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Old 07-06-2019, 02:42 AM   #11
Schwartzie
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Default Re: DIY Bin Cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
I would use actual metal mesh. That looks like plastic, and if it is more plastic-y or like a soft fabric type mesh you really shouldn't use that as it could get chewed through. Another potentially unsafe mesh would be vinyl coated mesh, since the vinyl coating can be chewed off and that isn't digestible.

While it isn't widely known with hamsters, using mesh that is too small has caused serious harm to other rodents such as gerbils since teeth can get stuck and potentially even pulled out if the spacing is too small(whether mesh or cage bars).
I agree...go with metal mesh not plastic.
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Old 07-06-2019, 06:31 AM   #12
10Minutes
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Default Re: DIY Bin Cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwartzie View Post
I have attached a picture of the rabbit cage I bought. It was cheaper than the biggest samla bin at IkEA. It’s 100cmx50cm...I used bendy wire mesh to put over it. I cut along where the doors were etc.

If you search on this forum attaching water bottle to bins you will come up with threads that cover that. If you can’t find anything look on YouTube. Your hamster shouldn’t be anywhere near the top of your lid where the mesh would be because it’s high up. If you are worried sand them down a bit.

Please send pictures of what you decide to do...so exciting!
Your rabbit cages is so lovely! Unfortunately the rabbit cages here aren't suitable, the shop assistant told me the bottom is barred and a hamster would probably injure her feet. Yeah, I have been trying to watch so many videos. I'm not that good with this kinda handicraft stuff and I don't think I have the proper tools... But it's not rocket science and I'm an adult with people who can help, so I trust if I try hard enough, I can end up with a reasonable enclosure.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
You should be able to mesh side vents without sharp edges ok. If the mesh overlaps the outside of the cut plastic and is the mesh edges are then stuck down with masking tape.

The cut edges of the plastic you can easily smooth with a bit of sanding paper - would only take about 10 minutes. Have a look at some of these below for ideas. I actually think you do need ventilation front, back and top - ventilation is really important.

Even without tape over the external mesh edges, a robo is very unlikely to be able to get out between the mesh and plastic if fixed with cable ties. Our robo is in a barred cage (7mm bar spacing) and wouldn't be able to get through the bars.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ha...w=1366&bih=604

I'm guessing you're in the US? Our robo is in this cage (without the metal grid shelf). It's a very good cage and I like the big front opening door - makes it easier to interact with the hamster. It's not cheap though.

https://www.amazon.com/Lixit-Animal-...y&sr=8-1-fkmr0
Yes, I think masking tape would help prevent escapes! Wasn't sure if masking tape would be safe for hamsters at first.

Noted on the ventilation part, I think I won't put a cloth over the bin then, but I'll find her some dark cave-like housing in the corner so that she can hide in there instead if she feels like getting some privacy. Thanks for the 7mm bar spacing measurement, that should help me with figuring out what's "escape-proof" while I ruminate on how I can do this.

Unfortunately I am from South East Asia and that cage doesn't ship to my country. A lot of those things aren't available here. I have already bought the biggest bin I could find today.. But I still need to work on the other stuff (wire mesh, setting it up, etc.)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwartzie View Post
I personally would go for mesh that is the biggest size that is safe to use for a hamster without it getting out to give it as much ventilation as possible. That’s my personal choice. There might be members who have used this mesh and can advise. Can’t wait to see pictures ☺️☺️☺️
Hmm.. I will have to explore the available options to find a better mesh then. Will look into it by tomorrow, I'm really keen to have this bin set up for my little Louise soon.

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
I would use actual metal mesh. That looks like plastic, and if it is more plastic-y or like a soft fabric type mesh you really shouldn't use that as it could get chewed through. Another potentially unsafe mesh would be vinyl coated mesh, since the vinyl coating can be chewed off and that isn't digestible.

