Bin cage help

Miya · 12-10-2017, 05:54 AM

I have done lots of research and decided a bin cage will be best for my hamster however before I buy this box want to make sure it’s the right one , it’s going to come in a pack of 3 and I hope to be joining them together with tunnels if my D.I.Y skills allow me 😂 it is 70 cm ( length ) X 30.5 cm ( width ) X 23cm ( height ) I will be getting a Syrian , my first hamster however have done plenty research , I plan to use fitch bedding and will be getting a 11/12 inch wheel , looked up food and know what kind of diet ect , any tips or anything would be helpful but knowing if these boxes Will be good once connected would be great thankyou !

cypher · 12-10-2017, 06:42 AM

The main problem with those boxes would be the height, you will need a wheel that is at least 8" & many syrians need a 10-12" wheel so you wouldn't have room for the wheel, substrate underneath & a lid on top.
Other than that joining bins side by side can be tricky, everything has to be chew proof, escape proof & non toxic so it's not the easiest thing to do.

Miya · 12-10-2017, 07:12 AM

I’m prepared to make it safe when connecting and I can’t get the other cage setups like a detolf ect so a bin cage is really my only option and finding one the right size does tend to be a struggle this is the only one I’ve found that is a reasonable size

CMB · 12-10-2017, 07:24 AM

If you are able to join the boxes. You could have shallow substrate (Fitch) in one where the wheel is. Then have deeper substrate in the other(s).

cypher · 12-10-2017, 08:57 AM

23cm is only 9" so even without substrate you wouldn't get the wheel in with a lid on & a lid is essential.
What country are you in Miya? If you can let us know we might be able to help find a more suitable bin or bins.

Miya · 12-10-2017, 09:42 AM

I actually re decided against that box and found another which is a bit bigger that one is 90 Cm X 38 cm X 59 Cm so is slightly bigger and I am in the uk if you know of any good ones to get

Although if I have to I will buy a flying saucer wheel instead if fitting in is a problem will definitely be having a lid on top

cypher · 12-10-2017, 10:57 AM

That second one sounds better although a bit narrow, the best bins in the UK are the RUB, they are expensive though but really strong & have the advantage of having straight sides so the floor space is the same as the top measurements which isn't often the case with bins, some people also use the Samla bins from Ikea.
I have the 145L RUB for one of my Chinese, it's not a bad size with a 9" wheel in.
Do you particularly want a bin cage or have you thought about buying a cage, once you've paid for the bin & mesh it's not always a lot cheaper than buying a cage in the end.
Zooplus do some good cages at reasonable prices, the most popular are the Barney, Alexander & Alaska which are all a good size for a syrian.
I wouldn't use a flying saucer as the main wheel, they're ok for use in a playpen but the running position isn't the best & they take up an awful lot of floor space.

Miya · 12-10-2017, 12:04 PM

I don’t paticulary like the look of a commercial cage so unfortunately my hearts more set on a bin cage , I’m going to search around and try find a wheel big enough and not a saucer hopefully I will be able to , one other thing do you have any advice on food for a hamster had a look and completely unsure on what brand to get ? Any help with that would be appreciated

cypher · 12-10-2017, 12:19 PM

Finding a wheel shouldn't be a problem, the most popular are the Silent runner (not silent spinner!) & Trixie wheels.
If you need help with that there's a thread here.
Guide to suitable hamster Wheels
Most people feed Syrian hamsters on Harry Hamster food which is readily available in shops or online.

SKB_Hamsters · 12-10-2017, 12:26 PM

Do you have an IKEA near you? As IKEA sell the 130l Samla box which is 78 x 56 x 44cm for £13. I currently use one as my hamsters play area and has enough room to fit a 11” wheel inside.

SAMLA Box with lid Transparent 78x56x44 cm/130 l - IKEA

I find that this bin floorspace can be a bit small once I added the wheel and a hideaway to fit toys inside so if you like the idea of a modular cage then you could attach two together to provide more space for toys.

I would recommend the 11” Trixie wheels -plastic (Zooplus and amazon) or wooden (Zooplus). I have both these for my girl and they are very inexpensive and fairly silent (just the pitter patter of feet)

I would also recommend the Harry hamster food mix too