i found a company that sells the 1" X 1/2" pvc coated wire at a good price and they will ship to individuals. here's their link:

www.klubertanz.com/Catalog.htm

(you'll have to copy and paste it)

on the left side of the screen it will list all types of supplies, scroll down and click on vinyl (pvc coated) wire, then scroll down the main page and click on Riverdale Vinyl-Gard - Mesh sizes finer than 1" X 2" then choose the size and gauge you need.

i called all over the U.S. as well as several local companies and searched the internet and Klubertanz had the best price, anywhere from 50% to 80% cheaper than the other places i called. i ordered it yesterday, it's supposed to ship this friday and be here by next wednesday. they are even making my cage doors for me at the size i requested.

i had heard that the pvc coated wire sometimes has a machine shop smell to it and an oily residue and so i asked them about that and they said it shouldn't and doesn't to their knowledge. however, if it does, then from what i've read, you should take it to the car wash and run it through the hot soap wash and rinse well. i've even ready that some people will soak it in the tire soak stuff first, then wash, then rinse well. seems to clean it just fine. no residue and no smell should be left.

anyway, just thought some of you might be interested and wanted to pass along the info. hope this helps someone.

what about the vinyl pet fence they sell at lowes, i think thats what the screen is in a bonding pouch? would that work as well or could they eventually chew through it?

i'm not sure if they would chew through it. but i don't think it would be very sturdy for the size cage we are building. our new cage will be 4'wide X 6' tall X 2'deep.

we did find some plastic mesh/hardware cloth with 1/2" x 1/2" holes and that seems to work well as long as you have extra bracing for sturdiness. however, since it's plastic, it won't hold a whole lot of weight and depending on what toys, etc you're hanging in your cage, it may tear through. not sure though.