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Old 01-23-2022, 03:38 PM   #1
heidii
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Default help on DIY cage

hi, all!
i've been lurking around hamster care for a few years now, and it finally appears that i may just be able to get one! not dead certain yet, but it's looking pretty bright.
i've been browsing some cages just so i can be ready if i am able to get one, and found someone making a cage from a platsa storage unit. i'm pretty set on it, but have some questions as the creator seemed to struggle with the glass/acrylic panel. does anybody know the exact measurements for it to slip in? i'm horrific with maths and don't want to guesstimate, only for the custom acrylic/glass to not fit.

thanks!
heidi
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Old 01-24-2022, 04:20 PM   #2
Lilafernim
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Default Re: help on DIY cage

Hi, based off your video I would say your acrylic glass should be 80x40cm. I know the size is 80x55cm but thats for length and width, the glass will go on the front and be length by height which is 80x40cm.

I would definitely say though to order this first, then measure before cutting because very often theyll say these measurements and it will be slightly off, or could be from the insides in which case it would need to be slightly bigger, best bet is to order first and measure before cutting the acrylic-glass.

Also, as a suggestion, I do love the look of these types of cages but watching her make it, you may have problems cutting if you dont have a proper knife, and double sided sticky tape is sticky but I dont know if it would last. Plus its 20+acrylic glass cost + sticky whatever cost + delivery.

I just wanted to suggest a second hand cage. Dont know if youre UK or US, Im UK and would recommend the Alaska cage. Its roughly 85x50cm, and second hand go for 20 / 30, mine was 20. If youre US Ive heard the equivalent is the Kevin 82 cage but I dont know if youd have gumtree or anything like that to buy secondhand.
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Old 01-24-2022, 04:22 PM   #3
Lilafernim
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Default Re: help on DIY cage

Now Ive submitted it, it shows youre England now! Facebook marketplace is where I got mine but always recommended take someone with you when collecting. Theres also the Barney cage, hamster heaven, or savic plaza if youre looking for something larger (100x50). For some reason these seem to cost 40/50 second hand unless you come across the odd cheap one. Thats why Id recommend Alaska the most.
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Old 01-25-2022, 05:32 AM   #4
heidii
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Default Re: help on DIY cage

I have seen the Alaska a lot, but I don't want anything barred as I'm looking to rescue a hamster and unsure on what their age or type yet. I also reallyyyy want to see the little guy burrow, which you can't do as well with cages with trays. I can get the acrylic custom cut for probably around 20. I think I may also go for the bigger Platsa range, but unsure yet. I know the one I linked meets the minimum but it does look rather small.

I have some super glue which would work, but my moms also an artist & I'm sure with her DIY projects, she'll know what to do.
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Old 01-25-2022, 11:27 AM   #5
Lilafernim
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Default Re: help on DIY cage

I totally know where youre coming from, I still think looking secondhand might be a good idea. Just as an example, someones already modified an IKEA storage thing its 163x43 cm mesh top with handles and only want 40 for it. You can also get vivariums and modify them, just seen someone giving one away for free thats 4ft.

Obviously, its up to you what to do and building them can be a fun project and have it exactly how you want, Im only suggesting it as it may save some time and money but would totally understand what you do either way.
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Old 01-25-2022, 11:51 AM   #6
heidii
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Default Re: help on DIY cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lilafernim View Post
I totally know where youre coming from, I still think looking secondhand might be a good idea. Just as an example, someones already modified an IKEA storage thing its 163x43 cm mesh top with handles and only want 40 for it. You can also get vivariums and modify them, just seen someone giving one away for free thats 4ft.

Obviously, its up to you what to do and building them can be a fun project and have it exactly how you want, Im only suggesting it as it may save some time and money but would totally understand what you do either way.
I've looked everywhere, including Facebook market place, gumtree, etc. In South West Devon, I'm finding NO ONE with hamsters. The only breeder seems to have stopped their breeding as the site hasn't been updated in a while, and the hamsters who are looking for new homes are about 80 miles away. Called the local pet stores as sometimes they have hamsters coming back in from being adopted and then brought back, but none have come back. Also asked if any hamsters have been there for a while & they can't sell, but was only told their oldest there was 13 weeks and from a large scale breeder.

