Sterilite 26-1/2-Gallon Latch Box (Plastic Bin Cage)

[juliedn]

I know how hard it is to find a good cage in the United States. Since I know this myself, I'd love to share my experiences with Americans in finding the right one. I went through 3 cages and wasted a lot of money. And today I've finally found it.

I am reviewing the Sterilite 26-1/2-Gallon Latch Box (http://www.homedepot.com/buy/storage-organization/storage-totes-baskets/sterilite/26-12-gallon-latch-box-100304.html)

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii291/iamsushilover/Untitled.png

Cost and Availability: It retails for $14.96 per bin. With tax it is around $16(less than 10 British pounds). There is no need for shipping costs since they can only be bought in Home Depot stores that are basically located almost everywhere in the US. You can check if your local store has it by clicking "Check Store Availability."

Size: Assembled Depth (in.) : 19.375 in/49.2125 cm
Assembled Height (in.) : 13.375 in/33.9725 cm
Assembled Width (in.) : 33.75 in/85.72500 cm
Compared to other cages sold in the UK, this bin is the equal size or even greater. The height of the bin is high enough to be escape proof for dwarf hamsters. However, if you're planning to put any elevated items in the cage or housing a Syrian, I suggest you leave the cap on and mesh it.

Build Quality: Sterilite has been a trusted brand for storage for many years now. I can guarantee that it will last for a very long time without any sorts of cracks. But you may get an occasional scratch as for anything that is plastic. The cap stays on superbly and will keep your hamster(s) from escaping. The bin is a quality product.

Accessories: The bin does not come with accessories, but has plenty of room to fill them with.

Appearance:Often plastic bins will get a bad rap for not looking very appealing, but this bin is very modern looking and has smooth edges.
You can see through well through this bin, but not as clear as something like and aquarium. But I can still see everything that a hamster would do inside. This bin tends to be clearer than other ones I've come across.
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii291/iamsushilover/DSC_0132-1.jpg
Here is a view of it's gentle curves and handles.
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii291/iamsushilover/DSC_0129-1.jpg
You have the option to purchase at the store with blue or green snap locks on the caps. I chose green because it goes very well with nature themed cages.
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii291/iamsushilover/DSC_0128-1.jpg

Suitability: Syrians: The size of this cage is great for a Syrian and they will appreciate the plastic walls that will allow more bedding depth. Please mesh your cap and keep it on when not present because a Syrian may escape.
Dwarves: I used the bin for only one WW Hybrid, but it's great for maybe 1 or 2 more. I don't think it is necessary to mesh the cap and keep it on unless you have highly elevated items in the bin or have a very jumpy hamster. Keep in mind that not all dwarves like a lot of room. Make sure to put hiding spots around the cage to make them feel more comfortable.

Pros:
-Lots of space
-Beautiful Design
-Very inexpensive
-High Quality

Cons:
-Not completely see-through
-Not good for every individual hamster, it depends on them.
-Has an awkward rounded perimeter within the actual storage space, but is not too big of an issue.

Here are some extra photos I'd like to share to show its space and versatility in decor.
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii291/iamsushilover/DSC_0125-1.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii291/iamsushilover/DSC_0124-1.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii291/iamsushilover/DSC_0130.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii291/iamsushilover/DSC_0131.jpg

I highly recommend this cage for its price, quality, and floor space. If you are planning to get a new cage and live in the US, please consider this and do not let your hamster suffer in a tiny Crittertrail. Even though you can connect multiple cages, this will definitely save you the money and hassle of cleaning.

[Hamtastic]

Thanks a lot for this review! Your set-up looks great. I'm going to think about getting one of these!

[starrylight99]

Looks excellent! Bin cages are definitely the way to go if you want a super large cage in the US. What sort of ventilation did you make? Did you have to drill holes through the plastic? Or use mesh on any part of it? I am always worried about making one because I haven't found a decent mesh.

[juliedn]

As of right now I'm keeping the top off. I will mesh it soon.

[purple_x]

What a great find! Now I want one!!

I have to say that I LOVE loooooooooove love love your set up :D It looks amazing, you have a very lucky hammy. x

Can I just ask where you got those bits of wood from that are in the back left hand corner? The ones that form a little fence round the house? Those are cute.

