Why a Hamster Bin Cage?
Do you need a new living environment for your hamster? Are you tired of having to buy new hamster cages? Then a hamster bin cage may be your solution. It’s an affordable yet easy way to create a habitat for your hamster.
To prepare this type of cage for your hamster, all you need is a plastic storage bin, a few basic tools, and enough patience to complete the project. Rather than spending a small fortune on a prefabricated hamster cage, you can create a wonderful hamster bin cage yourself.
What Is a Hamster Bin Cage?
In case you aren’t familiar with it, a hamster bin cage is simply an enclosure for your pet made from a plastic storage container. If the container doesn’t come with a lid, you should purchase a lid that fits snugly over its top.
With its convenient size and shape, a ready-made storage bin makes an outstanding hamster cage. It can allow enough floor space for your pet, whether Syrian or dwarf, while keeping costs to a minimum.
Benefits of a Hamster Bin Cage
There are numerous benefits of this type of hamster cage.
- It can be done as a do-it-yourself project.
- It is easy on the wallet.
- By using a plastic storage bin that is clear or translucent, you can see in and your hamster can see out.
- It’s unlikely that your hamster will chew through the plastic and escape.
- Because it is a single unit, it becomes easy to lift, carry, and move around. It doesn’t require elaborate accessories or come with tubing that may dislodge or become loose.
- Because of its height, it’s unlikely that your hammy will be able to kick bedding out the side.
- You won’t need to be concerned about your hamster outgrowing the cage as you might with a pet store cage. If you need more room, you can add a connecting bin.
- You have options for bin cage ventilation. You can use a mesh top, cut a space for mesh in the top of the storage unit, or drill holes in the top cover. You don’t have to worry about making mesh windows that your hamster might be able to crawl out of.
Bin Cage Dimensions
The size of the bin you build will depend on the type of hamster you have.
For one dwarf hamster you can use a smaller bin such as 18 inches long X 12 inches wide X 12 inches tall. (45.7 X 30.5 X 30.5 cm).
If you have two dwarfs, think about using a little larger bin, such as 24L X 20W X 24H inches. (61 X 50.8 X 61 cm)
For Syrians, or very active dwarfs, think about going to 36L X 24W X 24H inches. (91.4 X 61 X 61 cm)
In the U.S., these sizes may be stated in terms of quarts, with approximately the following measurements:
- 30 quart = 18 inches long X 12 1/8 inches wide X 12 inches tall.
- 66 quart = 24 ¾ inches long by 16 3/8 inches wide by 12 3/8 inches high
- 71 quart = 23.3 inches length by 18.7 inches wide by 12 3/8 inches high
As with any hamster cage, you want to opt for plenty of floor space. Remember, you will still need to put in an exercise wheel, food bowl, toys, and water bottle.
Materials to Use for Building a Bin Cage
Typical materials for building a hamster bin cage include the following
- Drill and drill bits
- Utility knife, box cutter, or hacksaw
- Picture wire, flexible wire, or twist ties
- Wire cutters (for cutting wire mesh)
- Wire mesh, also called hardware cloth. Get the kind with very small spaces (1/4 inch) so your hamster can’t squeeze through.
- Glue gun
- Nuts, bolts, and washers
- A permanent marker
Building Your Bin Cage
Ventilation is critical! Just as when you use an aquarium for a hamster cage, you need air to circulate throughout the cage or ammonia will build up.
- You need to prepare the top of the cage for ventilation. There are a few ways to go.
- Drill holes in the bin side to attach the water bottle using ties or wire.
- If you want to attach a hamster tube from the side of a bin cage that can lead to another bin cage, use a marker to mark the size of the tube on the side of the bin. Then cut out the hole with a box cutter or drill with special attachment. Use the tube connector to cover any sharp edges on the hole.
For wire mesh: You can tape it to the top and use it instead of a lid. The tape must be on very tightly and should not be able to be eaten by your hamster.
For wire mesh: You can cut out a space in the top lid that’s a little smaller than the amount of wire mesh you’re going to use. Then drill holes in the lid and attach the wire mesh with nuts, bolts, and washers. Some people also use a glue gun and glue to keep the mesh in place.
For holes: Mark where the holes should go in the top cover, then drill using an appropriate size bit. Do not drill the holes too close together or the top lid plastic may crack. You can also drill some holes near the top of the bin sides for added ventilation.
Rather than drill a hole for it, use a freestanding exercise wheel.
Build a Bin Cage Videos
Here are links to You Tube videos that show how to put a hamster bin cage together.
Recommended
Bin Cages Part 2: How to build a Bin Cage 4:57
http://youtu.be/RelNaQp3Ekc
- Shows tools
- Demonstrates how to drill holes
- Shows how to attach water bottle
- Demonstrates how to mark and cut holes for tunnels
Hamster Bins 101: Part 3 (Making a Basic Bin) 7:54
- Step by step
- Shows drilling
How I made my hamster bin cage 9:54
http://youtu.be/bdgBbgNv2OE
- Lays out tools needed
- Includes sizes of drill bits
- Doesn’t actually drill holes
Not Recommended
Do it yourself: Hamster Bin Cage! [[Better one]] 4:06
- Shaky camera
- Doesn’t show actual building
Hamster Bin Cage Intro and Tutorial 2:35
- Only still pix and all text, but cool background music
How I make my bin cage 15:14
- Shows parts to make
- Too long, too difficult
Safety Considerations
When using power tools to modify the cage, make sure that your hands are dry so that any tool you are using doesn’t slip. Also, working with hot glue can be dangerous and cause painful burns. Be careful. Remember, always think “safety first” and use common sense when creating your hamster bin cage.
