I found 1 cage and 1 tote, which is better for 1 hamster?
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Neither unfortunately. They are both really small - especially the cage. There actually aren't many barred cages big enough in the US - it's shocking that they sell these really small cages. There are only two really - the nearest big enough cage is the exotic nutritition Zanzibar which is below Uk minimum guidelines, but not a bad size (it's about 32"wide by 20" deep). The other one is the Omlet cage, which is a very good size but it is quite expensive. The price includes a good silent wheel and cardboard multiroom houses (which are much better than plastic houses). And you do get 10% off for a first order (plus there is a promotion on 28th August for 20% off) - but it is still expensive - especially if you need two!
www.omlet.us
Exotic nutrition also do this tank style enclosure which is less expensive (and would be good if you have a cat) - you'd need the large size for a robo. It's still not cheap though.
exoticnutrition.com
Cheapest option is probably a 160 litre sterilite bin (try Homemart). Or a 40 gallon breeder tank with a lid (in the sales you can sometimes get those for $40).
Hamster Cage & Hamster Playpen | Omlet
Discover Omlet hamster cages with a large, secure space and easy-to-clean design. Add enrichment options to keep your hamster safe, happy, and active.
Exotic nutrition also do this tank style enclosure which is less expensive (and would be good if you have a cat) - you'd need the large size for a robo. It's still not cheap though.
Sahara Cage
The Sahara Cage offers long-term usability due to its resilient, waterproof PVC construction, eliminating the issue of pet waste seeping into wood like other cages. The ample display space with a full-length detachable acrylic front panel and ready-to-view hinged top acrylic window provide the...
exoticnutrition.com
Cheapest option is probably a 160 litre sterilite bin (try Homemart). Or a 40 gallon breeder tank with a lid (in the sales you can sometimes get those for $40).
Is this big enough If not is there any other cheaper offers?
According to Google it is big enough.
Yes, a Sterilite 200 Quart Clear Plastic Modular Stacker Storage Bin is an excellent and large enough option for a dwarf hamster, far exceeding the minimum recommended space
. In fact, it is often recommended for even larger Syrian hamsters because of its generous floor space
Yes, a Sterilite 200 Quart Clear Plastic Modular Stacker Storage Bin is an excellent and large enough option for a dwarf hamster, far exceeding the minimum recommended space
. In fact, it is often recommended for even larger Syrian hamsters because of its generous floor space
The product dimensions are 39.7 x 21.5 x 17.7 inches. that what is says on Amazon.Yes that looks goodWhat are the dimensions?
- Length: 100.8 cm (39.7 inches)
- Width: 54.6 cm (21.5 inches)
- Height: 45.0 cm (17.7 inches)
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Will you be able to mesh the lid? It means cutting out the whole centre panel of the bin lid and then attaching mesh - by poking holes round the edges of the hole you've cut out, and attaching the mesh with cable ties through the holes you've poked. Some people then put masking tape on the outside to cover any rough edges (but not the inside or it could be chewed). Also the mesh ends need to be on the outside as well.
@ilguy knows about making bin cage lids Cutting the plastic lid can be the tricky bit. You'll maybe need a sharp knife like a stanley knife and heat up the blade (ie a hot knife) to cut it easily without it cracking.
@ilguy knows about making bin cage lids
Cutting the plastic lid can be the tricky bit. You'll maybe need a sharp knife like a stanley knife and heat up the blade (ie a hot knife) to cut it easily without it cracking.I was just not going to use the lid. I have the totes on-top a few boxes, so cat can't get to the hamster. I do have a top of the dresser to place their new hamster home on. I think their new home if big enough that the hamster's can not escape..
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It is better if you can make lids. Especially with a cat around. Cats can just pull cages off dressers and they can climb up things if they want to......... Even with a lid you would probably need some books on the edges (or a bungee clip) to hold it down as cats can flip the lids off otherwise.
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No need to heat the blade, a box cutter will work just fine on its own. Cuts through lids surprisingly well! Tape is a good idea for any rough edges, or sand them down with a piece of sandpaper. I found a hot glue gun worked really well for securing the mesh after zip tying it, I tried duct tape at first but it wasn't quite enough.
Home Depot used to carry massive bins, and looking at what they have on their site I'm starting to wonder if the one I got was being discontinued as it was on sale for $30 at the time. It looks like Lowe's has 75 gallon ones that will provide over 1000 sq inches of floor space.
It also occurred to me there's another good option from hardware stores when it comes to size: outdoor storage or deck totes. This one is a bad example, but a little bigger than my massive 144 gallon tote. I'm sure you can find a more affordable plastic option, I don't know why it never occurred to me to look at outdoor patio & deck stuff
Home Depot used to carry massive bins, and looking at what they have on their site I'm starting to wonder if the one I got was being discontinued as it was on sale for $30 at the time. It looks like Lowe's has 75 gallon ones that will provide over 1000 sq inches of floor space.
