Thread: Help make possum boxes etc for ACT Wildlife (Canberra)

Is/are there a design/s?

If you want to make a job of it, I'm sure we can organise a group sesh. Delbs and I are always keen to do this kind of thing. I have a compressor, nail gun/bradder, finger jointer....Leigh dovetailer

I think Delbs lives over your way. We could make a few after work. If the group buys or compensates for the sheets we could have fun making them....there are 4 more we can rope in.

Unfortunately they have very little money and certainly no budget currently to pay for materials for boxes. I'm going to make a trip out to The Green Shed next weekend and see what I can scrounge up, maybe see if we can get some sponsorship specifically for materials.

For my own purposes I'll probably use largely planed and stained wood from pine pallets which I get at nurseries etc. Not ideal for outdoors, but as long as it lasts two years it's ok. It's free.

No plans … but I can get you info on basic requirements e.g. must be between this and this size and sketch out rough shapes and proportions.

You've probably all seen possum boxes taped to trees … it's a box with a hole.

could possibly use wooden pallets for materials as they are generally free and in plentiful supply - unless the possums are fussy ?

Could also be a project for schools or other community groups. If the materials are cut to size in bulk, they can then be put together by many hands.

The biggest problem is probably cheap supply of material. (Perhaps chain hardware stores could donate a few sheets of ply which then get their logo on the finished product. The animals probably will not be fussed, but the humans who see the boxes will have a reminder of the donor.)

Originally Posted by Handyjack

The biggest problem is probably cheap supply of material.

Yeah I'll get permission to approach a few places including TBGS and ask for just that.

Not sure what gear some of the other "4" have but i have a panel saw here and could cut sheets down quickly and easily ready for assembly. Actually i probably live over the road from one of your friends Nathaniel, i'm in Isabella plains. There is no knowing what new animals will appear for care at the house across the street.....

Cheers,
Ew

Got plans for one big enough for Dame Edna?
Sorry couldn't resist. Everytime I hear 'possum' I think of her sketches.
Phil

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/an...ossumHouse.htm

NathanielBC, sorry, I misunderstood. When you said "we" I assumed you were part of this group. Act as a liaison? How many do they need? 100?

It looks like a good idea to make these things. My BIL is a pest exterminator and we talked about this thread. He is paid OBSCENE money to catch possums and move them only 50 metres!. They also sell possum boxes and charge out $320....

Well, I nearly blew my cornflakes everywhere and instantly offered to make them for the entire chain! Discussions now being held....

But as others have pointed out, they are the simplest of things. Ueee having a panel saw makes the sheets easier. He and I are going to catch up Sunday/Monday anyway, so maybe we can talk his ideas out. (though I think his animal infestation problem is more Homo Bogan Australis variety than of the possum variety)

I'd be pleased to help. As I mentioned, Corbs, Delbs, Ilya, Trav, WoodTherapy and I (the mighty Evanism!) get together regularly and looking for cool things to do (other than BS each other). This would make a great club-like thing. We could invite the ACT wildlife people over, we can show them the "doings" and they can make (glue, nail, paint) while we cut....or something like that?

Send me a message if interested....or the others, I believe you've met a couple already.

I'm not working ATM, so things to keep me busy are welcome.

Happy to make a few boxes as required. Cover sheets might be a cheap (free) source for ply as well.

Sorry I've been offline looking after a rural property the past week.

Originally Posted by Evanism

NathanielBC, sorry, I misunderstood. When you said "we" I assumed you were part of this group. Act as a liaison? How many do they need? 100?

Well yes and no. I'm a volunteer with them, but I can't represent them or make decisions for them … other people will take care of that stuff. I can just offer and ask. They'd be happy with one … any more is even better