Ideal bin cage size for Chinese hamster??

[Fluffagrams]

If you use a decent quality bin, a dwarf is less likely to chew through it than a Syrian... A couple of my Chinese in the past have attempted to chew it but have never really got anywhere but if you're really concerned, you could use a 6mm mesh rather than a 1cm mesh.

I use bin cages for nearly all of my Chinese and find them very easy to keep clean being of a wipe clean plastic and find that I'm less likely to have bedding thrown out than I would with a wire cage.

Personally, I'd be reluctant to keep a Chinese in an Alaska, particularly a youngster or one with a smaller build as it can be surprising what small gaps they can fit through and some people have found that the bars on the Alaska can be a bit bendy. I'm wondering if the Savic Hamster Heaven might be an option if you're looking for a wire cage. It's got a nice deep base, a wide front door and a good sturdy build quality compared to some cheaper models. They're pricier than the Alaska but sometimes you can find second hand ones at a pretty good price.

[Fluffler]

I thought so too, but my mum has a way of instilling fear into me lol. She’s more worried about the plastic harbouring germs, and being easy to chew through and is quite insistent that a bin cage will not work. Have you personally had any problem with a bin cage? And have you found it to be a money pit at all? (She’s also insisting that I will end up spending a lot on a bin cage with maintenance and such).

I personally just want the safest and largest cage possible that will keep all the anxious human beings in my life satisfied lmao. I would prefer to use a bin cage as I have anxiety about wire cages and dwarf hamsters and would rather not take the risk with a wire cage.

In terms of the hamster heaven, the bar spacing is even more than that of the Alaska (9.5mm) and although the hamster would be happy with the space, I’m worried that curiosity might get the better of him/her.

Is there any way I could convince my mum that a bin cage is 100% the safest way to go besides an aquarium (which I definitely could not afford in the beginning). As it seems like the wire cages are a big risk to take.

Thanks!!!

[mangoandmimi]

I don’t see how a bin will harbour any more germs than a regular cage. Like fluffagrams said you can wipe them down each clean out even if you decide to not change all the bedding. Same goes for chewing - I’ve had thick plastic cages chewed out of so that problem will never fully disappear unless you have a glass tank.
What you can do is look out on gumtree or ebay for a tank, ideally 3 or 4 foot ones. They can be hard to come by but you can get some real bargains on there. I’ve actually managed to snag quite a few over the years.

As for money for bin cages - you literally need a piece of mesh - I always get it from wickes, £6 for a sheet of 6mm mesh although you can get it cheaper in a roll elsewhere. And cable ties which cost nothing. I really can’t think of any further costs - they honestly are that cheap. If you mesh the lid instead of the side that might make chewing less likely too.

I can see where your mum is coming from as before I made my first bin I was really hesitant and doubtful too. Maybe it’s the whole DIY aspect to them - it does seem strange to put hamsters in a plastic box after all. But they do make nice cages and I have never had any issues with them - why don’t you show your mum some nice examples of some?

[Fluffagrams]

Originally Posted by Fluffler

I thought so too, but my mum has a way of instilling fear into me lol. She’s more worried about the plastic harbouring germs, and being easy to chew through and is quite insistent that a bin cage will not work. Have you personally had any problem with a bin cage? And have you found it to be a money pit at all? (She’s also insisting that I will end up spending a lot on a bin cage with maintenance and such).

I've never had any problems with bin cages and I've been using them for several years and I find that they cost less than a conventional cage. I often purchase them when there are special offers/discounts and the mesh can usually be found from a good DIY store.

Here's a couple of photos of some of my bins to give you an idea...

Side mesh panel showing substrate depth:

IMG_1445 by Metallica Hamstery, on Flickr

Layout of cage:

IMG_1446 by Metallica Hamstery, on Flickr

(Occupant has no wheel on a vet's advice due to a scarred respiratory tract)

A larger bin... currently used as a play cage:

IMG_1447 by Metallica Hamstery, on Flickr

A close up showing how the mesh has been attached:

IMG_1448 by Metallica Hamstery, on Flickr

This is 1cm mesh applied to the outside of the bin with cable ties that have been pulled tight. The edges of the mesh have been folded to reduce the risks of sharp edges. The holes were cut using a soldering iron.

The water bottle attachment:

IMG_1449 by Metallica Hamstery, on Flickr

Originally Posted by Fluffler

In terms of the hamster heaven, the bar spacing is even more than that of the Alaska (9.5mm) and although the hamster would be happy with the space, I’m worried that curiosity might get the better of him/her.

Although the bar spacing is more, the bars are a little more sturdy on the hamster Heaven and are less likely to bend. My girl that I bought the Hamster Heaven for was a free spirit and if there had have been a way to escape, I'm sure she'd have found it.

[Pebbles82]

I used to suggest that Crystal bin when people were looking for a larger one, but I think it was Vectis pointed out that the 145 litre really useful box is a much better size and greater floor area - it's also much better made. It's not cheap though - cheaper than some cages though. The crystal bin is a good length - it's a shame it's a bit narrow - it sounds ok but as the base slopes in it is a bit narrow - I still think it could be a good bin cage because maybe the length makes up for it.