It also occurred to me there's another good option from hardware stores when it comes to size: outdoor storage or deck totes. This one is a bad example, but a little bigger than my massive 144 gallon tote. I'm sure you can find a more affordable plastic option, I don't know why it never occurred to me to look at outdoor patio & deck stuff
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Sorry for the double post, but deck storage is definitely where it's at. Here's one for $60 with good floor space, the lid might be more heavy duty than what a box cutter can do though: https://www.wayfair.com/storage-org...tio-furniture-and-supplies-brown-ktr1308.html
Looks like even Walmart & Targets have similar options.
Looks like even Walmart & Targets have similar options.
I looked at Walmart near me and I can get 120 gallon for like around 14 dollars for 1 tote. I need 2 totes... Well I need two. Here is a link to the tote, is this big enough? The tote from amazon is 84 dollars for 200 gallon tote.
Sterilite 120 Quart EZ Carry, Extra Large Clear Plastic Storage Bin with Full-Grip Handles, Green - Walmart.com
Buy Sterilite 120 Quart EZ Carry, Extra Large Clear Plastic Storage Bin with Full-Grip Handles, Green at Walmart.com
www.walmart.com
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Thanks for the helpful links. I am going to buy from Walmart. Amazon, is kind of expensive, but I would pay that, is that was my only option. I will order a few box cutters. I am not sure what the mesh is for. or if i ever need it.
I do not know why I ask questions when google answers my questions. lol I guess I do need mesh for proper ventilation and for the safety of the hamster. How do I put mesh on the plastic lid? . I am not sure where, or how to add the mesh. I am confused.
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That one is only 120 quart unfortunately - it doesn't give the dimensions but it will be too small - also the lid has a weird shaped pattern on so would be hard to cut outI looked at Walmart near me and I can get 120 gallon for like around 14 dollars for 1 tote. I need 2 totes... Well I need two. Here is a link to the tote, is this big enough? The tote from amazon is 84 dollars for 200 gallon tote.
Sterilite 120 Quart EZ Carry, Extra Large Clear Plastic Storage Bin with Full-Grip Handles, Green - Walmart.com
Buy Sterilite 120 Quart EZ Carry, Extra Large Clear Plastic Storage Bin with Full-Grip Handles, Green at Walmart.comwww.walmart.com
The other one was a better size. 200 quart is ideal but it needs to be at least 160 quart. Quarts and gallons are not the same size. A 75 gallon glass tank is bigger than a 200 quart bin.There's a thread here with how to mesh a bin cage lid step by step
In this example, power tools are used but that isn't necessary. It gives you an idea though.
How i mesh a bin cage lid
Please note: only use power tools when confident and able to do so. 1. Cut mesh to required size. I use a wire cutter.
www.thehamsterforum.com
Thanks for showing me how to set up my tote with the mesh lid. However I am having a difficult time understanding. I think what would be best is to put the tote where cat can't get to it. So I will not need a lid. i understand cat can jump quite high. I have seen my cat jump quite high. But also my cat can't get passed what the tote covers, is hard to explain. Right now I have two totes on top of boxes and my cat can't get to it, because the tote is covering the sides of the box. and it is too high for my cat to get to. I am home a lot and i can see what is going on, and my cat is not interested. I still will keep the tote way up high, so cat can't get to the tote.That one is only 120 quart unfortunately - it doesn't give the dimensions but it will be too small - also the lid has a weird shaped pattern on so would be hard to cut out
There's a thread here with how to mesh a bin cage lid step by step
How i mesh a bin cage lid
Please note: only use power tools when confident and able to do so. 1. Cut mesh to required size. I use a wire cutter.
I also found a 200 Quart Stacker Box from Walmart, and I get 3 totes for around 94 dollars. The one tote on amazon is 84 dollars for the same tote and I would only get one, instead I can get 3 totes, for almost the same price at the tote on amazon. So I will buy from Walmart.
If I have to buy a cage, which I do not want to do, because the cages seem small, but I hope I can just leave the lid off the tote.
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It's true, a cage can be more secure more easily The only one big enough really though, is the Omlet cage and two of those would be expensive. Some people, when they find they need to separate dwarf hamsters, decide to rehome one of them and get a good cage for the other one.
If the bins are where the cat can't reach them, that is good. It's a bit risky without a lid in case the hamsters escape. Sometimes they pile bedding up in one corner and just walk up it and climb out! Giving them minimal bedding to avoid that is bad for their welfare. Robos especially need plenty of bedding so they can dig and burrow.
The only one big enough really though, is the Omlet cage and two of those would be expensive. Some people, when they find they need to separate dwarf hamsters, decide to rehome one of them and get a good cage for the other one.If the bins are where the cat can't reach them, that is good. It's a bit risky without a lid in case the hamsters escape. Sometimes they pile bedding up in one corner and just walk up it and climb out! Giving them minimal bedding to avoid that is bad for their welfare. Robos especially need plenty of bedding so they can dig and burrow.