228 replies to this topic

[Alyssa101]

I'm getting ready to adopt my second hamster ever. The only one I've had before was when I was 7 years old and I didn't care for him very well. He lived a fairly long life even in a too small cage but I still don't want to repeat what I did. I want to make a bin cage and I was thinking about putting two bins on top of each other to make it bigger. Would connecting a 110 quart bin and a 105 quart together be big enough?

[nebit]

I want to make a bin cage and I was thinking about putting two bins on top of each other to make it bigger. Would connecting a 110 quart bin and a 105 quart together be big enough?

possibly, but its' hard to say. Quarts are a measure of volume, while we are concerned with floor space. Bins don't come in standardized sizes like tanks do, so it is possible for a bin to be 110qts yet only have 100sq inches floor space for instance. That would be too small. It is also possible for a bin to be 110qts and have 500sq inches of floor space- that would be ok.

 

What you need to do is bring a tape measure to the store, and measure the BASE of the bins. The label measurements are for the top and include the lip and handles etc- plus bins can slope significantly between top and bottom (that's why they are stackable), so they can be off by quite a lot- sometimes by several hundred inches. You want to measure the length by the width of the base of the bin, then multiple the two numbers. At least one of your bins must be at least 450 sq inches or larger.

[Alyssa101]

possibly, but its' hard to say. Quarts are a measure of volume, while we are concerned with floor space. Bins don't come in standardized sizes like tanks do, so it is possible for a bin to be 110qts yet only have 100sq inches floor space for instance. That would be too small. It is also possible for a bin to be 110qts and have 500sq inches of floor space- that would be ok.

What you need to do is bring a tape measure to the store, and measure the BASE of the bins. The label measurements are for the top and include the lip and handles etc- plus bins can slope significantly between top and bottom (that's why they are stackable), so they can be off by quite a lot- sometimes by several hundred inches. You want to measure the length by the width of the base of the bin, then multiple the two numbers. At least one of your bins must be at least 450 sq inches or larger.

[Alyssa101]

I just got my bins. One is 450 sq in and the other in 390 sq in. So those are good enough right? Would it be a good thing to add a third bin or should I stick with what I have

[nebit]

I just got my bins. One is 450 sq in and the other in 390 sq in. So those are good enough right? Would it be a good thing to add a third bin or should I stick with what I have

You're certainly adequate now, but bigger is almost always better. If you have the space and means for a 3rd bin, definitely go for it.

[Alyssa101]

It would definitely be possible for me to add a third but if I do should I stack it on top of the other two or would you recommend I connect them on the side?

[nebit]

It would definitely be possible for me to add a third but if I do should I stack it on top of the other two or would you recommend I connect them on the side?

that's up to you . I do mine side by side, then it is easier to ventilate through the roof. If you stack you need to add side ventilation instead and that can cause increased bar chewing as well as cutting down on the depth of bedding you can add.

[TheHappyHamster]

Hey so I just bought a 105 quart bin that is 19x32 inches. Is this big enough? Also my bigger question is, for ventilation, if I just drill a lot of small holes will that be okay? Or do I need to use mesh? - Thanks

[nebit]

Hey so I just bought a 105 quart bin that is 19x32 inches. Is this big enough? Also my bigger question is, for ventilation, if I just drill a lot of small holes will that be okay? Or do I need to use mesh? - Thanks

19 x 32 = 608 sq inches. Are you measuring the BASE of the bin? If so, yes, it is big enough. If those are the measurements of the top or on the label, you need to go back and measure the base.

 

You really need mesh. I've seen very, very few cages with drilled ventilation that I would consider anywhere near adequate.   You could also use a length of tight-mesh wire shelving if hardware clothe is too difficult to get or work with.

[TheHappyHamster]

19 x 32 = 608 sq inches. Are you measuring the BASE of the bin? If so, yes, it is big enough. If those are the measurements of the top or on the label, you need to go back and measure the base.

 

You really need mesh. I've seen very, very few cages with drilled ventilation that I would consider anywhere near adequate.   You could also use a length of tight-mesh wire shelving if hardware clothe is too difficult to get or work with.

I just measured the base and it is 16x26.5 and that is 424, Is that still okay? And I will make sure to use mesh. I know it is slightly under the 450 limit but would it still be okay?

Edited by TheHappyHamster, 17 December 2016 - 10:40 PM.

[HyperHam14]

I just measured the base and it is 16x26.5 and that is 424, Is that still okay? And I will make sure to use mesh.

no, it is too small. The BARE MINIMUM IS 450, no exceptions

[TheHappyHamster]

no, it is too small. The BARE MINIMUM IS 450, no exceptions

Oh okay welp I hope Walmart gives me my money back

[nebit]

Oh okay welp I hope Walmart gives me my money back

Walmart is really good about returns.

 

When you go, bring a tape measure (and a calculator if you need one) and find a bigger bin.

 

To get the right number- measure the base of the bin, and multiply both numbers together. Your number should preferably be over 650, but it MUST be over 450. Note it may be hard to find clear bins over 650, in which case, get the largest bin you can find.

 

Here's an example- a bin is 15" wide and 36" long at the base. 15 x 36= 540. This bin is above 450 and thus suitable.

[Novice Hamster]

If I add ventilation on the sides of my bin, would I attach the mesh on the inside of the cage or the outside of the cage?  I don't want my hammy to chew the plastic if mesh is on the outside, but I don't want my hammy to get hurt if the mesh edges are exposed on the inside.  What's recommended?

[acciojencat]

If I add ventilation on the sides of my bin, would I attach the mesh on the inside of the cage or the outside of the cage?  I don't want my hammy to chew the plastic if mesh is on the outside, but I don't want my hammy to get hurt if the mesh edges are exposed on the inside.  What's recommended?

I'm literally in the middle of making mine! The videos I have watched says inside so they don't escape. One video said use a hot glue gun with non toxic glue sticks and hot glue over the spikey parts to protect the hamster from being poked