Completely Custom Cage and toys

JesserBee · 06-21-2011, 11:16 AM

So I built the following cage out of chicken wire, craft wire, and foam. With the exception of the water bottle and wheel of course.

Here is a closeup of the top and bottom of the cage.

I also have another two chicken wire cages that I built but am not really using. I haven't taken a picture of them though. So tell me what you guys think of my creations. lol

purple_x · 06-21-2011, 11:44 AM

That's really small. The base size is really not big enough for any hamster.
I'd also be a little worried as chicken wire can be quite sharp.
Do you have a second level in there? Made of the chicken wire? If so this is bad because walking on it can cause bumblefoot in small animals.

I think it's great that you've tried to build something but a bin cage would be so much better and safer.

wiggle'smommy · 06-21-2011, 11:58 AM

How big is the base?
Also doesn't he chew the foam? I would be worried...
Is there any way you could make a bin cage? They are very easy to make and cheap too. Plus there's a lot more space to put in toys.

They are also quite flexible as you can cut holes in the side to attach tubes to other bins or commercial cages if you want to. I was able to make one quite easily, and there are full details in the wiki section of HC.
I think it is wonderful that you tried, as purple said, however bins are a lot more practical.

cheekycheeks · 06-21-2011, 12:10 PM

I am sure this cage took some time, and we are not trying to put you down for doing something so creative. Its just from the size for instance it may be a bit small. And I would worry about the wire cutting him. Hamsters are actually not usually climbers, I mean they can climb but its not their "forte" I would say, many don't even ever do it. I think this would be a cool idea for a animal that did climb all the time, if it was safe, no sharp edges. I have a feeling with how high the hammock is, the heirght of it, and material you used, you might have thought they were big climbers so I just thought I'd let you know. I do think he would like a bin cage better, there are tons of DIY threads on here, and it is extremely cheap and easy to make a good simple one

mangoandmimi · 06-21-2011, 01:16 PM

looks nice... apart from the floor space and height :L if your hamster fell from the top that would be painful without soft bedding to fall from, i'd also be worried that the hamster would chew the foam :I and comparing the cage to the size of the wheel the floor space also looks small, my personal minimum size for a syrian is 80x50cm.
maybe a bin cage as already mentioned, would be a good idea? i love the idea of this cage, but to me it just looks a bit .. unsafe for the hamster :L

CoolcatNatNat44 · 06-21-2011, 01:34 PM

I just agree with what everyone has said lol

Gillzy · 06-21-2011, 02:02 PM

I also agree with everyone else. I'd also like to suggest that maybe, you cold use this wire cage on a bin cage bottom (making an awesome cage) then you can have a substrate in the base for the hamster to dig in (as many hamsters are very keen on digging, and they are natural burrowers). I'd also suggest putting some cardboard through the wheel, as it has gaps in it that the hamster can get his foot caught in and hurt himself.

It's very creative though, and since it's home made it means you can adjust it slightly easier than those with store bought cages!

Fidgetthefirst · 06-21-2011, 02:16 PM

I too agree with everyone..
We're not trying to put your work down, as i mean i couldnt do anything like this, wouldn't have paitence! LOL, but i just echo what everybody else has said

Ministottie · 06-21-2011, 02:20 PM

Wow, pretty impressive work there, must have taken so much time and effort

gellerbing · 06-21-2011, 02:40 PM

impressive work but i have to agree that its too small