As for the cages, I'm finding nothing as of the moment that's something that I'd want. Good news is I'll probably get them the larger Platsa range as I've decided to switch rooms with someone, giving me a TON more space for the little guy.
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Old 01-25-2022, 03:13 PM   #7
Lilafernim
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Default Re: help on DIY cage

I had the same struggle here (Colchester) when trying to find a breeder. The closest one was tuftyfluff, which was still almost two hours away, and she was in hospital at the time. I have seen since then that she has made a full recovery and back to work now thankfully, but I dont suppose much help for you being so far away!

Also I understand the struggle with finding appropriate secondhand cages, they are far and inbetween so I understand how making one may end up being simpler. I was lucky to have found Mitzi, I found her on preloved after children got bored of her. But I havent seen many female hamsters for adoption after her so I know it can be luck sometimes.

Happy to hear youve got a bigger room! Im sure whichever hammie you get will be very thankful. Youve probably looked at all these but check preloved, pets4homes, freeads, also a uk adoption page: Hamster Foster and Rescue UK

I think also here do all over the UK: Happy Hamsters UK - Home

PS hams is in Somerset and 48 minutes from Devon, here is the rest of the list of southern hamster club: SHC Breeders – Southern Hamster Club

Im sure theres others on there that arent a world away but I dont know Devon area that well. I did have a quick look because sometimes you can have ethical breeders who have certificates but arent registered with the hamster club. I just found one called Lilac dream hamstery in Devon: Waiting List Application - LILAC DREAMS HAMSTERY

It doesnt have much about awards, I think she is a student of sorts but promotes ethical breeding. Maybe if you could ask where she originally got the hamsters from (as they normally start from another ethical breeder) and just ask some questions. It seems better than ones on preloved at least so its worth a look. Hopefully something Ive said helped somewhat!

From your first message I presume you may have even found one but if not something here should help
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Old 01-26-2022, 12:32 PM   #8
heidii
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Default Re: help on DIY cage

I've looked into Lilac's hamster, as she is in my area, but I believe she isn't breeding anymore as the forms have actually been removed? Maybe she's just fully booked for a while, not sure.

There's just been a person who released an ad for two Russian Dwarf hamsters that they had to separate due to fighting. They are now just getting rid of both because their son has lost interest. She's about an hour away and I'd only be able to rehome one of them, even though I feel like a large reason for the fighting was the cage size, I wouldn't feel comfortable reintroducing them. So, if there still available in 2 weeks when my cage will hopefully be sorted, then I may go out to get one.

Another question, I bought the PLATSA shelf 60x55x120cm & got custom acrylic cut to 60x120cm. Do you have any clue as to how I could attach it to the sides? The video I saw was double-sided scotch tape, but I'm not sure about that. & I'm unsure about using super glue for a hamster enclosure too.
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Old 01-26-2022, 01:08 PM   #9
Lilafernim
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Default Re: help on DIY cage

I think epoxy works best for acrylics but Im not sure about bonding to the shelf, I suppose a strong super glue could work. I think it helps if you sand the shelf first (just to the bit youll stick to) in order to create a rough surface but honestly Im not sure as Ive never done it.
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Old 01-26-2022, 01:17 PM   #10
Lilafernim
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Default Re: help on DIY cage

Ive just had a quick look for a better answer, I know maybe not much use to you now as youve bought the acrylic but saw someone used a wooden window from IKEA and attaching it on the front. Also found this: DIY Ikea Linnmon Hamster Cage 🐹 877 sq ins for the same price as a pet store cage! - YouTube

So if you have a drill could use brackets which means you can slide it out for easier cleaning. One thing I hadnt thought of was most videos use a non toxic sealant when constructed for any gaps which is a good thought actually. I dont know much else to say to help really.

Fingers crossed for the dwarf hamsters! I think it is better to just take one as if theyve already fought they probably are already territorial against each other so could be again. If you got both you may have difficulty refining one if they did fight as well so I think its sensible to only get one. Best of luck!
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