There are several bin options, I understand Ikea's large SAMLA bin meets the size requirements of at least 360 square inches of floor space, but Ikea was out of my way this weekend.
I ended up finding one at the Container Store.
33 gal. Clear Tote with Locking Lid - 28-3/4" wide x 21" deep x 18" h http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/totesTrunks?productId=10010965&N=71235
Additional materials included:
- 3 repurposed doors from some martins cages
- 2 door guards from Quality Cages - http://qualitycage.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=121_123&products_id=2143
- Piece of wire used for the front "window."
- zip ties
Tools include:
- Dremel (used to make the windows)
- Drill (used to make the holes to put the zip ties in)
- Good wire cutters
- And because I was repurposing doors, Jclip removers - http://qualitycage.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=121_123&products_id=2142
- Dry erase pen
- Straight edge (you can use cardboard or even the long edge of a paper bag
- tape measure
Now there are plenty of videos online and written instructions online of how to make bins and I'm not going to prepare another one, I'm just going to put in the notes of what I did on each image.
This is the finished product.
You will note, all of the wire is on the INSIDE. The wire edges are covered with what is known as door guards so there are no sharp edges to hurt the hamster.
Close up of the front. I was able to purchase a roll of 1/2" x 1" wire from Ace Hardware; Home Depot doesn't carry it. If you are making yours from scratch and not from re-purposed parts, I recommend you get all of your dimensions down and send the pieces you need (including the door) to a cage maker and have them cut and prep the pieces for you. You can order pre-cut wire from qualitycages.com, martinscage s.com or kwcages.com. If you are feeling really into your planning, you can even have them set up the door for you. The door I used on the front is a re-purposed door from a Martins Cage I got. Make sure your door overlaps the door opening by at least 1 inch on all sides.
The image above is where I placed the water bottle holder and a close up of the door latches.
The image below is with the door open. Again, door guards help protect the hamster and the pet parent.
This is the view from the insider. Shows how nothing is poking out.
Inside view of the door opening.
Below is the second re-purposed door; I removed the latches from it. This wire piece doesn't need edging because the cage company cut it and it is already smooth. I can run it along my face. :)
This is the third re-purposed door, also with the latches removed. The side windows are great for additional ventilation but for also attaching the silent spinner to.
This is the view of the cage from the top. It is about 525 square inches of floor space. The minimum recommended cage size is 360 square inches.
I hope the hamster enjoys his new digs!
I think I would like to make another bin cage and make a double one connected by ovo tubes (not critter trail tubes). If I do that, I will pre-order the wire cut and door attached. :)
Update: Pictures of the happy hammy. Photo credit: David L.
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