Dave,
 
You asked about your cage being a rip-off...  Well, from my experience, it
is.  From what I hear, even the multi leveled cages are only luxurious
sleeping quarters, after all, there isn't much to do in them.  If you are
planning to buy a large cage, however, a multi level "ferret" cage is not
necessary.  I have seen cages (like the one you are talking about) in many
pet stores under the name of "cat playpen" or the such.  Even these have
levels for them, but I already talked about that.  I think that your best
bet is to buy a folding dog kennel (steel bar type) and build your own
levels with wood or whatever.  I have seen these in Canada (where I am) for
about $50 - $80 Canadian, which is like, what, 5-6 dollars American :)
 
just a thought
 
Sam Warnock
-Dana, the HUGE
-Georgie, the s-p-a-z
[Posted in FML issue 1469]