Right now my hamster is in the crittertrail lookout. Its a pretty good cage. I would just like it to have some more space for toys. I cant really fit anything in there without crowding the cage. I woul like to build my hamster a cage out of a storage bin. Is there any pros or cons to this type of home? Thanks
I would be adding metal bars from an old hamster cage for ventilation. Also I would put wire mesh at the top for even more air flow. I would attach a wheel and waterbottle to the bars. The bars actually came from a critter trail one that cracked. So air flow would not be a problom. My hamster has never chewed on th cage he's in now. I give him lots of time out of the cage so I dont think he gets as bored as most pet hamsters. I have spoiled him so hes pretty un hamster like. He's very friendly like a dog. He doesn't seem to have many normal hamster traits listed in hamster books.
I did this with my hamster and mice. It works wonderfully, and is nice and cheap. Metal bars an especially a great addition.
One thing; try your best to get an elecrical burner to cut through the bin! It will burn smooth, even attractive, holes and cuts. If you just cut through the bin, it will leave sharp edges which, from my experience, is what get's them interested in chewing the cage at all. With a burner, I never had them realise they could chew it.
Also how will you be attatching the bars? I just glued mine on, but make sure it is from the outside only!
I'm very glad to see someone treating their hamster as something other than a disposable children's pet.
Assuming that the storage bin is plastic hamsters are quite clever and will find almost any flaw in the cage. Also there may not be enough air for your furry friend. I would consider going to a pet store and looking at pet cages that aren’t fancy with towers and little space but look for a simple cage that you can equip with toys.
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I personally would stray away from a custom hamster cage. It’s not the suitable kind of home you want for a hamster. Hamsters love to climb on the horizontal bars for exercise. Without a cage, it’s going to be terribly limited. They need a lot of room to roam around. Plus, a storage bin isn’t exactly the most sanitary. They could catch infections from being in such a dank place. No matter what you try to do to make a storage bin a suitable living space, it’s just not a good idea. I’d stick with the traditional cage.
–Ultra
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Be careful cuz if yooh make parts that look good but its actually dangerous for ur hamster. yooh wants wats great for ur hamster right? so yea i rather buy a professional cage for him or her.
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I did this with my hamster and mice. It works wonderfully, and is nice and cheap. Metal bars an especially a great addition.
One thing; try your best to get an elecrical burner to cut through the bin! It will burn smooth, even attractive, holes and cuts. If you just cut through the bin, it will leave sharp edges which, from my experience, is what get’s them interested in chewing the cage at all. With a burner, I never had them realise they could chew it.
Also how will you be attatching the bars? I just glued mine on, but make sure it is from the outside only!
I’m very glad to see someone treating their hamster as something other than a disposable children’s pet.
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