How-To: Making a DIY Bin Cage

With Herbert's passing I have decided to get a pair of Roborovski Dwarf hamsters. In preparation for this I built a DIY bin cage since if they lived in Herbert's cage they will surely escape through the bars.

Here's how to make one for yourself.

Equipment/Tools
Bin (I used a 110 qt bin. The minimum space for a Syrian hamster or a pair of Dwarfs is 360 sq in.)
Wire mesh (1/2" or 1/4" spacing)
Wire cutters
Sharpie
Ruler
Razor
Drill
Zipties
Scissors
Decorative duct tape (optional)
Access to a flame (I used my gas stove, but I believe a candle would work too.)

Steps
1. Take your ruler and sharpie and measure out an even boarder all the way around the lid. I gave myself about 1 1/2" all around the top and opted to make two holes instead of one with a 2" center strip, but you can do one big opening if you wish.

2. Once your outline is finished bring your bin lid over to your flame. Heat your razor blade to a nice red hot. Then easily cut along your line. This takes a while and you need to reheat and clean your blade often, but it is much easier than trying to cut with the blade and no heat.

3. Once your hole is cut out measure your wire mesh to match the holes. Use your wire cutters to cut off any extra wire.

4. Place your wire mesh over the hole and outline holes where you will drill to attach with zipties.

5. Grab your drill and using a small bit that's the size of your zipties drill your holes.

6. Attach your wire mesh with your zipties. Cut off the extra strips with your scissors.

7. (Optional) Use your duct to add a little color to your bin by covering the zipties and adding reinforcement to holding the mesh onto the bin.

8. Congratulate yourself on a job well done! Then add bedding, hideys, toys, water bottles, food dish, and your hamster!