(The old version of this topic had used TinyPic links, which no longer work on the forum. Upon review, the topic needed a bit of an update anyway, so I went ahead and just rewrote it. I do still need pictures, though, because I don't have any good ones of my bins with the lids actually on. If you have pictures you are willing to contribute, please shoot me a PM!)
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What is a bin cage?
A bin cage is a modified plastic storage tub used to make a cage for a hamster. The general idea is that windows are cut in a portion of the bin (either the lid or sides) and covered with wire mesh to allow ventilation. A bin with mesh in the lid is more or less like a plastic aquarium.
Bin cages are extremely popular in the hamster community. The primary reason is that they are much, much larger than many commercial hamster cages available (at least in North America). They are inexpensive, and the parts are easy to obtain. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and can be made custom according to an owner’s particular needs.
The Bin
One advantage to bin cages is that bins are quite easy to find. They can be purchased in many different stores such as Walmart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, IKEA, Tesco, and others. Bins are quite inexpensive, and can typically be purchased for under $30.
You can use a clear or opaque bin. Most people opt to use clear bins in order to see their hamster, but there is nothing inherently wrong with using an opaque bin.
As a general rule, a bin should be at least 100 quarts. Most bins smaller than 100 quarts are not big enough to humanely house a hamster. However, this does not mean that every bin 100+ quarts in size is going to be big enough! Some very tall 100+ quart bins may not provide enough floor space, so always make sure to measure the bin you are planning to use in person!
The bin should provide at least 450 square inches in the inside of the base.
When measuring a bin, always measure the bottom inside of the bin. Never go by the size on the label. The dimensions printed on the label of a bin are for the lid, which is almost always significantly longer and wider than the base of the bin (where the hamster is living). Going by the label dimensions will give a false measurement, and make the bin seem significantly larger in floor space than it really is.
In the photo below, the bin was placed upside-down on the floor, and the lid was placed directly on the base. It's easy to see the significant difference in size, which is highlighted by the black arrows.
Choosing a Bin
Choosing a good sized bin is vitally important.
The Mesh
The mesh used for a bin cage should be galvanized steel. It is sometimes referred to as hardware cloth. You can find hardware cloth in home improvement and gardening stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. It is typically with gardening supplies, and will be found alongside chicken wire.
Make sure to get steel mesh, and not PVC or any type of plastic. Plastic mesh is easily chewed through. On this note, never use window screening, because it is also plastic.
Either 1/4" or 1/2" mesh is considered suitable for bin cages.
Cutting Windows
To make a bin cage, you will have to cut windows into the bin. This is probably the most difficult and dangerous part of making a bin cage, so be careful and use proper safety equipment. If you are a minor, please ask an adult to help you!
By far the easiest way to cut into a bin is to use a dremel or some other sort of power tool. If you happen to have a dremel and someone to help you safely use it, this is a good option. Make sure to follow all safety precautions when using power tools!
The other method is simply to use a very sharp knife to repeatedly "score" the plastic until it is cut through. The knife can be heated to assist with this, but make sure the area is ventilated! Melting plastic fumes can be very harmful. Take your time with this method, because pressing too hard can crack the plastic.
The windows can be cut in either the sides or the lid of the bin. There are pros and cons to both methods. Having the window on the lid keeps it out of chewing range for the hamster. However, cutting a hole in the lid can be tricky because of cracking issues. Having side windows will allow you to stack bins on top of each other. That said, there is a risk of the hamster chewing on the mesh or the attachment point.
Attaching the Mesh
Mesh can be attached with either a screw / nut / bolt combination or zip ties. Screws look nicer and are more secure, but zip ties are a bit cheaper. Do not use tape to attach the mesh - it simply isn't strong enough to hold the mesh on securely.
FAQs
Do I really need to use mesh? Can I just leave the lid off? - Using a lidless bin is not recommended, unless you have an unusually tall bin (24" or taller). Most properly-sized bins are not very tall. It is extremely easy for a hamster to climb up its water bottle, wheel, or toys to escape a typical bin cage.
Can I just drill holes instead of using mesh? This is not advised, but can be done. You must use a large drill bit (1/4” or so), and drill a hole every 1/2 inch for nearly the entire lid of the bin. Holes cannot be used in the sides of bins due to chewing issues.
How do I use a water bottle in a bin cage? Using a water bottle in a bin is similar to using one in a tank. You can use a metal bottle guard and hang it off of the side of the bin. You could also use strong Velcro to attach the bottle directly to the side of the bin.
Example Bins
The following bins are suitable for hamster cages. The measurements provided here are of the inside base and have been measured in person. A few are below the recommended cage size, so should only be used if absolutely nothing else is available.
47” long x 17” wide
800 square inches
$25 - $30 at Walmart (only available around Christmastime)
Sterilite 116 Quart Ultra Latch Box
30" long x 17.5" wide
525 square inches
$18 at Target
27” long x 18” wide
486 square inches
$15 at IKEA
30” long x 15” wide
450 square inches
$15 in Target
Photos of Bin Cages
Coming soon! If you have photos you are willing to contribute, please PM me!
This topic has been adapted from SyrianPumpkin's bin cage topic.
Edited by Taxonomist, 21 July 2017 - 11:13 PM.
My dad driled about 20 holes on the lid,and its working really good!
