Hamster escaped last night

[Engel]

Originally Posted by Bronwynthehamster

Oh I had no idea, thank you for telling me, I’ll get straight on it, is there a certain type of glue to use or do you tie the mesh on? I only got her bin cage a few weeks ago because her other cage broke x

It's ok, don't panic. We've all been there.

I believe it's zip ties and then duct tape around the edges. When Ria comes on she'll be able to advise you further.

[Ria P]

I've sold or given away all my bin cages ages ago because i changed over to Hamster Heavens for the dwarfs and Alaskas for the Syrians.
There are some bin cages on the "Let's see your cages" thread.

Here's a transport box which is the same principle.

a) cut the mesh to the required size with a wire cutter
b) place on the lid and mark the drill holes with a permanent marker
c) draw on the square you want to cut out
d) drill the holes with an electric drill
e) follow the drawn on lines and cut out the square. I use a Dremel power tool with a cutting disc for plastic but disc for metal does the job too
f) smooth the edges with sandpaper
g) add decorative duck tape if you like and cut edges with stanley knife
h) place mesh on top of the lid and attach with cable ties
i) snip off excess with wire cutter

[Imogen]

Originally Posted by Bronwynthehamster

Oh I had no idea, thank you for telling me, I’ll get straight on it, is there a certain type of glue to use or do you tie the mesh on? I only got her bin cage a few weeks ago because her other cage broke x

To attach mesh I used zip ties but there're a lot more "too professional" methods for me such as using things like bolts that are safe for a hamster and can't nibble on. Not sure how they do it so I stuck to zipties!

Here's my hamsters 709 sq inch bin with the mesh.


EDIT: Oh, just saw Ria's reply, however with mine I actually done it so the mesh is on the underside. Although, I made sure to file the sharp bits down as best I could and it's enough that it doesn't cause any pain whatsoever to my finger. Reason I did it on the underside is because I actually stupidly sawed right down the bits that come up so the mesh would never lie flat, I had to do it from the underside so that it would pull up and close off any big enough gaps that my hamster could squeeze through. It was a lot harder doing it from the other side.

[AmityvilleHams]

I'll also add that no matter what you do, any plastic cutting/melting(if you use a wood burning knife which is an option)/etc should be done outside. The last thing you want to do is be inhaling the fumes yourself or have anyone else(hamsters included) inhaling the fumes, particles, etc that can come from that process.

Zip ties as others have mentioned will work just fine but make sure you have strong scissors or something sturdy to cut the ends with. Make sure the cut end isn't on the inside just for hamster safety, and if you have the option of using pliers to tighten the zip ties in my experience that does at least make you have less of a chance of getting sore hands. Wearing gloves for protection when possible is ideal, though personally I found the ones I used for a different(failed, but similar concept) project just got in the way - and because of that I ended up with fairly sore hands!

[Bronwynthehamster]

Thank you so much for all the advice, I really appreciate it. I’ll hopefully be getting the mesh this weekend or during the week. Thanks again x

[Bronwynthehamster]

Hello, quay wanted to let everyone know that I attached the mesh today so she is all sorted, thank you for all the advice.