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Old 06-13-2019, 01:32 PM   #1
emma_teddy
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Smile teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

so i am planning on creating a new, larger bin cage for my male syrian, teddy!

he is currently in a 24x15 in bin cage, which was an upgrade from his original cage but still far too small. with my school year ending soon (final exam tomorrow!) i finally have time to make him a new one.

i'm planning on going out this weekend to buy the materials. i'm planning on getting this sterilite bin, which is 665sqin, and am planning on using either this 1/2 in mesh or the same brand 1/4 in mesh.

i have a couple questions.
1. which size mesh should i use?
2. any tips on the best ways to cut plastic? i've done some research and will probably have to use a box cutter because i don't have a hot knife.

updates to come when i start the process!
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Old 06-13-2019, 01:46 PM   #2
Shannonmcn
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Default Re: teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

If you have both available I would go the smaller mesh. Either would be fine for a Syrian but who knows in the future you might want a dwarf and then the 1/2 inch would be risky. Future proof whenever you can lol

I tried a hot knife, a jigsaw and a soldering iron and the soldering iron was by far the best. I don't know how strong your fingers are but trying to get through the lid with a knife killed mine. And I was using a gas hob and trying to get from the burner to the box before it cooled down... Nightmare. Based on that, the box cutter might work but it'll BE work.

Good luck with your exam!!
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Old 06-13-2019, 02:32 PM   #3
emma_teddy
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Default Re: teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

thank you! i was planning on the 1/4 just in case. the mesh will only be going on the top but i want to be safe. unfortunately, i think a box cutter will have to be my means of cutting. perhaps i'll try heating it first. and thank you!

so i've sketched a plan of what i want the cage to look like! things are obviously not to scale as i think i drew the objects a liiiittle small (oops). and obviously there would be more toys, etc. i'm also wondering if anyone has suggestions on best ways to secure a bendy bridge to a platform? i was thinking perhaps drill through the wood and the platform and insert some kind of hook?

edit: i've decided i will slope one side of the bedding probably

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Last edited by emma_teddy; 06-13-2019 at 05:20 PM.
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Old 06-14-2019, 04:15 PM   #4
emma_teddy
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Default Re: teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

ive bought the supplies! i ended up deciding to drill holes in the roof like i did on the previous cage i made because i had already spent almost $100, between the bin ($30) and more bedding, chews, etc. i also bought another bendy bridge!! i started the drilling but then my grandparents drill broke (it's over 40 years old so im not surprised) but i am using our family friend's tomorrow. i've attached some pics of what i bought!

also, the bin is bigger than i thought! it gives him around 665square inches of floorspace and i'm really happy about it!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_5384.jpg (1.66 MB, 16 views)
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Old 06-15-2019, 11:02 AM   #5
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Default Re: teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

Can't wait to see your layout and how you do it up once it's done. Please post pictures.
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Old 06-15-2019, 11:05 AM   #6
Schwartzie
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Default Re: teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

Is it not possible to cut from hole to hole to create a area you can mesh without buying a soldering iron or hot knife? The more ventilation in better. Would it be difficult to use a scaple blade? It might be a thought for later on when you can get mesh etc if you aren't able to now. I'm learning quickly that a cage is work in progress so if you can't achieve that now maybe make it a goal for when you can.
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Old 06-15-2019, 11:16 AM   #7
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Default Re: teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

Wood burning knives can be a fairly cheap yet effective way to cut holes for meshing, which actually gives appropriate ventilation while just drilling holes unfortunately does not!
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Old 06-16-2019, 11:30 AM   #8
emma_teddy
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Default Re: teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

thank you all for your contributions!! i put teddy in his new cage last night and he seems much happier and as far as i have seen has stopped stress induced behaviours such as scrabbling at the sides etc. for now i have drilled holes on the top as well as along the top of the sides. soon i’m going to buy mesh and change to that because i want it to have good ventilation. teddy STILL won’t sleep in his hide (green house, bottom left) and he also has two bendy bridges now!! yay!! i got him a new chewnel and some kiwi wood chew things. he also has coloured wood chew sticks. i’m going to get some more variety of chews as well. the tape is just there from last night because the lid isn’t very secure at the sides and i was worried that if he can reach it he might be able to push himself out but i don’t think he can. i’ve sloped the bedding and he has 5+ inches on the one side and around 3 or 4 on the other. i’m going to buy more bedding soon so i can add more as i didn’t realize how much more i needed compared to his old cage.

all the photos are here
also the one of teddy is from last night before i added more bedding
also once i have the chance to go to ikea i’m going to get one of those wooden magazine holders to make a shelf!! i also can’t find the hanging chew i have so once i do that will go up as well!!
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Old 06-16-2019, 12:17 PM   #9
Ria P
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Default Re: teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

Tbh i'm very concerned about the lack of ventilation.

Maybe Teddy would like a big, wooden house? You can get a Ferplast guinea pig house for around a tenner. Plastic within plastic is a lot of unnatural material and hamsters don't always chew what they are supposed to. My hamster ignores his chew things but likes his whimzees and chews the roof of his wooden house.
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Old 06-16-2019, 12:19 PM   #10
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Default Re: teddy's (revamped) bin cage thread

Sorry, i just noticed you're in Canada not UK so you couldn't get that house for £10.
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