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Old 01-11-2017, 07:17 AM   #1
jency
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Default think my cage is wrong

i am new to hamsters and got a 3 tier tall cage because pet shop said they need height, having read on here that is completely wrong and i feel so bad that he is in a cage that is no good. they need to dig and burrow and play. i dont have much money so am looking at gerbilariums on ebay but i dont like the wire platforms. was thinking of making a bin cage.
any advice on what is best for my syrian would be great
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Old 01-11-2017, 12:50 PM   #2
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: think my cage is wrong

Bin cages could be your best friend.They're easily expandable over time using two larger bins and one or a few smaller bins if you cut them and attach them directly with zip ties.Imagine making windows for mesh,but instead they're just connecting bins together!This would not work with other methods though,since adding tubes would not actually expand any cage.

You can easily make a square meter bin setup for very little money,but it is not possible to get anything nearly as large and easy to transport for anywhere near what you'll spend(and you'll most likely still have leftover materials,definitely leftover tools too).
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Old 01-11-2017, 01:51 PM   #3
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Default Re: think my cage is wrong

Definitely switch to a bin cage, hamsters shouldn't have cages which are that high. If your ham was to fall, he/she could get seriously injured or even killed. Besides the fact that height isn't really necessary for hamsters who would much rather having the extra floor space to run about and explore in. Like amityville said above, bin cages being expandable is such a plus. Things like tanks and barred cages can't be expanded (or at least not cheap or easily) and as a result, you'll generally need to go out and buy a whole new cage which can be pretty expensive. When it comes to Syrians, bigger is better. Definitely find the biggest possible bin you can, and you can add on to it with medium sized bins if you choose. On the point of not having too much money, a gerbilarium is likely much more pricey than a decent sized bin. I have one bin in particular I love and I bought it for $17 (not sure what that is in currency outside of U.S dollars, but I'm sure not much more or less) and it's extremely spacious and uses space wisely. Careful about listening to pet shops, most of their information is outdated or just plain wrong. If you have any more questions on hamster care, definitely bring them to the forum before asking the pet shop. Good luck and enjoy your new little hamster
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Old 01-11-2017, 02:05 PM   #4
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Default Re: think my cage is wrong

RUB's (Really useful boxes) are more expensive but stronger than a lot of other storage boxes in the UK.

They come in different sizes. You may want to calculated how much it would cost to make a big bin cage suitable for a Syrian as it can actually end up more expensive than buying a wire cage. Zoo plus website have good sized cages for a Syrian.
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Old 01-11-2017, 02:22 PM   #5
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Default Re: think my cage is wrong

Bin cages might cost more but if they have more floor space and some of the materials along with the tools can be used many more times it isn't really more expensive.Cheaper bins can work just fine,but that is up to personal preference.However,if you're going to pay a similar amount to get less floor space per pound/dollar/etc it isn't really equally affordable.
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Old 01-11-2017, 02:53 PM   #6
Crayolalaura
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Default Re: think my cage is wrong

Can I ask what cage it is you have?
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Old 01-11-2017, 03:05 PM   #7
jency
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Default Re: think my cage is wrong

Thank you all for your help.
I am looking at bins but they size them in litres so will take measure tape with me. I looked at some how to make a bin cage it looks okay to do. the worry is getting a box that isnt strong enough.
where is the best, easiest instructions for making a bin cage.
Will look on zooplus.
also i have read and heard conflicting things about bedding and the substrate (didnt know what that meant til yesterday).
I want ratchet to be happy.
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Old 01-11-2017, 04:45 PM   #8
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Default Re: think my cage is wrong

Two of my Chinese are in bin cages and after trying cheaper boxes, I found that the Really Useful Boxes were the best choice for us. They're a nice strong bin that can be stacked easily if need be, the lids have a secure locking mechanism and the stronger plastic is better able to withstand not only the work involved with meshing but also have a better chance of standing up to chewing. As my Chinese have needed smaller cages, I'm not sure what size you'd need for a Syrian but our 48L bins are about the same size as a Mini Duna cage so depending on how big you want to go there are 84L or 145L bins and quite possibly some in between those two sizes however they come in at about £30-£40 for the largest size so that might be an issue, particularly as you could get a cage like The Alaska for less than that on Zooplus.

You'll find some information in the DIY section of the forum: http://www.hamstercentral.com/commun...ster-projects/
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Old 01-11-2017, 07:40 PM   #9
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Default Re: think my cage is wrong

I'd check what the requirement quarts you need for the bin I think it's 170+
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Old 01-11-2017, 08:01 PM   #10
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Default Re: think my cage is wrong

I don't think it would matter what size as long as the bins are decently tall,if you end up doing several directly connected bins Plus,different manufacturers have bins which are completely different dimensions despite being the same quarts and such.
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