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{{quality|Exceptional|22:58, 6 January 2011 (UTC)}}{{av}}{{buggy}}
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{{quality|Exceptional|22:58, 6 January 2011 (UTC)}}{{av}}
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{{furniture|name=Cage
 
{{furniture|name=Cage
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A glass cage is called a terrarium or, if filled with water for holding [[Captured live fish|captured]] live vermin [[fish]], an aquarium.
 
A glass cage is called a terrarium or, if filled with water for holding [[Captured live fish|captured]] live vermin [[fish]], an aquarium.
  
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Cages are stored on the Animal Stockpile (unless they have been [[Wear|worn]] out somehow, in which case they are stored in a Refuse Stockpile). Dwarves will attempt to collect and store cages in stockpiles if the {{k|o}}rders - dwarves haul {{k|a}}nimals option is set.
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Cages are stored on the Animal Stockpile. Dwarves will attempt to collect and store cages in stockpiles if the {{k|o}}rders - dwarves haul {{k|a}}nimals option is set.
  
 
To set a pile to accept ''only'' empty cages, set up an animal pile (or a custom pile) and in its settings {{k|b}}lock all and use {{k|u}} to enable empty cages. Similarly, to block empty cages, use {{k|u}} to disable them. ({{k|j}} toggles [[animal trap]]s.)
 
To set a pile to accept ''only'' empty cages, set up an animal pile (or a custom pile) and in its settings {{k|b}}lock all and use {{k|u}} to enable empty cages. Similarly, to block empty cages, use {{k|u}} to disable them. ({{k|j}} toggles [[animal trap]]s.)
  
 
==Building and using a cage==
 
==Building and using a cage==
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A cage can be constructed from a log of [[wood]] at a [[carpenter's workshop]], from three bars of [[metal]] at a [[metalsmith's forge]], and from [[glass]] at a [[glass furnace]].
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Cages can be constructed from [[wood]] at a [[carpenter's workshop]], from [[metal]] at a [[metalsmith's forge]], and from [[glass]] at a [[glass furnace]].
  
 
You can then either build them on a tile via {{k|b}} - {{k|j}} (this is needed for linking a lever to them, or assigning a tame animal to it) or simply keep them stockpiled so they can be used to load cage [[trap]]s.
 
You can then either build them on a tile via {{k|b}} - {{k|j}} (this is needed for linking a lever to them, or assigning a tame animal to it) or simply keep them stockpiled so they can be used to load cage [[trap]]s.
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===Creature containment===
 
===Creature containment===
  
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To assign creatures to a (built) cage, assign the cage to the location you want using {{k|b}}-{{k|j}}. Then press {{k|q}} and move the cursor over the cage. Use {{k|+}} and {{k|-}} to scroll up and down the list of [[creatures]], and {{k|Enter}} to assign them to the cage. Creatures currently assigned to the cage are listed at the top; the rest of the creatures are listed in order of arrival on the map (including any inaccessible creatures). Note that tame grazing creatures will starve if left in cages, though pet owners may feed their pets. Instead of caging grazers, assign them to a [[zone|pasture]] that has plenty of tasty [[grass]] and/or [[cave moss]].
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To assign creatures to a (built) cage, press {{k|q}} and move the cursor over the cage. Use {{k|+}} and {{k|-}} to scroll up and down the list of [[creatures]], and {{k|Enter}} to assign them to the cage. Note that tame grazing creatures will starve if left in cages, though pet owners may feed their pets. Instead of caging grazers, assign them to a [[zone|pasture]] that has plenty of tasty [[grass]] and/or [[cave moss]].
  
 
Multiple creatures can be assigned to the same cage with no penalty. It is apparently possible to fit hundreds of [[dog|puppies]] in a cage with dozens of [[blind cave ogre]]s with no ill effects or a [[dragon]], a thousand [[cat]]s, and whatever else is on hand, leading some players to conclude that cages include some sort of hidden "cage space" that allows infinitely tight packing of creatures.
 
Multiple creatures can be assigned to the same cage with no penalty. It is apparently possible to fit hundreds of [[dog|puppies]] in a cage with dozens of [[blind cave ogre]]s with no ill effects or a [[dragon]], a thousand [[cat]]s, and whatever else is on hand, leading some players to conclude that cages include some sort of hidden "cage space" that allows infinitely tight packing of creatures.
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You can get details about the creatures which are in a built cage by pressing {{k|t}} and then {{k|enter}}. There, you can scroll the list of creatures and get details, for example, you can tell whether a creature is male or female, which is useful if you are preparing a breeding program.
 
