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Old 02-11-2017, 10:24 PM   #1
psilocyborg
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Default A few questions about building a multi-tier cage

Hi guys, had an interesting idea for expanding cage space and wanted to run it past some knowledgable people before I go ahead and mess up... So. I currently have 2 medium sized "ZooZone" cages (too small, I know, only had my Boar for approximately 3 weeks and have only just got the money to sort this out) and want to combine them both with a 133L clear plastic storage box to create a 3-tier "super-cage".

I was thinking I'd cut a decent sized (maybe 15x25cm) hole in the lid of the storage box (ground floor) and a matching hole in the bottom of the first ZooZone cage, line the holes up and glue them together. Then cut another hole in the bottom of the second ZooZone cage of a similar size and glue that to the top of the lid of the "middle floor". I also intend to drill ventilation holes and cut away some small sections of plastic to be replaced with wire mesh/bars to further aid ventilation and allow gnaws/chews and water bottle(s) to be attached.

I've got a few questions. Any particular reasons this wouldn't work? Obviously I need ramps etc for the little guy to be able to access the higher floors, I can sort that out easily.

Do I need to use non-toxic glue? I assume yes but seeing as little Hermes will never get close enough to the glue to eat it, is this still necessary? Or can anyone think of a better way than glue to achieve this? I'm reluctant to use OVO tubes and the like because cutting through wire is a pain. I could link them horizontally by cutting through the plastic - that was actually my original idea. But I have no idea how I'd be able to secure the tubes to the plastic in a way that he wouldn't be able to chew through, allowing him to escape.

I'm extremely tired right now (it's 5am here, finished a 7 hour shift in an incredibly busy kitchen then came home and researched Hamster stuff for the last 5 hours) so I apologise if my incoherent rambling doesn't make total sense. I can draw pictures if necessary.

Thanks for your help

PS on further inspection, the cages I have are NOT ZooZone... Very similar but a flatter lid.
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Old 02-12-2017, 01:42 PM   #2
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: A few questions about building a multi-tier cage

Modular cages are just not hamster-appropriate.It needs to be either one floor space,or connected directly all on the same exact level(for example,bins zip tied together after cutting a large hole or part of if not an entire wall out of each bin).Otherwise,you're not really getting more floor space,and therefore it isn't truly appropriate.
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Old 02-12-2017, 02:26 PM   #3
Drago
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Default Re: A few questions about building a multi-tier cage

I agree with amity, modular cages just don't provide hamsters with what they need unfortunately. Hamsters don't naturally spend their time climbing and leaping about in the air, they spend time running, foraging, and digging. The problem with tier and modular cages is that the hamster cannot continuously run and forage and must slow down and stop or change motions to keep going through their enclosures. This is why these types of cages simply aren't recommended. Now I'm not sure what country you're in, but in the US, the IRIS bin cage is an extremely spacious and cheap cage to offer your ham, and it can be expanded according to your hams needs If you don't live in the US, I'd go for the largest bin possible and add more if it's not as big as you'd like since bins are customizable. A 40 gallon breeder also works as an easy way to house your ham! Have fun buying and customizing a home for your little one!
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Old 02-13-2017, 03:22 AM   #4
CMB
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Default Re: A few questions about building a multi-tier cage

Joining the cages side by side would be better, as they give better/continuous floor space. But if you don't have space in the room to do this then by having the cages on top of one another will give different areas for the hamster to explore.
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Old 02-13-2017, 04:06 AM   #5
cypher
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Default Re: A few questions about building a multi-tier cage

I agree that joining the cages side by side would be far better but if you do have to go vertical have you thought about how much floor space would be left after cutting the access holes? You would probably end up with too little really useable space on each level & you would also have to think about the possibility of falls even with ramps in place.
Whatever you choose to do you will have to use non toxic glue, even if there's no chance of it being chewed (& you can never really be sure of that!) some glues give off dangerous fumes.
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