Selecting the Ideal Coati Cage: Size, Materials, and Design Factors

Selecting the Ideal Coati Cage: Size, Materials, and Design Factors

So you have decided to bring one amoung nature’s most energetic creatures into your home. Congratulations, proudly owning a coati may be an extremely rewarding experience! But before you adopt your new pet, you may want to make sure you’ve got the proper housing organized.

The key factors to take into account while choosing an enclosure for a coati are size, material, and layout. The cage design should allow for possibilities to stimulate your coati mentally and bodily with platforms, ropes, tunnels, and toys.

Determining the Right Size Coati Cage for Your Pet

The size of the cage is one of the most important factor to don’t forget in your coati’s home. Coatis are active climbers and need enough space. For a average adult coati, you may need a cage as a minimum 6 to 8 feets high, 3 to 4 ft wide, and 4 to 6 feet long. Bigger is always better!

Look for a cage designed for large parrots, macaws or small primates.

Wire mesh or welded wire cages provide good ventilation and allow your coati opportunities for climbing. Include multiple levels connected by ramps or branches at different heights. Platforms, ropes, swings and other enrichment items will keep your coati stimulated.

Be sure to include a nest box for sleeping, and place the food bowl up high since coatis often eat while hanging upside down. Provide multiple food bowls so your coati can forage for treats you hide around the cage.

For bedding, aspen shavings, recycled paper pellets or fleece blankets that cannot be shredded works nicely. Avoid cedar shavings, because the fragrant oils can be traumatic. Spot-smooth dirty bedding each day and change all bedding at least once a week.

Best Materials for Coati Cage Construction

When it comes to coatis, bigger is always better. Look for a cage that’s at least 6 feet high by 8 feet long. Coatis are active climbers and need vertical space. Mesh or wire cages are best since they provide good ventilation and the ability to attach platforms at multiple levels.

Metal cages tend to be the most durable, especially powder-coated steel or aluminum. Wooden cages require frequent maintenance to prevent rot and warping. Plastic can work but may not hold up as well to chewing and scratching.

For the floor, avoid wire mesh, which can cause injuries. Solid metal, PVC, or composite flooring is best. Provide multiple nesting boxes so your coati has options, and include branches, ropes, and other climbing areas at multiple levels.

Coatis are escape artists, so search for a cage with stable locking mechanisms and no gaps wider than 1 inch. A robust double door entryway is ideal, allowing you to access the cage rightly. For safety, avoid any cages with “play tubes” or narrow tunnels, as coatis can get stuck.

Important Coati Cage Design Features to Consider

When selecting an enclosure for coatis, several design features are crucial to consider for the wellbeing of these active animals.

Size

Coatis are playful and energetic creatures that need ample space. A cage that is too small can cause stress, aggression, and health issues. As a general rule, provide at least 20-30 square feet of floor space for a pair of coatis. Taller cages are better, as coatis are adept climbers and will appreciate multiple levels connected by ramps and branches.

Materials

Coatis are intelligent escape artists, so choose a cage made of sturdy wire mesh or steel bars with narrow spacing. Glass or wood enclosures won’t contain them! Wire mesh should be at least 1/2 inch by 1 inch to prevent coatis from chewing through. Steel bar spacing should be no more than 2 inches apart. Coatis can also climb smooth surfaces, so a dome or cover over part of the enclosure may be needed.

Accessibility

Easy access to food, water, nesting areas, and litter boxes is essential.

Multiple doors or an open design make it simple to place enrichment items in the cage and clean the enclosure. Doors should be securely locked to prevent coatis from figuring out how to open them!

Platforms and Branches

Provide multiple levels at varying heights connected by ramps, ladders, and branches. Platforms give coatis extra space to climb, play, and nap.

Natural tree branches also make great enrichment. Be sure any ramps or ladders have a non-skid surface.

Hideouts and Nesting

Coatis need hiding spots and nesting areas to feel secure. Provide wooden boxes, tunnels, and hamster houses so coatis have areas to sleep, nest, and get away from stresses. Multiple hiding spots at different levels of the cage are ideal.

