Hello, me and Pika (my Syrian) are new here!

[AmityvilleHams]

It might work with hamster safe coating,but melamine is easier since there is no need to coat it and then add extra wait time for it to dry properly.Melamine can be wiped down and wouldn't get destroyed if it got urine or other liquids on it,while wood is very easy to destroy with moisture.

Melamine and MDF type bookshelves tend to be really cheap though,usually a lot cheaper than wood ones.Basically you take a 100 cm x 50 cm bookshelf,remove one side,remove the side of the second bookshelf,sit them next to each other,create a seal using aquarium silicon,and then add the lid(preferably topper style,since that makes it easier on you when it comes to adding a water bottle and other things).

[JenCimatti]

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

It might work with hamster safe coating,but melamine is easier since there is no need to coat it and then add extra wait time for it to dry properly.Melamine can be wiped down and wouldn't get destroyed if it got urine or other liquids on it,while wood is very easy to destroy with moisture.

Melamine and MDF type bookshelves tend to be really cheap though,usually a lot cheaper than wood ones.Basically you take a 100 cm x 50 cm bookshelf,remove one side,remove the side of the second bookshelf,sit them next to each other,create a seal using aquarium silicon,and then add the lid(preferably topper style,since that makes it easier on you when it comes to adding a water bottle and other things).

I will definitely look into it and will try to find one of them melamine bookshelves I will hopefully have a new bigger home for my little Pika soon, thank you so much for suggesting this as I was beginning to think the detolf cage would be my only option. I am sure Pika is also very grateful you were so kind to take the time to suggest this to me and will be much happier in this type of cage thank you so much!

[Gimleyand Meeko]

Originally Posted by JenCimatti

It is approximately 60cm by 40cm and has 1 'level' type thing which isn't a whole other cage on top but more of a shelf inside of the cage that is almost half the size of the cage if that makes sense I realise this isn't one of the biggest cages I could get and I am saving money for a bigger cage, I would like to make a detolf cage but may be difficult as there is not an IKEA near me, I hope I answered your question and didn't confuse you

What cage are you hoping to get?
If your saving up I am sure that is fine as a temp. cage

Here are a few ideas to help you out

Mamble Rat / Hamster Narrow Bar 100cm Cage - Little Pet Warehouse

If you don't mind me asking what budget are you looking for as you can find a cage

[JenCimatti]

Originally Posted by Gimleyand Meeko

What cage are you hoping to get?
If your saving up I am sure that is fine as a temp. cage

Here are a few ideas to help you out

Mamble Rat / Hamster Narrow Bar 100cm Cage - Little Pet Warehouse

If you don't mind me asking what budget are you looking for as you can find a cage

I wouldn't mind any cage as long as it's big, preferably something that isn't normally used as a cage like a bookcase as it is cheaper. I don't know what would be my budget, not too expensive though as I am only 15 and don't have a job yet (hopefully will have one soon) so it is hard for me to get money! My mum doesn't really like to spend money on my hamster as she doesn't understand that the cage isn't very big. I suppose my budget would have to be around £35 because of this but preferably less. If I got a cheap melamine bookcase it would be more ideal as my uncle is quite handy and could make a lid etc. As I am useless with that kind of stuff!

[Gimleyand Meeko]

Ok, will try and find something I will keep you posted ��

[AmityvilleHams]

So your best option would probably be the bookshelves Either 2 100 cm x 50 cm or 1 100 cm x 100 cm,and then the topper style lids.

Maybe for the lids you could get really cheap rabbit/guinea pig cages and mesh them over without using the bottom section?Either that or a pair of secondhand 100 cm x 50 cm cages,but the principal is the same with removing an interior panel on each cage and then using the zip ties to connect them.

Rabbit cages might be 4 cm wider than expected though,so a topper lid could be better in that way.Doors could be transferred though to a mesh and wood topper lid as wire panels from spare/secondhand cages,but the most important part is just having a big cage

[Thin Lizzy]

Hi and Welcome to HC! Pika's absolutely gorgeous! That pic of her little face peeking out is so adorable.
The cage you have at the moment is ok for a short while, if you want, you could save up some more and then buy a bigger cage.
The recommended cage size is 80cm by 50cm.

[Gimleyand Meeko]

I definitely think a DIY cage is needed here I tried to find bookshelf cages but there all came up with DIY, sorry.