Good Storage Bins for DIY Cage

GreySyrian · 03-21-2016, 10:42 AM

Needing to upgrade one of the hams and have decided a bin cage will be the cheapest way to get a bigger cage!

I've used IKEA's largest size box for Rumples cage, but with the new bin cage stacking may be the only option so wouldn't want a heavy box as I find the Ikea one quite hard to move around and definitely couldn't hack having to move one every night. But am aware the weight might just be something I have to deal with!

So does anyone know any lightweight storage boxes or ones suitable for stacking to use for a Bin cage?

AmityvilleHams · 03-21-2016, 11:03 AM

Stacking cages won't really provide as much floor space as for example a Detolf or DIY cage,so I would just rule that out altogether for the purpose of having the best floor space possible.

Fluffagrams · 03-21-2016, 11:22 AM

The Really Useful Boxes stack very nicely and I use them for my bin cages and they're nice and sturdy so should last but the downside of that is that they're a little bit heavier than some other brands of box and also a bit on the pricey side.

I've used Wham boxes before too and they're lighter than the RUB's but the plastic is less sturdy so you'll have to bear that in mind when doing your adaptations to build the cage. Like the RUB's though, they've got a smooth inside so there's less points that a hamster could use to start to chew.

GreySyrian · 03-21-2016, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

Stacking cages won't really provide as much floor space as for example a Detolf or DIY cage,so I would just rule that out altogether for the purpose of having the best floor space possible.

Unsure of what you mean? I wasn't intending in creating a double decker. JUst simply placing two DIY cages for separate hamsters on top of each other. Space is in an issue hence why I've decided against a Detolf or similar DIY cage

GreySyrian · 03-21-2016, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffagrams

The Really Useful Boxes stack very nicely and I use them for my bin cages and they're nice and sturdy so should last but the downside of that is that they're a little bit heavier than some other brands of box and also a bit on the pricey side.

I've used Wham boxes before too and they're lighter than the RUB's but the plastic is less sturdy so you'll have to bear that in mind when doing your adaptations to build the cage. Like the RUB's though, they've got a smooth inside so there's less points that a hamster could use to start to chew.

Will look into them, think last time I looked however was struggling to find one that was a big enough size! Do you know any good places to buy them from?
Thank you

Elliiy · 03-21-2016, 11:32 AM

I know that bins can make great cages idk where to get a good sized one, maybe check amazon or ebay idk what kind of stores you have in the UK but i know that there are bins out there that do meet the minimum size for hammies

AmityvilleHams · 03-21-2016, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreySyrian

Unsure of what you mean? I wasn't intending in creating a double decker. JUst simply placing two DIY cages for separate hamsters on top of each other. Space is in an issue hence why I've decided against a Detolf or similar DIY cage

In that case,just try and find the largest possible bin.What I was saying is really only relevant to cages with additions,but if space is an issue there are other options.For example,some people design stacking cage systems that are quite large for various pets such as guinea pigs,which should be considered as it would take up a lot less space than two large cages on their own.Bin cages are a great idea,but there are still other good ideas to think of if the idea of two large cages that don't stack is a horrible idea for space concerns!

Kissa · 03-21-2016, 12:44 PM

The Really Useful Box brand do come in a 145l size, but it is about £40 for the box alone, and while the RUBs are very sturdy, it does make them heavier than other storage boxes. The only other storage bin I can think of that approaches the largest Ikea Samla or the 145l RUB for floorspace is the Wham 133l bin (link to a site I know sells them here, but it's for a pack of 10 :P).

All of the other bins that I can think of that I have seen commonly used for bin cages (64/84l RUBs, 110l Wham bins) are quite a bit smaller than the largest Samla. To be honest, for value for money I think the Samla is the best of the three anyway

Pebbles82 · 03-21-2016, 01:02 PM

This is the biggest box I know of - it's 99cm by 40cm by 42cm high - maximum measurements. Only thing is it's nearly £30 and you could almost buy an Alaska cage for that! But it's a great size. I don't know if it's any good for stacking, but the top looks to have a rim that's not too deep and a smaller bin would stack on top probably.

EXTRA LARGE CLEAR PLASTIC STORAGE BOX WITH LID 133 LITRE: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools