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Old 05-14-2017, 12:29 PM   #1
PocketRocket
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Smile DIY bin cage advice

Hello everyone!

So, as each new day passes my hatred for Rocket's current cage grows that little bit more. Over the many years of owning hamsters I have always bought my cages from pet stores. As money is a bit tight at the minute, (saving for my first car) I have decided to get the drill out and have a go at making my own bin cage!

Does anyone have any advice before I get stuck in? Measurements etc. (I'm in the UK if that makes a difference) and any tips to avoid disaster.

Apologies if there's already a thread on this and thanks in advance!

Rocket is a Dwarf - not sure if this makes a difference to sizes etc.
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Old 05-14-2017, 12:47 PM   #2
Drago
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Default Re: DIY bin cage advice

Tips-
have everything budgeted and planned out BEFORE you start
Make sure what you plan on doing is realistic
Remember that your original plan may need to be altered or changed
Set times to work on the cage
Make sure you have all your tools ahead of time
Buy everything as you go so if your plans change, you've not spent a bunch and end up needing to return them
Don't get a huge cage that you can't fill with toys and stimulation

If rocket is a reasonably confident, go for the biggest possible cage you can afford and be able to fill with fun toys. Good luck and make sure to ask questions as you go
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Old 05-14-2017, 12:48 PM   #3
Vectis Hamstery
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Default Re: DIY bin cage advice

This is how I make a bin cage: Photo Guide to Making a Bin Cage

I'd suggest taking care over the depth of plastic you leave under the mesh window - my first versions had very little plastic under which means substrate gets everywhere! Also, I always put the mesh on the inside of the cage not the outside to minimise chewing potential of the plastic.

Good luck!
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Old 05-14-2017, 12:52 PM   #4
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Default Re: DIY bin cage advice

I wouldn't say you have to stick with one particular size.Bins can be directly connected which if done properly acts as a true expansion,unlike modular cages and connecting things with tubes and such,and is actually quite simple unless you make it harder than it must be.

I would recommend not using a drill but instead using a wood burning knife of some sort with a good blade attachment,otherwise you have a much higher risk of cracking plastic which means you could end up wasting money which is never fun

As for overall size,the ideal size would be around 775 square inches for a Russian dwarf of average size.This is roughly the same as a 100 cm x 50 cm cage,however due to bins being expandable with ease while standard wire cages are not(it's possible,yes,but nowhere near as easy)bins are generally superior(and for more reasons than just this!).
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Old 05-14-2017, 01:03 PM   #5
PocketRocket
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Default Re: DIY bin cage advice

Thank you everyone! I have just under two weeks till pay day so should have enough time to plan thoroughly. Rocket is a very confident little guy - he was so inquisitive from the start and not at all skittish so taming was a breeze. He pretty much ran into my hand as soon as I put it in his cage. I do have some toys that won't, unfortunately, fit into his current cage because they're either too wide or too tall. Hopefully with his new bin cage he can use them daily instead of just for playtime.
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Old 05-14-2017, 01:17 PM   #6
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Default Re: DIY bin cage advice

Height of the bin is important to allow for a good depth of substrate and to fit in a appropriate sized wheel.

It will also allow for climbing toys and the drinking spout of the water bottle to be at a height that is comfortable for your hamster to use.

If you plan the bin cage first and find it awkward/expensive a diy wood and Perspex cage may be easier/cheaper.
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Old 05-14-2017, 02:30 PM   #7
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Default Re: DIY bin cage advice

Measurements - Wood Green Animal Shelter recommends 80x50cm of unbroken floorspace Hamster Housing - Small Animal Advice - Wood Green, The Animals Charity

It can be hard to find bins that big, but the Ikea Samla 130L is about as close as you will get.

Alternatively, two can be merged together, as Amity mentioned, to look something like this http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/...e_1337/1-3.jpg

However, do cost it all up in advance, including the cost of any travel (petrol / public transport fares) that you might need to get to the shop - it may work out cheaper to get a Zooplus Alaska (£33, and you can get 10% off if you ask almost anyone on here to send you a referral code)
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Old 05-16-2017, 03:35 AM   #8
JaysAnimals
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Default Re: DIY bin cage advice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5Ycfh_jSy4

Here is a link to a video on building a bin cage.
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Old 05-16-2017, 12:28 PM   #9
PocketRocket
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Default Re: DIY bin cage advice

Thank you everyone for the advice. I think that I'm going to go ahead with the bin cage. There are so many great reasons to have one, plus there's the added bonus of the satisfaction of completing my first ever DIY project!
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Old 05-21-2017, 12:20 AM   #10
PocketRocket
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Default Re: DIY bin cage advice

So I thought all my Christmas' had come at once yesterday when my other half made me a surprise bin cage! However, looking at it I'm a bit concerned it's too small. Can anyone advise me on if it's ok to house a Russian Dwarf? It's defiantly bigger than his old one so either way is an upgrade.

https://www.therange.co.uk/household...ic-storage-box

It's the 45l one.
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