Sterilite 26-1/2-Gallon Latch Box (Plastic Bin Cage) - Page 2

**Hamtastic** · 04-26-2011, 11:31 PM

I got another fully transparent Sterilite bin today for only $16, very similar to Julie's:
Sterilite ClearView Latch 110 quart bin

Dimensions:
34 5/8" L x 18 3/4" W x 12 5/8" H
87.9cm L x 47.6cm W x 32.1cm H
(These are the greatest dimensions where the cover is attached, so the base is actually more like 77cm x 38cm at the very bottom)

I also got some green vinyl-coated mesh (1/2" squares, $12 for a 5-foot roll from Home Depot)--dark to see through it better, and small white plastic ties.

I cut a rectangular hole in the top of the bin and meshed it (still need to flatten out the mesh a bit). The end result is attached here. To demonstrate how transparent the bin is, I took a photo of it without flash--it's the more yellow picture (flash was reflecting off the bin, casting a blue tint on it, making it less transparent).

This bin is really big and cheap--highly recommended.
(Thanks, Julie, for the suggestion! <3)

HammysMommy · 05-27-2011, 09:34 AM

This really helps me thanks for posting! I like how you used the plastic tie things instead of screws I think that will be the easiest for me to do and very efficient! I noticed you didn't cut out any windows in the front or the side, since the opening is very open and ventilated in the top do you feel its even necessary? And also I have that critterbath too how cute, I love the wood houses in each corner, where did you get those from? Petco or maybe petsmart?

**Hamtastic** · 05-27-2011, 12:35 PM

Thank you.

The opening on the top is huge and more than adequate. It's like 29"x15". I don't see why I would need any side windows with this set up. Those are usually for cages with a closed top or small openings on the top.

The zip ties I used were <$2 - the smallest size available at HomeDepot. The wire mesh is also from HomeDepot ("hardware cloth")
YARDGARD 2 ft. x 5 ft. x 1/2 in. 19 Gauge PVC Hardware Cloth - 308253B at The Home Depot

The wooden houses are actually by European brands--not really available in the US (I had mine shipped from the UK): Trixie Jesper and Karlie Wonderland Tree House. The ceramic critter bath is by Super Pet and is sold at PetSmart, Amazon, and many other places.

rockster · 05-29-2011, 02:39 AM

Great review julie

Really enjoyed reading it although i cant get hold of that brand over here xD x

badger · 04-04-2012, 01:26 PM

Not to take over or something, but for a more ideas, here's a pic of my two hammie's cages. Draco is on the left and Sonic is on the right. I just added the top cages and it doubled the bin sizes and only took me...maybe 4 hours. : ) Very easy. All you need are bins, hardware cloth (mesh, at any home improvement store,) zip ties (cable ties,) and a power drill. I meshed all 4 lids and drilled some small vent holes in the lower cages as well.
cages.jpg

*edit, yes I DO have metal mesh wheels for my hammies. They are quite large syrians, and the mesh holes are extremly small. They have done fine for months, and I take them out and check their feet/ general health every night. No...I won't get rid of these wheels. I like them a lot, and so do my hammies, plus, they do really well on them.