Shoe Box Hamster Cage

AdrianPops · 05-20-2017, 02:46 AM

I know what you're thinking. Shoe boxes are definitely too small to house a hamster in, but I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about many shoe boxes linked together with toilet paper rolls, maybe some glued together next to each other or above each other.

I'm aware that I must use glue which is harmless for the hamster, but what other problems could arise besides that?

cypher · 05-20-2017, 03:06 AM

As a toy or large house in a large cage or playpen they would be fine but I'm not sure if you mean making an actual cage that way?
A ham would chew it's way out of that in no time at all if that is what you were thinking!

InkyPen · 05-20-2017, 03:08 AM

Hamsters need at least 80x50cm continuous floor space woodgreen.org.uk/pet_advice/557_hamster_accommodation A series of shoeboxes (or even cages) will not provide this, no matter how many there are.

Furthermore, any self respecting hamster will chew their way out quickly.

The only suitable use for a shoebox is as a hide - cut out the bottom, leave the lid on (so you can inspect the ham if need be without disturbing it) and cut a hole in the front as a door for the hamster.

You would be much better off with the Alaska cage, which is a very good budget option Alaska Hamster Cage | Free P&P on orders Â£29+ at zooplus!

AprilPearl · 05-20-2017, 03:08 AM

I think pee soaking into the cardboard would be an issue, not to mention the fact that your hamster would chew his/her way out almost immediately.

Drago · 05-20-2017, 06:49 AM

I think by shoeboxes, they mean the plastic kind. I'm not sure if they're called something different in the UK (or just by general people), but tiny plastic bins are known as "shoeboxes" in the US.
Here's an example

https://m.uline.com/h5/r/www.uline.c...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds

Either way, it would definitely be way too small as I personally have never seen a shoebox that's shorter than a 12 in long and a 12 in wide. Plus, toilet tubes connecting the bins would be chewed through in minutes! This type of setup could work with real, full sized bins, especially since in a shoebox, it would be too short for a hamster to even comfortably stand! There are plenty of options out there for large cheap bins, and this would be a much better options than shoeboxes.

If you do mean actual cardboard shoeboxes, then the answer speaks for itself. Good luck

AprilPearl · 05-20-2017, 06:52 AM

Drago, I have never seen anything like those before! Having looked at the link, I wouldn't recommend them either. If you want to make your own cage, you'd be better off making a Bin cage.

Drago · 05-20-2017, 07:22 AM

I assume you're in the US so I can tell you that there's lots of excellent bins available to use around here if you're willing to look. However, that will be very dependent upon what species you plan on getting. In general, Chinese and roborovskis won't need quite as big of cages as say a Syrian or Russian so it would be helpful to specify a bit

Here's a good bin for a small species like a Chinesey or robo
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hefty-113...ndles/49660490

Don't forget there's also the IRIS bin which will give you lots of floorspace
https://www.walmart.com/ip/IRIS-Holi...-Tote/48037028

Then there's this bin (though the lid would need modification for a Syrian)
https://www.containerstore.com/s/gar...uctId=11005991

This one would also be alright for a smaller species
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001R...9TL&ref=plSrch

There are obviously many more options out there, but knowing which species you have in mind and what country you're from will help us a lot

cypher · 05-20-2017, 07:39 AM

I think the OP is in the UK Drago as they mentioned something about making an 80x50 bin cage in another thread & I guess that meant cm not inches

Drago · 05-20-2017, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypher

I think the OP is in the UK Drago as they mentioned something about making an 80x50 bin cage in another thread & I guess that meant cm not inches

I suppose they have a bit of unnecessary knowledge on good bins in the US then

It's quite a shame the UK doesn't have the IRIS bin as I think it's excellent for a smaller species!

I'm not good with bins in the UK so other members will likely advise you better. Good luck with finding some though

Pebbles82 · 05-20-2017, 08:14 AM

As the others say, cardboard shoeboxes would not be the slightest bit escape-proof! Plastic ones would have sharp bits if chewed (needs to be the right kind of plastic) and anything with square corners and seams like a plastic shoe box could cause injuries if chewed). As a toy in a playpen it would be fun using shoeboxes linked with toilet rolls.

Even a wood cage or plastic cage base can be chewed through by a determined hamster!

I would suggest looking at the Alaska cage on Zooplus. It's a good price - about £33 - and a good size for a hamster.

Alaska Hamster Cage | Free P&P on orders Â£29+ at zooplus!

You could maybe make a bin cage a bit cheaper than that if you have all the tools already, but some bins (that are big enough) cost more than the Alaska cage.

A detolf is a good option! Costs £40 - tip it on it's side and leave the door off and it's a large glass tank. You need to make a lid (or two smaller lids) out of wood and mesh.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Ha...w=1366&bih=608