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Old 12-11-2019, 01:47 AM   #1
Bryony
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Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Guildford
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Red face Help with Bin Cage

I am making a bin cage as I am hoping to get a Syrian in the new year. The clear storage bin (opaque) I am using is 81 x 62 x 43cm. I would like to put a cut out at the front with some mesh so that I can see my hamster and he can look out, but I'm a bit confused as to how I can do this and not make it easy for him to escape?

If I cut a hole in the plastic and then put mesh on the outside won't that leaves the inner plastic rim for him to chew on and escape? If I put the mesh on the inside, is that dangerous for him?

I had gerbils in the past that managed to escape through the small hole meant to put their water bottle through (eventually found) and I'm scared I will have a repeat!
If anyone has built bin cages this way and has any experience/ advice I would be very grateful!
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Old 12-11-2019, 05:11 AM   #2
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Help with Bin Cage

It sounds like the 146 litre rub bin is it? IF so they are supposed to be better to cut than most and don't crack like some do. I believe people use a hot knife to cut the panel and they do need ventilation. I haven't heard of hamsters chewing the plastic edges. Most people mesh the outside and hold the mesh in place with cable ties (or even stick down the external edges with masking tape).

Are you in the Uk? If so then the Alaska cage may be a good option instead - works out cheaper than making a bin cage sometimes and has a nice big front openinng door - good for access and interaction with the hamster.

Assume this is for a Syrian hamster?

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small...r_cages/284288

If you're in the US - the Prevue cage is good and very similar

https://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Pet-Pr...6066267&sr=8-1
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Old 12-11-2019, 06:39 AM   #3
Bryony
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Default Re: Help with Bin Cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
It sounds like the 146 litre rub bin is it? IF so they are supposed to be better to cut than most and don't crack like some do. I believe people use a hot knife to cut the panel and they do need ventilation. I haven't heard of hamsters chewing the plastic edges. Most people mesh the outside and hold the mesh in place with cable ties (or even stick down the external edges with masking tape).

Are you in the Uk? If so then the Alaska cage may be a good option instead - works out cheaper than making a bin cage sometimes and has a nice big front openinng door - good for access and interaction with the hamster.

Assume this is for a Syrian hamster?

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small...r_cages/284288

If you're in the US - the Prevue cage is good and very similar

https://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Pet-Pr...6066267&sr=8-1

Thank you for your reply Serendipity!
Yes, it is for a Syrian, I also have not heard of hamsters chewing their way out so maybe it is unlikely. I was looking at getting the Whicks 145L storage box but as it is £35 I may be better going for the Alaska cage as you said!

Where was the 146L bin from that you mentioned out of interest? The only worry I had with a wire cage is a lack of burrowing room, do you think this would be a big issue?

Appreciate the help!
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Old 12-11-2019, 06:49 AM   #4
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Help with Bin Cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryony View Post
Thank you for your reply Serendipity!
Yes, it is for a Syrian, I also have not heard of hamsters chewing their way out so maybe it is unlikely. I was looking at getting the Whicks 145L storage box but as it is £35 I may be better going for the Alaska cage as you said!

Where was the 146L bin from that you mentioned out of interest? The only worry I had with a wire cage is a lack of burrowing room, do you think this would be a big issue?

Appreciate the help!
If it helps, I add cardboard or chew mats to the side of my bar cages so I can create more burrowing areas. I just tie them on with jute. You can cut them to size really easily.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/produc...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 12-11-2019, 06:54 AM   #5
Bryony
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Default Re: Help with Bin Cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1 View Post
If it helps, I add cardboard or chew mats to the side of my bar cages so I can create more burrowing areas. I just tie them on with jute. You can cut them to size really easily.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/produc...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thats a good idea! Happy to find another hamster youtuber to follow too! Do you have experience with the Alaska hamster cage? On the reviews, most people say it is great but some say that it is not secure and hamsters have escaped?
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Old 12-11-2019, 08:47 AM   #6
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Help with Bin Cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryony View Post
Thats a good idea! Happy to find another hamster youtuber to follow too! Do you have experience with the Alaska hamster cage? On the reviews, most people say it is great but some say that it is not secure and hamsters have escaped?
I had the Alaska, never had any issues with it not being secure enough. I will admit I did add a couple of bulldog clips onto the top door but the front door was fine. The only reason why I upgraded was because I wanted a slightly longer cage so I could fit a sand bath in easier. Thanks for checking out the YouTube channel. If you look at the savic plaza cage setup videos I have, you'll see what I mean about cardboard or the mats tied on the side.
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Old 12-11-2019, 11:10 AM   #7
Ria P
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Default Re: Help with Bin Cage

My Syrian lives in the Alaska and i make bin cages for a hamster rescue so know how to and have all the tools.

The Alaska works out cheaper and is more suitable in my opinion. Not all Syrians burrow, mine doesn't and the Alaska's base is deep enough should they want to. The front door has a little bar to put across for extra security which i've never bothered with.

There are tutorials on bin cages on youtube and i could explain how to convert the large rub. They are made of strong plastic and i use an electric cutting tool. You also need an electric drill to drill the holes, mesh, a wire cutter, cable ties and duck tape if you want it to look decorative.

Bin cages are not a cheaper option unless you have a surplus and suitable box already.

Here's a photo of my hamster's Alaska and a bin cage and transport box i made.
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