DIY cages. Advice, tips and pics of yours please. - Page 3

AmityvilleHams · 02-28-2017, 11:36 PM

Nothing else in the cage would've caused injuries that would lead to bumblefoot.I don't think it was just unlucky,as there are quite a few bottle climbers among this forum and if they were all given the same type of bottle holder it would most likely happen to them as well.The obsessive(hence repeated)climbing of the holder would've been what lead to bumblefoot,nothing else in the cage as mentioned would've done so.

That being said if it was extremely high up in a place the hamster couldn't reach it may not happen,but it isn't worth the risk when industrial strength velcro alone works just as good and has the bonus of making it even easier to use.

colorpaws287 · 03-01-2017, 07:01 PM

oh ok then, thanks for telling me

I’ll keep a lookout to make sure my hamster doesn’t start climbing on it or anything, I appreciate the advice

Taby_Stec · 03-01-2017, 01:28 AM

I need help!! I am getting a wire cage and the only thing for an adapter to create my own way to have it have tubes was https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fop-Adaptor.../dp/B001B80MAS But they stopped having them and that post was from 2011 so I dont know what to use HELP! I want to use Kaytee tubes

cypher · 03-01-2017, 01:38 AM

Can't you get a different cage without the tubes Taby? It sounds as though you don't have the cage yet so looking for something more appropriate that doesn't need tubes or adapting might be a better option.

AmityvilleHams · 03-01-2017, 02:09 AM

I'd suggest getting several bins instead of a wire cage

You can connect those directly instead of using tubes and wire cages,which would not be appropriate and would not really add floor space.

It is very cheap especially in the US to make a bin setup!You'd need 2 105 qt(just under 80 cm x 50 cm)bins,and one 60 cm x 40 cm/64 qt bin.The smaller one can only be purchased at Walmart(costs $7)and the other two bins can be purchased at Walmart as well(around $12 each).You'd just need to get a wood burning knife($13,Walmart again),zip ties($3 or less),wire cutters(generally under $5 a pair),and 1/2 inch wire mesh($16 at Home Depot for a huge roll that would go towards the whole bin setup and more).You'd want to elevate the smaller bin in between for the easiest direct connection between the bins,maybe using something like a few pieces of wood underneath the bins.It isn't any more difficult than making a regular bin,with the only extra steps being elevating the smaller bin in between and making holes on the sides of each bin.

Pebbles82 · 03-01-2017, 03:38 AM

I think we've gone off topic a bit from Alipali's cage set up

Although I can see bottle holders is a topic. I have to agree I think the metal bottle holder could hurt a hammy's feet with it's metal edges and hamsters do try and climb bottle holders to try and escape out the top! I personally think the velcro is fine but you can also make bottle stands for in the cage - there are various tutorials for that.

Aby I agree with Cypher - better to choose a cage without tubes - the tube systems aren't cheap and hamsters are better with tubes as toys inside the cage rather than attached to holes in the cage in long runs - they can block tubes off, the tubes can be an escape route, some hamsters get stuck in them. The ventilation isn't that good either. You'd be better with cardboard tubes or a short run of a couple of plastic tubes, actually inside a cage with solid or barred sides. A persistant hamster could push the tubes out or apart or chew their way out. It can be fun to tie them to the bars too.

If you're in the US, chances are the cage is too small anyway as there are only 2 or 3 suitable for a hamster. You would be better of making a bin cage of approx 30 inches by 20 inches continuous floorspace minimum

Or getting a tank. Petco sell a 40 gallon breeder tank for $40 during their dollar per gallon sale.

AmityvilleHams · 03-01-2017, 03:41 AM

Would have to say no on the 40 gallon tank

That's not including a lid(so it costs more than the bin setup with lid and stand),plus the size is often proven to not work well for Syrians.

With bins it costs less and you can always expand when a hamster shows that the size isn't right,unlike a very bulky and expensive tank which can't be expanded at all!