Syrian Hamster Bin Cages?

Question

I am going to make a bin cage for my Syrian hamster. Unfortunately, I don't have a drill or andy washers. I was wondering if I could secure the mesh on top (for ventilation) using a hot glue gun. Would that be harmful to my hammy, even though he will not be able to chew on it or come into contact with it? (it will be too high)

Thanks in advance! :)

Answer 1

Your hamster will love it!

I think the "mesh" you are refering to is the metal mesh known as "hardware cloth" and not fabric screening mesh like some folks are thinking you're planning on using.

Alternative to a drill - use a hammer and a nail or an icepick to punch holes. You can zip tie that hardware cloth on. I'd worry about hot glue popping or peeling off the plastic bin.

Another alternative - some folks have used soldering irons to punch holes. You might even be able to do that with the hot tip of your glue gun.

If neither of those will work in your situation, look up pictures of other folks bin cages to see what they've used. There are so many varieties and ideas used in these, I'm sure you'll figure something out.

Answer 2

You could ask on this forum, they're experts on making bin cages! It's really good! http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/

Answer 3

You can secure it using hot glue gun. However I would never advise using a mesh on top of the cage unless it is of a sturdy material that the hamster cannot break by gnawing at it. Remember, hamsters are very intelligent and any amount of height can be climbed by them using the toys and wheels that you put inside the cage. Unless you are doubly sure that the hammy cannot reach that height and gnaw either at the mesh or the glue (which can be toxic to the hammy), don't do it!

Answer 4

I did that with mine but i covered the sides of the area she could chew with shreder paper and woodchips.

Answer 5

If your cage is deep enough (and you don't have things your hamster can climb too high on), and you don't have other pets, you don't need a top. As long as the hamster can't climb up there, and as long as you don't have a cat or dog or something that could bother your hamster, there's more ventilation in just leaving it completely open, especially since you won't be drilling holes on the side for airflow.

If you need a top, you can buy mesh that will bend over the top sturdily so that you don't need to secure it with anything. It's called hardware cloth, and you can get it at most home improvement stores. Here's a picture from a great website on making bin cages: http://www.bitterepiphany.com/images/fea...

I would recommend doing that over using hot glue, as hot glue

doesn't hold that great.

Hope that helps. :)

Answer 6

how tall is your bin?  My hammy can get all the way to the top of mine and chew on the lid.

Answer 7

Hamsters and snakes are examples of "excape artists". They will get away from any small hole they can find. On the other hand, hamsters have 2 razer- sharp teeth and can get them into a sticky situation. I reconmend that you go on kijiji.ca or some other website and get a cheap cage there. It is better than a glue gun because some gluegun glue can be toxic... as i learned becore...better same than sorry...if you need more help, you ca emalp me or something...i know a lot about hamsters...

thanks a whole lot...^^