You can get details about the creatures which are in a built cage by pressing {{k|t}} and then {{k|enter}}. There, you can scroll the list of creatures and get details, for example, you can tell whether a creature is male or female, which is useful if you are preparing a breeding program.
  
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[[Vermin]] can also be assigned to cages, to save space or [[animal trap]]s. However, if you try to release them ({{k|q}} and then {{k|a}}), the dwarf will pickup an animal trap and put the poor creature back in a stock cage.  To explicitly release an animal, instead "pull" the animal somewhere else: either assign the animal to a [[pit]] (which could simply be a hillside outside your fortress), or a pasture.  This has the benefit of making it clear where the animal is being released.  However keep in mind the dwarf will uncage the animal first and then lead it to the release, so large/dangerous animals may escape en route.  Consider using the [[dump]] command to move the cage before release, or assign the animal stockpile next to the pit/pasture.
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[[Vermin]] can also be assigned to cages, to save space or [[animal trap]]s. However, if you try to release them ({{k|q}} and then {{k|a}}), the dwarf will pickup an animal trap and put the poor creature in it. You must have a triggered (linked to a [[lever]]) cage to release tamed small creatures (like most birds).
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Bees shows up in the list of creatures that can be assigned to a cage, but dwarves will not start the task, and it will not be shown in the {{k|j}}obs list.
 
  
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Creatures in cages cannot be attacked (though any existing attack orders will '''not''' automatically cancel, leaving your military dwarves milling around the cage uselessly). Most caged creatures are also unable to attack, although some special attacks (such as gaseous noxious secretions) can still be used. Creatures in cages are also immune to damage from falling, and falling objects. [[Breeding]] creatures are unable to get pregnant if caged, although they will give birth while caged if they were already pregnant. Also creatures in cages age, so [[kitten]]s in a cage will eventually become adult cats. Creatures in cages are affected by extreme temperatures, and [[dwarven atom smasher|atom smashing]] the cage will also obliterate the occupants, even if they are normally immune to smashing. Casting a cage in [[obsidian]] will not harm the occupants (though the temperature might if the cage is subjected to magma for very long).
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Bees shows up in the list of creatures that can be assigned to a cage, but dwarfs will not start the task, and it will not be shown in the {{k|j}}obs list.
  
 
===Prisons===
 
===Prisons===
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To set a cage as a [[jail]], {{k|q}}uery the cage, designate it as a {{k|r}}oom, and then set it to be used for {{k|j}}ustice. Only [[metal]] cages may be used in this way, despite [[wood]]en cages being strong enough to hold [[dragon]]s.
 
To set a cage as a [[jail]], {{k|q}}uery the cage, designate it as a {{k|r}}oom, and then set it to be used for {{k|j}}ustice. Only [[metal]] cages may be used in this way, despite [[wood]]en cages being strong enough to hold [[dragon]]s.
  
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If you want your prisoners to survive their sentences, it is strongly recommended '''not''' to use cages but [[rope|chains or ropes]] for your prisons, with drink and food placed directly adjacent to the chains. Caged dwarves must be given water and drink by others, and the required jobs are almost never generated. Dwarves caged in the name of justice will ''normally'' die of thirst or starvation, due to a bug preventing prisoner care jobs from being queued up in many cases {{Bug|2606}}.
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Dwarves in cages must be fed and given water by other dwarves. Unfortunately, these tasks are not given priority, and may be overlooked if your dwarves are otherwise occupied. A few dedicated caregivers can prevent prisoner starvation problems.
  
 
===Remotely Opening Cages===
 
===Remotely Opening Cages===
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A way to release creatures from stockpiled cages (which have not been built) is to assign the creatures to a [[pasture]] (which is possible for any living thing except dwarves).  The same precautions as for trading the cage should be taken first.
 