While it isn't widely known with hamsters, using mesh that is too small has caused serious harm to other rodents such as gerbils since teeth can get stuck and potentially even pulled out if the spacing is too small(whether mesh or cage bars).
Okay, will definitely take your advice and Schwartzie's advice on the mesh and be careful not to use unsafe mesh. Really appreciate all the help here!
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Old 07-06-2019, 06:35 AM   #13
10Minutes
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Default Re: DIY Bin Cage

P/s: On a side note, my little Louise is so heart-meltingly adorable in her little cage. She somehow managed to position her slide right in front of her wheel, and has taken to launching herself directly into her wheel from the tip of the slide. There's a short distance in between but she just catapults herself in there directly from the slide and starts running on her wheel. She would run for a while, then climb up to her slide to repeat the process again. I think she really likes her mini playground and I totally can't wait to make a bigger playpen for her.

I'm going to keep the cage as it is and put it directly in the bin with the cage door tied open so that she can climb in and out at her own leisure. Not planning to clean her cage out for two weeks at least, so that she won't be too stressed with the transition and can adapt slowly at her own pace. Will look into removing the cage as soon as she gets comfortable with the big bin.

Last edited by 10Minutes; 07-06-2019 at 06:55 AM.
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Old 07-06-2019, 08:48 AM   #14
Schwartzie
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Default Re: DIY Bin Cage

I lived in Bangkok for 5 years and they had pet souqs where you could buy anything pet related you wanted. It’s traumatising seeing the animals but head me out...if you used your head and went in blinkered and found the stalls and shops in the souq that sell cages etc...I remember seeing Kaytee products there when I through one. You would be surprised how many awesome things you could get for your hamster. I don’t know if you’re in Thailand but if not Hong Kong and Japan are amazingly stocked. China is also full of awesome pet things. If you’re not in those countries then Amazon and other online shops sell.

I totally understand and respect that you aren’t into the DIY. I never was either until my hubby and I bought equipment and made a mission of doing a DIY per month but that’s also costly so totally understand.

Sorry for saying Bangkok all the time but I noticed in Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia etc all had the same kind of little hardware stores like Bangkok has - dotted around like 7/11’s. You could buy the mesh there. If not, your local petshop will be able to tell you where to go.

If you are in Bangkok by some miracle...you might be able to find a bin that is double the size in Chatuchak market - you never know!

Your hamster is blessed to have an owner who wants the best for it. Keep trying to find ways...I’m in Saudi now and it’s tough this side too with the language barrier etc.
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Old 07-06-2019, 11:30 AM   #15
10Minutes
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Default Re: DIY Bin Cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwartzie View Post
I lived in Bangkok for 5 years and they had pet souqs where you could buy anything pet related you wanted. It’s traumatising seeing the animals but head me out...if you used your head and went in blinkered and found the stalls and shops in the souq that sell cages etc...I remember seeing Kaytee products there when I through one. You would be surprised how many awesome things you could get for your hamster. I don’t know if you’re in Thailand but if not Hong Kong and Japan are amazingly stocked. China is also full of awesome pet things. If you’re not in those countries then Amazon and other online shops sell.

I totally understand and respect that you aren’t into the DIY. I never was either until my hubby and I bought equipment and made a mission of doing a DIY per month but that’s also costly so totally understand.

Sorry for saying Bangkok all the time but I noticed in Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia etc all had the same kind of little hardware stores like Bangkok has - dotted around like 7/11’s. You could buy the mesh there. If not, your local petshop will be able to tell you where to go.

If you are in Bangkok by some miracle...you might be able to find a bin that is double the size in Chatuchak market - you never know!

Your hamster is blessed to have an owner who wants the best for it. Keep trying to find ways...I’m in Saudi now and it’s tough this side too with the language barrier etc.
Unfortunately, I'm in Malaysia. I really can't find any ready made proper sized cages. The pet shops here don't seem that well-equpped with suitable stuff. I was dubiously eyeing an aquarium that was slightly smaller than the recommended minimum 450 square inches, and the shop assistant stared at me like I was crazy because he knew I "only" had a hamster. He kept recommending smaller cages to me instead. I haven't even managed to find any chinchilla sand or ceramic housing for my baby. I'm gonna give a few more places a try, otherwise I might have to ship the sand in from overseas and make do with ceramic cups. The bathing sand they have here is scented and I feel that is really bad.

