These are the options for a cage I have available. I may end up just buying one if none are suitable and that is perfectly fine!
First:
Tontarelli Christmas tree storage box | DIY at B&Q
B&Q Xmas tree box.
Pros:
At 37.5cm tall, it can have at least part of it with 12” of bedding. It’s a tank so will contain the “mess”. No bars so my toddler can’t feed through the bars (in case it leads to biting through the bars. Lots of floor space.
Cons:
The width. Okay for digging, sort of but… I’m not sure.
Second:
120cm long Guinea pig cage
Pros:
Floor space. I think it’s about 120x80 (it’s in the attic!). It has “Guinea pig bar spacing” so I would have to attach either 10mm mesh or maybe 14” playpen sides to it? I have both of these and a dremel so it’s not that big an issue.
Cons:
The tray isn’t overly deep. I’ve seen some acrylic splash guards (potentially on mini pets?) but it would have to be a custom order and my measuring skills are shocking.
Third:
Some sort of c&c cage made with the above mentioned panels. 1.5cm bar spacing.
Pros:
I can make it within 10 minutes. I have all the stuff. I can fully customise the layout. I can make 140x70 very easily with whatever height I want so if he’s a massive burrowed he can have 14” plus all the stuff on top.
Cons:
I’m not sure if hamsters would chew correx (corrugated plastic - like a cardboard box but plastic). Does anyone have any experience of this? The only other thing would be some sort of safe skirting board maybe? Balsa wood, it would take 50 million panels.
If anyone wants to help me talk this out, I’d be very grateful!