By focusing on these key features, you’ll be well on your way to finding or building an enclosure that will keep your coatis happy, healthy, and contained. An ideal cage, along with enrichment, good nutrition, and attention will help ensure your coatis live full, stimulating lives as part of your family.

Outfitting Your Coati Cage Properly

Once you’ve got selected an appropriately sized cage on your coati, it’s time to outfit it nicely. Your coati will spend lots of time in its enclosure, so that you want to make it as comfortable and enriching as possible.

Bedding

Line the bottom of the cage with 3 to 6 inches of aspen shavings, shredded paper, or pelleted bedding. Aspen shavings and paper are softer, while pellets are less complicated to clean. Spot-clean the bedding day by day and exchange it completely every week or two.

Hide box

Coatis need places to hide, climb, and nest. Provide a wooden hide box filled with nesting material like aspen shavings, straw, or paper. Your coati will use this space to sleep, build nests, and escape stimulation.

Branches

Add natural or artificial tree branches at multiple levels in the cage. Coatis are agile climbers and need opportunities to climb, stability, and hang upside down. Secure branches to the edges of the cage so they are stable and won’t fall over.

Toys

Enrich your coati’s surroundings with puzzle toys that dispense treats, swings, ropes, and other interactive toys that encourage natural behaviors like foraging, climbing and hassle-solving. Rotate different toys to keep things interesting.

Food and water

Provide heavy, secured food and water bowls that attach to the cage bars or walls. Coatis are sensible and dexterous, and could tip over or throw bowls that are not well secured. Fresh food and water should  to be had at all times.

Nest box

For breeding coatis, provide a nest box in which female can give birth and raise her young for the first few months. The nest box should be at least 24 inches high and wide, with multiple exits. Place nesting material like aspen shavings, straw, paper and cloth inside.

Top Coati Cage Options to Buy or Build

When choosing a cage for your coati, you have several excellent options to consider. The size, materials, and design are all key factors in picking the ideal enclosure for your coatimundi’s needs.

Commercial Coati Cages

For coatis, an extra-large cage is best, at minimum 6 feet by 3 feet. Look for cages specifically designed for coatis or similar exotic small animals.

Some recommended commercial cages include:

• Prevue Hendryx Double Unit Cage:
  Spacious and versatile, with two connected cages you can use together or separately. Easy to clean and assemble.

• Midwest Critter Nation Double Unit Cage:
  High-quality cage with full-width double doors, a removable shelf, and a pull-out tray. Pricey but built to last.

• Yaheetech 52-Inch Cage:
  An affordable, basic cage suitable for a single coati. Includes a nesting box, platforms, and multiple access doors. May require additional modification for coatis.

DIY Coati Cages

If you’re handy, you can construct a custom cage to suit your coati’s needs. A wooden frame with wire mesh sides and top and a concrete floor is ideal. Include multiple levels connected by ramps, nesting boxes, branches, and ropes for climbing and playing. A DIY cage allows you to create the perfect enclosure at lower cost. Be sure to use coati-proof hardware and wood that won’t splinter.

Outdoor Enclosures

For coatis that spend a lot of time outside, an outdoor enclosure provides extra space to exercise and play. A sturdy wire mesh enclosure under a deck or in a yard gives your coati access to fresh air and sunlight. Include platforms, nesting boxes, and climbing areas, and be sure the mesh extends several feet into the ground to prevent escape. Provide shade and shelter, and never leave a coati alone and unsupervised in an outdoor enclosure.

Also visit https://www.britannica.com/animal/coati

FAQs

• Can coatis be house-trainedlike cats?
  

  Yes, coatis can be trained to use a litter box, however consistent training is important.

• What kind of medical care do coatis require?
  
  Coatis need regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations, just like dogs and cats.

• Are coatis prone to specific health issues?

  Coatis may face dental problems, obesity, and parasitic infections; regular vet visits help prevent these issues.

• Do coatis need companionship from other coatis?

  Coatis are social animals, and having another coati companion can enhance their well-being.

• How do coatis behave around other pets in the household?

  Coatis may interact well with other pets if introduced properly, but supervision is crucial.

• What is the lifespan of a pet coati?

  With right care, coatis can live up to fifteen years in captivity, making it a long-term dedication.