The advantage of the 145l rub bin is the depth - deeper than most cages at 62cm externally and 54.5cm internally.

So it's 81 x 62 cm externally which is a good size and floor area - most bins don't quote the internal measurements.

I haven't had a Chinese - some say they are a very active species and need a lot of space but as Fluffagrams pointed out they can vary in personality. Personally I would always go bigger, if you have the space, because as you say it's easier to make a larger cage "smaller" than upgrade and have the stress of a cage change for the hamster too. One way of making it smaller is to fill a third of it with deep bedding as a digging area. Or fill it full of little cardboard boxes and other floor toys so it has the floor area but is also quite "full" and not too exposed.

I have also not had a bin cage, but have found I prefer barred cages to tank style cages - that may depend on your own personal preference. I like the side access on barred cages (although you could fix a door to a bin cage possibly).

Cypher has had some amazing set ups for Chinese hamsters and they do like to climb and have space upwards as well as floorspace (although not too high).

As they are ok with 1cm bar spacing then you'd have a pick of cages. Personally I'd go with a 100cm cage - something like the Alexander cage (possibly with just one shelf in) or the Savic Hamster Plaza - and set it up with different levels (which are easy to attach to bars) and hammocks. I believe there isn't the problem of chewing of hammocks with chinesies but I may be wrong!

But both those cages cost about £70 and the RUB bin is about £43. I think for activity and variety though, a cage would be good for a chinese - unless you particular prefer bins. The Barney cage is less expensive at £45 and might also be a good option - it's deeper and a bit bulkier than the other two cages if there are space considerations (just sticks out further). The Alaska is a cheap option at about £34 and it's a good basic cage for a hamster but again you may find you want to upgrade.

Also if you do like tank style cages and don't mind a bit of diy there is the detolf - gives a lot of floor space for activity and running - although not much height - but with the length you could create different levels and climbing areas.

If it was me I would go with

1) Savic plaza (a kind of 100cm Hamster Heaven but taller so needs good depth of substrate to cushion falls).
2) Detolf (although I prefer barred cages the size makes accessibilty good I reckon)
3) Barney cage
4) Hamster Heaven with all the plastic contents removed and the tubes blocked off

I just think with a cage you could attach so much to the bars and roof - have good interaction via a side door and the ventilation is very good.

Here are some links

145 l rub bin - maybe cheaper elsewhere

Go Shopping - Really Useful Boxes - 145 litre Really Useful Box

Savic Hamster Plaza 100cm x 50cm - has a nice big front door and no doors in the roof so all the roof can be used for attaching things.

http://www.petsathome.com/webapp/wcs...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Detolf from Ikea (tipped on its side with the door left off - needs two lids making)

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ha...w=1047&bih=463

Barney Cage - 100cm ish by 54 cm

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ba...w=1047&bih=463

https://www.google.co.uk/search?biw=....0.6xg0XPv2pdA

With a bigger cage you could have two wheels or a wheel and a flying saucer and more space for enrichment - but something like the Hamster Heaven should be fine. Like you though I'd be concerned about not wanting to upgrade again. I started with something the size fo the Hamster Heaven for our Syrian and wished straight away I had gone for a 100cm cage! Our Robo is very happy in the 80x50 Savic cage (virtually identical to the Hamster Heaven but smaller bar spacing) but I know he would appreciate more space as well!

[Fluffler]

This is amazingly helpful info guys and thank you for sharing your personal preferences and opinions!

I’m still strongly considering a bin cage, as for a young Chinesey, I have a certain amount of doubt and anxiety about a wire cage, as well as making sure there’s enough burrowing space for the lil one without bedding getting kicked out all over the gaff lol. The Barney cage looks like it’s definitely worth considering.

I’m also taking into account what Fluffagrams said about large cage anxiety and the many different attempts of trying to make the cage ‘smaller’ to no avail, as well as the signs being more difficult to spot. I’ve also been looking at the Duna Multy and the Duna Multy Maxi (NOT the mini Duna ofc). The Multy being 71x46 externally and the Multy Maxi being around 100x50. As Fluffagrams mentioned, it’s easier to spot the signs of a hammy needing to upgrade than spotting the signs of large cage anxiety. The bar spacing also seems better for a Chinesey and the plastic aspect gives me a bit more peace of mind. And it’s a purpose built cage so would keep my mum happy too!

Maybe I should start with the Multy Duna and upgrade to the Maxi in due course as it would be a bit daunting to put a baby straight into a Maxi, I’m not sure.

[mangoandmimi]

I think that’s a sensible way to go about it. Fairly high chance that you’ll find the multy is actually big enough for a chinese too. It definitely a good starting cage. Hard to say what will work best as there’s no way of telling the hamsters personality before buying the cage! I would recommend the multy/maxi multy over the Barney as I do strongly think chinese need to be able to burrow in deep bedding - I tend actually to set up their cages similar to the way I would for a gerbil.

[Pebbles82]

Sounds good mangoand mimi has a point - the maxi duna has greater height and the base is deeper