A way to release creatures from stockpiled cages (which have not been built) is to assign the creatures to a [[pasture]] (which is possible for any living thing except dwarves).  The same precautions as for trading the cage should be taken first.
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Another way is to use [[container]] spilling effect: cages [[Trap_design#Shotgun|hurled from a colliding minecart]] ''also'' spill their contents upon collision (see [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=109460.msg3340230#msg3340230 this forum message]). Possibly works when [[Bridge#Raising_and_Retracting_Bridges|flung by a raising bridge]] as well{{verify}}, but minecarts are easier to load via stockpiles. This combines timing control of a lever or pressure plate with reusability of pitting. If you want to deliver Goblin snatchers into your target practice room despite [[Thief|thieves]]' ability to wriggle out of normal pitting, or a bunch of [[Cave floater]]s toward invaders, this method may be preferable.
 
  
 
===Cages and Fluids===
 
===Cages and Fluids===
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===Buying Cages ===
 
===Buying Cages ===
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Traders may bring cages for sale. If these cages contain a [[tame]]d [[creature]], the item will be listed as (creature) cage, and the material will only be mentioned in parentheses behind the item name, e.g. Wolf Cage (Oaken).
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Traders may bring cages for sale. If these cages contain a [[tame]]d [[creature]], the item will be listed as (creature) cage, and will not describe the material the cage is made out of. However, the cage may contain a tamed [[vermin]], in which case it will be listed in the trading dialogue as by the material the cage is made out of. In such cases, the expanded cage description will list the contents of the cage. You can often infer that trained vermin are in a cage by noting the cage's value compared to other cages of identical quality in the list.
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However, once you have bought the cage the item name will list the material of the cage; ie: Wolf Cage (Oaken).
  
 
===Selling caged creatures ===
 
===Selling caged creatures ===
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=== How to disarm hostiles in cages ===
 
=== How to disarm hostiles in cages ===
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An easy way to take away all prisoner-held armor and clothing is via the mass designation tool.  Designate an area with {{K|d}}-{{K|b}}-{{K|c}} to claim and {{K|d}}-{{K|b}}-{{K|d}} to dump an area (i.e. your animal [[stockpile]], filled with caged prisoners).  Afterwards, hit {{K|k}}, and go over each cage and press {{K|d}} for each of them - this stops the dumping on the cages themselves. You will need a [[DF2012:Activity zone#Garbage Dump|garbage dump]] set up already for the dwarves to take the dumped items to. The dwarves will strip the prisoners naked and haul the items away. The cages themselves (and the creatures within) will remain in place.  The items will end up in the garbage dump zone. If you want to reuse the items, you need only to designate claim {{K|d}}-{{K|b}}-{{K|c}} on your garbage dump zone to reclaim the items after they are dumped there. If your animal stockpile is outdoors, you need to have the "Dwarves Gather Refuse from Outside" {{K|o}}-{{K|r}}-{{K|o}} order set.
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An easy way to take away all prisoner-held armor and clothing is via the mass designation tool.  Designate an area with {{K|d}}-{{K|b}}-{{K|c}} to claim and {{K|d}}-{{K|b}}-{{K|d}} to dump an area (i.e. your animal [[stockpile]], filled with caged prisoners).  Afterwards, hit {{K|k}}, and go over each cage and press {{K|d}} for each of them - this stops the dumping on the cages themselves. You will need a [[DF2012:Activity zone#Garbage Dump|garbage dump]] set up already for the dwarves to take the dumped items to. The dwarves will strip the prisoners naked and haul the items away. The cages themselves (and the creatures within) will remain in place.  The items will end up in the garbage dump zone. If you want to to reuse the items, you need only to designate claim {{K|d}}-{{K|b}}-{{K|c}} on your garbage dump zone to reclaim the items after they are dumped there. If your animal stockpile is outdoors, you need to have the "Dwarves Gather Refuse from Outside" {{K|o}}-{{K|r}}-{{K|o}} order set.
  
  
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This method can be used to confiscate specific items from caged prisoners, like weapons, armor or bags containing stolen property or kidnapped children. It can be more useful to just remove their weapons if you want to use your caged prisoners for target practice;  they will be more durable with their clothes and armor equipped, but not very dangerous without their weapons.
 
This method can be used to confiscate specific items from caged prisoners, like weapons, armor or bags containing stolen property or kidnapped children. It can be more useful to just remove their weapons if you want to use your caged prisoners for target practice;  they will be more durable with their clothes and armor equipped, but not very dangerous without their weapons.
  
