DIY hamster cage log 120x50cm

ClumsyPianist · 09-11-2016, 01:15 AM

So. My dad and I've decided we're going to build our own hamster cage which is super exciting and stuff and I figured I needed a log for it of some sorts to keep track of progress. I personally liked seeing others showing their progress of their DIY cages so I thought I'd add mine.

We're not starting it 'til a couple more weeks when I have a week off but that's fine. I need to plan quite a bit anyway.

While this cage isn't my ultimate hamster cage (that would be one that's 10000+ sq cm), this one will definitely do for the time being.

This cage will be 6000 sq cm / 930 sq inches, which is well over this forum's minimum and my personal minimum of 100x50cm.

Currently, my Syrian Milo is in a Zooplus Alaska with a DIY platform which in itself is not a bad cage at all, but not quite big enough for Milo (and I personally find it a bit small for a hamster considering their activeness :P). I'm definitely glad I got this cage over any other typical store-bought cage because man does Milo use the space he has, but it's time for an upgrade.

We'll be making this cage using melamine wood and plexiglass.

1x 120x50cm melamine wood (base of the cage)
2x 60x50 cm melamine wood (sides)
1x 120x60 (melamine?) wood (back of the cage; not sure about the material yet. Suggestions?)
1x 120x60 4mm plexiglass front (55 if I'm leaving a small part open for more ventilation than just the top; might do 60 and drill holes, I really don't know yet tbh ^^

Aquarium silicone

Anything necessary drills and screws wise we already have. Yay for dads lol.

Top will be made from mesh and wood to prevent escapes and/or unwanted encounters with our cats who are quite interested in Milo and love to watch him from my bed, lol.

The cage will stand on a cabinet of some sorts which we'll likely pick up at a thrift shop nearby, or perhaps the IKEA, we don't quite know yet. We'll find something though.

So yeah. I'll keep you updated as soon as anything happens.

Feel free to add any suggestions or tips below, I highly appreciate all the help I can get.

velma · 09-11-2016, 01:44 AM

How exciting! Yay for dads indeed

I look forward to seeing your progress.

(But just to add, this forum doesn't have a minimum cage size. Each hamster has different requirements. Some will thrive in a large space while others become introverted and scared so rather than defined sizes each cage must suit an induvidual hamster's needs. Any sizes here are the opinions of our members. )

ClumsyPianist · 09-11-2016, 01:52 AM

All right, I thought the (un)official UK minimum was 80x50. Saw it in a bunch of videos from some British hamster YouTubers and multiple websites. Could have misunderstood then, whoops!

Pebbles82 · 09-11-2016, 02:46 AM

Sounds fantastic! When I saw diy log I thought you meant a tunnel type log LOL. Looking forward to more updates

There's a good guide to cage-buying sticky on the forum that talks about sizes - it quotes the old RSPCA minimum recommended - which also changed a few times! I think it went up to 80 x 50 for a Syrian and 70 x 40 for a dwarf, but tended to be thereabouts, with noted exceptions in the guide.

Guide to Buying a Cage

I am sure your Syrian will love all the extra space and having seen your set up in the Alaska it will be a great set-up - looking forward to seeing it!

pinkneon · 09-11-2016, 03:07 AM

Wow, that sounds amazing! Milo will be pleased!

I also thought you meant a wooden log and was wondering how it would fit into your cage!

Pebbles82 · 09-11-2016, 03:31 AM

Forgot to mention the RSPCA no longer quotes that minimum size but just says they need a lot of space, especially at night. Wood Green animal charity still recommends 80 x 50cm and it does seem to be still generally thought of as a minimum recommended for a Syrian with a lot of good cages that size or above.

The only official Uk minimum I'm aware of is the National Hamster Council one (link below) which says a minimum of 1000 square centimetres "useable floorspace" - presumably meaning after toys, houses, wheels etc are allowed for, so also a bit vague.

https://hamsters-uk.org/content/view/29

Do you have a layout plan for your new cage yet? Hoping to see that lovely platform again!

ClumsyPianist · 09-11-2016, 04:50 AM

I only wish I could use an actual wooden log in my cage but alas. x'D

I haven't got anything of a layout quite yet but I do know it's going to be around 30 cm of substrate mixed with hay and as natural as possible, preferably with live plants too, as soon as I've grown them. Moss, all kinds of wood, terracotta dishes with plants, cork, bendy bridges, driftwood, sand pit, you name it. I'm very fond of the natural cages the Germans typically have 'cause man are those gorgeous and I really would like to recreate that.

And yes, I will be keeping the platform for as long as I can. x'D Am hoping to be able to fit the other one I have and possibly another one in the cage to perchance have levels. That would be neat. I would have to either remake them or extend the legs they have right now but that's something I consider a minor detail for now if I have to be honest.

I wouldn't mind having something like the platform in the back of this image though, platform wise.

Pebbles82 · 09-11-2016, 04:54 AM

That is a great platform! I'm sure you could make one

Yes some of the German cages are amazing. It sounds like it is going to be very special. I'm not sure about live plants myself but the rest sounds fantastic. Beyond my creative skills but can't wait to see it. Good your Dad is handy and involved too.

AmityvilleHams · 09-11-2016, 05:17 AM

You can use bass wood pieces and wooden dowels to make platforms,and then use something like popsicle sticks to make the walls/sides of the platforms.

German cages are definitely something to look up to and get ideas from

Rodipet would be a great idea by the way,if you can get things delivered(which should be possible).They have some really nice things,even wooden wheels considerably larger than you could find in almost any place that go over 30 cm in diameter.

https://www.rodipet.de/shop/ Be sure to check out the website even if only for some inspiration

ClumsyPianist · 09-11-2016, 05:27 AM

I am a big fan of what Rodipet has to offer and I'm very very interested but I'm also a very very broke, jobless eighteen-year-old so I will have to wait a while before I can actually order everything I need off their site and have it shipped over. x'D I love what they have to offer however and I'm very interested, but I think I'll have to save that for later, sadly. ;u;