Only suitable for attachment to bars or a sturdy bar section.
• Check regularly for wear, gnawing damage, loose pieces, or sharp edges.
• Also check the pivot screw and fastening regularly.
• Do not use the tray if it is hanging loose, tilting, or damaged.
• Do not hang the platform high for hamsters.
• For larger animals such as rats and degus, use primarily as a stepping stone or waypoint, not as a large resting platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cork tray go in a glass terrarium?

No, this platform must be attached to bars. You cannot properly secure the platform in a fully glass terrarium without a bar section.

For which animals is this platform most suitable?

The platform is particularly suitable for climbers such as mice, rats, pygmy rats, degus, and possibly gerbils if the enclosure has bars. Small birds can also use it as a perch or stepping stone.

Is this platform suitable for rats?

Yes, but primarily as a small stepping stone or waypoint. Due to its size of approx. 8 × 12 cm, it is not intended as a large resting platform for adult rats.

Is this platform suitable for degus?

Yes, it can be used as a step or waypoint for degus in a wire cage. However, do check regularly for gnawing damage and ensure that the attachment remains securely in place.

Why do you not recommend hanging them high for hamsters?

Hamsters are not true height climbers and have difficulty judging height. Therefore, we recommend only low, stable placement for hamsters, and avoiding high setups with a risk of falling.

Can I put something tasty on the platter?

Yes, you can place a small amount of food, herbs, or a suitable snack between the cork grooves. This way, the platform also becomes a small foraging spot.

Useful shopping links

• Platforms & ladders
• Cork and bamboo
• Mouse platforms & ladders
• Rat platforms & ladders
• Ratscaping
• Gerbil platforms & ladders
• Degoe hammocks & climbing spots
• DRD Bird Shop®
• Ask DRD for personal advice

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