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=== Emptying refuse ===
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=== How to get seeds out of a cage ===
 
If you [[animal trainer|tame an animal]] while it is inside a cage (a process which involves feeding a plant to the caged animal), you may leave seeds inside the cage.  To get these out, you must mark them for [[activity zone#Garbage_Dump|dumping]], designate a garbage zone, and wait for a dwarf to dump the seeds in the garbage zone.  Then you can reclaim them.
 
If you [[animal trainer|tame an animal]] while it is inside a cage (a process which involves feeding a plant to the caged animal), you may leave seeds inside the cage.  To get these out, you must mark them for [[activity zone#Garbage_Dump|dumping]], designate a garbage zone, and wait for a dwarf to dump the seeds in the garbage zone.  Then you can reclaim them.
  
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Animals that expire in a cage (built in a [[zoo]], or just sitting in an animal stockpile) also clutter up the cage until removed. If the cage is unbuilt and the animal is [[butcher]]able, your dwarves may haul the animal, cage included, to the butcher shop for processing. If not, you will need to manually clean the cage by dumping the corpse and any other items.
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Marking a seed for dumping can be done by pressing {{k|k}}, then pressing {{k|Enter}} on the cage, then pressing {{k|Enter}} a second time on the seed, and finally pressing {{k|d}} to mark the seed (rather than the cage) for dumping.  Or if there are a lot of seeds, you can use {{k|d}}-{{k|b}}-{{k|d}} to mass-dump everything in the tile, and then un-mark the cage itself.
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Marking refuse for dumping can be done by pressing {{k|k}} for an unbuilt cage ({{k|t}} for a built cage), then selecting the cage and pressing {{k|Enter}}, then selecting the item and pressing {{k|Enter}} again, and finally pressing {{k|d}} to mark the item (rather than the cage) for dumping.  Or if there is a lot of refuse, you can use {{k|d}}-{{k|b}}-{{k|d}} to mass-dump everything in the tile, and then un-mark the cage itself.
 
  
 
=== How to quickly empty out many cages ===
 
=== How to quickly empty out many cages ===
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Another easy way to quickly empty cages is to simply send the imprisoned creatures to a pasture, where your squad can slaughter them.
 
Another easy way to quickly empty cages is to simply send the imprisoned creatures to a pasture, where your squad can slaughter them.
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(Your dwarves can drag every goblin except thieves).
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(Your dwarfs can drag every goblin except thieves).
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The easiest way is to place the pasture right next to the cages and let our dwarves shoot them down. This way you can kill the thieves and monsters too.
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The easiest way is to place the pasture right next to the cages and let our dwarfs shoot them down. This way you can kill the thieves and monsters too.
  
 
{{buildings}}
 
{{buildings}}
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==Bugs==
 
==Bugs==
  
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* Creatures in cages that come from dead merchants can only be freed by assigning them to a [[Zone#Pen/Pasture|pen/pasture zone]] and then when they have been put there, deassigning them from the pen/pasture.
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Creatures in cages that come from dead merchants can only be freed by assigning them to a [[Zone#Pen/Pasture|pen/pasture zone]] and then when they have been put there, deassign them from the pen/pasture.
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* When bringing a cage to the Trade Depot in order to trade it, any untameable creatures inside the cage will be freed.  Tamed (and presumably also wild but tameable) animals can be safely traded. {{Bug|4065}}
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* Aquariums cannot be used to store large fish (they will drown), though vermin fish work just fine. {{Bug|1590}}
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When bringing a cage to the Trade Depot in order to trade it, any untameable creatures inside the cage will be freed.  Tamed (and presumably also wild but tameable) animals can be safely traded. {{Bug|4065}}
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* Placing a vermin fish in an aquarium can cause [[purring maggot]]s to become unmilkable. {{Bug|6116}}
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* Creatures escape from Artifact traps/cages. {{bug|6117}}
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Aquariums cannot be used to store large fish (they will drown), though vermin fish work just fine. {{Bug|1590}}
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* Dwarves caged in the name of justice will often die of thirst or starvation, due to prisoner care jobs not being queued up in many cases {{Bug|2606}}.
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* Dwarves trapped in cages cannot be directly freed. They can only be released by building the cage and connecting a [[lever]] to it, or ordering the cage be brought to a trade depot.
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Placing a vermin fish in an aquarium can cause [[purring maggot]]s to become unmilkable. {{Bug|6116}}
  
 
{{Category|Justice}}
 
{{Category|Justice}}
 
{{Category|Buildings}}
 
{{Category|Buildings}}

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