I'm not good at DIY but it shouldn't be that hard... Besides I'm blessed with a father-in-law that is really good at this stuff. He was drawing happily on the lid at 1 am, sketching out how best to cut it open... I'm so touched. I do want to try and do it myself but I am sure he can easily help me get the job done if need be. I'll certainly need to go look for new wire mesh, sand paper, masking tape etc when the shops open.

My other hamster just died (cause unknown) within 3 days of purchase and I was really ripped up about it. It made me paranoid about my little Louise and I worry so much about her. I've only had her for less than a week and I have so much more to learn from you awesome veterans. <3
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Old 07-06-2019, 12:17 PM   #16
Schwartzie
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Default Re: DIY Bin Cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by 10Minutes View Post
Unfortunately, I'm in Malaysia. I really can't find any ready made proper sized cages. The pet shops here don't seem that well-equpped with suitable stuff. I was dubiously eyeing an aquarium that was slightly smaller than the recommended minimum 450 square inches, and the shop assistant stared at me like I was crazy because he knew I "only" had a hamster. He kept recommending smaller cages to me instead. I haven't even managed to find any chinchilla sand or ceramic housing for my baby. I'm gonna give a few more places a try, otherwise I might have to ship the sand in from overseas and make do with ceramic cups. The bathing sand they have here is scented and I feel that is really bad.

I'm not good at DIY but it shouldn't be that hard... Besides I'm blessed with a father-in-law that is really good at this stuff. He was drawing happily on the lid at 1 am, sketching out how best to cut it open... I'm so touched. I do want to try and do it myself but I am sure he can easily help me get the job done if need be. I'll certainly need to go look for new wire mesh, sand paper, masking tape etc when the shops open.

My other hamster just died (cause unknown) within 3 days of purchase and I was really ripped up about it. It made me paranoid about my little Louise and I worry so much about her. I've only had her for less than a week and I have so much more to learn from you awesome veterans. <3
I know for sure that scattered around Malaysia, especially in Phanang and Lang Kwai..sorry about the spelling...they have international schools. International schools have sandpits for their kindergarten kids. They must get it from somewhere. If you are someone who can approach them go for it because they would need to have children’s play sand. There are lots of Chinese shops and those cheap shops that sell all sorts...they will have ceramic things and you can use things from those shops for your hamster. Victoria Racheal on YouTube has a video on a dollar tree haul. It’s the same as those cheap shops.

Can you not ask your family member if they have pliers and you buy the rabbit cage and clip off the grid at the bottom? Would that work? The mesh we got was very bendy and came rolled up so we unrolled itand literary placed it over the cage, use cable ties and used pliers to cut it. It was very easy to cut.

If you have IkEA thought the samla bin might be much better as far as adjusting. You will figure it out and when Louise is settled and loving life this would be such a success for you. Don’t the markets there sell lots of coconut shell things you could use for your hamster? You could make your cage an island theme using coconuts for all sorts.

I went to one of those cheap shops and I found a gift shoebox. Will attach a picture tire of it. I then cut holes in for a house. I know for sure that you have lots of wood and coconuts your side. Go onto YouTube and watch German natural habitat cages and it’s full of wood logs, driftwood, pebbles etc. just make sure the wood is safe for your hamster and pebbles are washed properly. Malaysia has stunning natural woods and logs etc. You are actually very lucky if you’re into natural looking habitats.

Go into the markets with fresh eyes...go in and look all everything asking yourself if you could use it for your hamster. I know for a fact that they have ceramic things at garden places. I went on a cruise through Malaysia and saw garden places amongst the markets.
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Old 07-06-2019, 12:21 PM   #17
Schwartzie
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Default Re: DIY Bin Cage

Watch lots and lots of YouTube videos about cage set up natural theme and see what they use. I’m challenging you to go out and find things you can use for your hamster. Make a list of everything you would need to enrich and create a place that your Louise would love then go out and find alternatives. IKEA has ceramic things. You may have to order in the bedding but I can assure you that there are Asian online shops besides Amazon that will deliver your way.
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Old 07-06-2019, 08:48 PM   #18
10Minutes
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Default Re: DIY Bin Cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwartzie View Post
I know for sure that scattered around Malaysia, especially in Phanang and Lang Kwai..sorry about the spelling...they have international schools. International schools have sandpits for their kindergarten kids. They must get it from somewhere. If you are someone who can approach them go for it because they would need to have children’s play sand. There are lots of Chinese shops and those cheap shops that sell all sorts...they will have ceramic things and you can use things from those shops for your hamster. Victoria Racheal on YouTube has a video on a dollar tree haul. It’s the same as those cheap shops.

