Q&A for How to Make a Hamster Bin Cage

Bin cages are fine as long as they are well-ventilated and large enough to give your hamsters plenty of room to play, explore, and hide. They have the advantage of being less expensive than metal cages. However, you might opt for a metal cage or sturdier tank if your hamster likes to chew a lot, since they could easily damage the plastic.

It’s certainly possible, especially if you have water bottles or toys along the sides of the bin that the hamster could climb up on. It’s always recommended that you attach a sturdy, well-ventilated lid to any hamster enclosure.

Yes, as long as the tank is large enough (e.g., around 40 gallons or about 150 liters). If it’s a glass tank, be very careful not to put it in an area where it will get direct sunlight. Glass tanks retain heat very well, so there’s a danger it could get too hot. Make sure to top it off with a mesh lid for good ventilation.

Take a suction cup and attach it to the bin cage and then attach the water bottle.

Sure. You can attach cages that have tubes by just zip tying connector pieces and connecting the tubes as normal.

It doesn't matter. Just make sure it is a big bin. Too small of a bin would not be an ideal home for your hamster.

Yes. As long as the holes aren't big enough for the hamster to slip through, and there are enough of them, it's no different than having wire.

Avoid bathing your hamster if possible. Only bathe your hamster if there is something stuck in its fur or if he has come in contact with a toxic chemical. Bathing your hamster in water washes out their natural oils and can seriously harm them.

Yes.

I say just get rid of the critter trail as they are way too small for any hamster. Just buy a really cheap bin online or at Target.

Yes, you can! Although it is possible to make a homemade cage for your hamster (with the appropriate materials and directions, of course), you can also buy a variety of hamster-specialized cages online and in pet stores. Cages from pet stores are a nice choice, as they are specially designed for a hamster's purpose so that the hamster cannot escape.

A bin cage that is made correctly will be escape proof. If you have cats, the hamster needs to be in a room the cats aren't allowed in, or the cage needs to be in a place the cats can't get to.

No, it doesn't have to be see-through. It can be colored, it is just that people prefer it to be see-through so that they can see the hamsters.

It is safest to use industrial Velcro. Make sure it is strong enough to hold the bottle.

You can clean the bin with a 1/2 water 1/2 vinegar solution. Make sure to dry it completely before letting your hamster live there.

Sand baths are great for hamsters. Make sure it is all natural with no harmful dyes, not labeled dust or powder, and not dusty as that can cause respiratory infections. Reptisand and Children's Play Sand are good options.

Try an object that's pointy and sharp, like a box cutter or even a kitchen knife. If that doesn't work, maybe the lid is too strong.

Don't put the hamster in immediately. Wait for the recommended amount of time (preferably at least 30 min.) and then put your hamster in.

Take all the toys, accessories, etc. out of the cage and either throw them away and replace them or clean them. Take out the hamster and keep it in a separate cage/container. Take out the bedding. Wipe down the bin with a bleach solution. Replace food and water. Then set your cage up and your hamster can go back in.

Yes it may be a bit harder but it should be fine. Just make sure you handle the knife with great care to avoid harming yourself.

As long as its sturdy and has holes that aren't big enough for the hamster to escape, then go ahead.

Most of the time these two animals shouldn't be out together as hamsters are naturally prey animals. If you would like to try it make sure you keep a very close eye and introduce them carefully.

I would try and move the hamster if possible, as all this motion when he/she is trying to sleep could be stressful.

Without somewhere to hide, your hamster will be very frightened. It is vital to include one; just think of how you'd feel if you couldn't retreat to a favorite spot away from others to refresh now and then or if you didn't have somewhere to cope when you felt overwhelmed. You can easily make a suitable hideaway by cutting a hole in a small cardboard box.

Not very, just make sure they can't get out and aren't too hot. Glass is better for keeping warmth in winter.

It depends on the hamster. Some hamsters aren't very heavy chewers and won't bother (mine hasn't gotten close to chewing through the bin, even though he's attempted it a couple of times). Though if your bin is too small and they don't have enough stimulation, and/or are an extremely heavy chewer, there may be a chance, but it's unlikely. If you're paranoid about it, it's always good to check in a couple of times a day to see if there are any severe chew marks on the cage.

You can always leave the top off, but that's risky since your hamster has a high chance of escaping. Since hamsters need a decent source of ventilation, metal mesh on the top is ideal.