Also where do you get your little pebbles from? A shop or a beach? I'd love some little pebbles like that for my cages.

[Gizmodo ^_^]

That actually looks great :D, Aiden has such a great layout, and your such a good owner to him :). Great review too :)

[juliedn]

What a great find! Now I want one!!

I have to say that I LOVE loooooooooove love love your set up :D It looks amazing, you have a very lucky hammy. x

Can I just ask where you got those bits of wood from that are in the back left hand corner? The ones that form a little fence round the house? Those are cute.

Also where do you get your little pebbles from? A shop or a beach? I'd love some little pebbles like that for my cages.

The wood is basically a sort of coconut bark used in orchid farming. The pebbles can probably be purchased by in landscaping supply stores. I didn't purchase these myself but my stepfather has a landscaping business so I have a lot of access to natural materials. But I bet you can easily find them at a beach like Hamtastic has done. Thanks for the compliments. :)

[Hamtastic]

I just went to a local hardware store and had a chance to look at this bin in person. It really is quite spacious! The plastic seems sturdy, and the top cover very secure.

[Breezy]

Looks lovely, I'll definitely have to consider this! If I may ask, how would you mesh the top?

[juliedn]

This article will teach you how:
How to make a custom bin cage - Hamster Central WIKI (http://www.hamstercentral.com/wiki/How_to_make_a_custom_bin_cage)!

[Hamtastic]

I got another fully transparent Sterilite bin today for only $16, very similar to Julie's:
Sterilite ClearView Latch 110 quart bin (http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=608&picture=1&tab=Specifications&ProductCategory=252&section=1)
http://www.sterilite.com/productfiles/images/PD1_17641704.jpg

Dimensions:
34 5/8" L x 18 3/4" W x 12 5/8" H
87.9cm L x 47.6cm W x 32.1cm H
(These are the greatest dimensions where the cover is attached, so the base is actually more like 77cm x 38cm at the very bottom)

I also got some green vinyl-coated mesh (1/2" squares, $12 for a 5-foot roll from Home Depot)--dark to see through it better, and small white plastic ties.

I cut a rectangular hole in the top of the bin and meshed it (still need to flatten out the mesh a bit). The end result is attached here. To demonstrate how transparent the bin is, I took a photo of it without flash--it's the more yellow picture (flash was reflecting off the bin, casting a blue tint on it, making it less transparent).

This bin is really big and cheap--highly recommended.
(Thanks, Julie, for the suggestion! <3)

[HammysMommy]

This really helps me thanks for posting! I like how you used the plastic tie things instead of screws I think that will be the easiest for me to do and very efficient! I noticed you didn't cut out any windows in the front or the side, since the opening is very open and ventilated in the top do you feel its even necessary? And also I have that critterbath too how cute, I love the wood houses in each corner, where did you get those from? Petco or maybe petsmart?

[Hamtastic]

Thank you.

The opening on the top is huge and more than adequate. It's like 29"x15". I don't see why I would need any side windows with this set up. Those are usually for cages with a closed top or small openings on the top.

The zip ties I used were <$2 - the smallest size available at HomeDepot. The wire mesh is also from HomeDepot ("hardware cloth")
YARDGARD 2 ft. x 5 ft. x 1/2 in. 19 Gauge PVC Hardware Cloth - 308253B at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202024055/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)

The wooden houses are actually by European brands--not really available in the US (I had mine shipped from the UK): Trixie Jesper and Karlie Wonderland Tree House. The ceramic critter bath is by Super Pet and is sold at PetSmart, Amazon, and many other places.

[rockster]

Great review julie :D Really enjoyed reading it although i cant get hold of that brand over here xD x

[badger]

Not to take over or something, but for a more ideas, here's a pic of my two hammie's cages. Draco is on the left and Sonic is on the right. I just added the top cages and it doubled the bin sizes and only took me...maybe 4 hours. : ) Very easy. All you need are bins, hardware cloth (mesh, at any home improvement store,) zip ties (cable ties,) and a power drill. I meshed all 4 lids and drilled some small vent holes in the lower cages as well.
8569

*edit, yes I DO have metal mesh wheels for my hammies. They are quite large syrians, and the mesh holes are extremly small. They have done fine for months, and I take them out and check their feet/ general health every night. No...I won't get rid of these wheels. I like them a lot, and so do my hammies, plus, they do really well on them.