Can you not ask your family member if they have pliers and you buy the rabbit cage and clip off the grid at the bottom? Would that work? The mesh we got was very bendy and came rolled up so we unrolled itand literary placed it over the cage, use cable ties and used pliers to cut it. It was very easy to cut.

If you have IkEA thought the samla bin might be much better as far as adjusting. You will figure it out and when Louise is settled and loving life this would be such a success for you. Don’t the markets there sell lots of coconut shell things you could use for your hamster? You could make your cage an island theme using coconuts for all sorts.

I went to one of those cheap shops and I found a gift shoebox. Will attach a picture tire of it. I then cut holes in for a house. I know for sure that you have lots of wood and coconuts your side. Go onto YouTube and watch German natural habitat cages and it’s full of wood logs, driftwood, pebbles etc. just make sure the wood is safe for your hamster and pebbles are washed properly. Malaysia has stunning natural woods and logs etc. You are actually very lucky if you’re into natural looking habitats.

Go into the markets with fresh eyes...go in and look all everything asking yourself if you could use it for your hamster. I know for a fact that they have ceramic things at garden places. I went on a cruise through Malaysia and saw garden places amongst the markets.
Oh, I think you meant Penang and Langkawi! I have never been there before sadly... The sandpits here feel kinda dirty to me. We do have sand and pebbles in general but I'm not sure how safe they are if they are just lying around on the floor. I actually collect pebbles so I already have a few. Any preferred way to disinfect them? I would like to give her a pebble for her teeth. The mineral stones sold in shops here are multi-coloured and has strange ingredients like salt etc written in the packaging. I'm still trying to figure out whether those are safe.

Yes we have coconuts, I believe I can buy one easily and hollow it out. Ceramics we do have plenty too, I was just hoping for an easy ready-made pet housing, but I couldn't find anything suitable. So I'll definitely look for other types of ceramics and repurpose it, this will be quite easy.

Oh, I'm glad you posted that photo because I had been wondering for a while if I could get that metal dish for her as well. Yep, thanks for your challenge, I am certainly trying to keep my eyes peeled for stuff to repurpose, and of course, visit more pet shops. It may be that I'm just haven't been going to the right pet shops.
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Old 07-06-2019, 09:31 PM   #19
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: DIY Bin Cage

Pebbles are fine, i was paranoid when i gave some to Luna, i scrubbed them in washing up liquid, boiled them (they can explode depending on what they are made of! - mine didn't) and scrubbed them in vinegar. Just to make sure no nasties were living inside them. This was probably way over the top, but I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I had done something that hurt Luna. They are more for wearing her nails down though rather than her teeth. She only bit them once when i first put them into her cage, she was very suspicious of them and was trying to work out what the heck they were!
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Old 07-06-2019, 09:58 PM   #20
10Minutes
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Pebbles are fine, i was paranoid when i gave some to Luna, i scrubbed them in washing up liquid, boiled them (they can explode depending on what they are made of! - mine didn't) and scrubbed them in vinegar. Just to make sure no nasties were living inside them. This was probably way over the top, but I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I had done something that hurt Luna. They are more for wearing her nails down though rather than her teeth. She only bit them once when i first put them into her cage, she was very suspicious of them and was trying to work out what the heck they were!
No, that's not over the top to me! I'll definitely do all that too because I am a crazy paranoid hamster-mum now ever since the other one died without any known cause. My husband thinks I've gone mad, but I'm really grateful that he is supportive and helpful in working with me to create a conducive environment for our hamster. Really glad to hear that and I will proceed to do all the disinfecting and give her a nice big pebble she can gnaw on (hopefully she does, for her teeth). I've noticed she's not much of a bar bitter.
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