should i use a bin cage for a syrian hamster?

Question

thx

its one of those rubbermaid bins and i plan to use wire memsh to make windows and stuff
min. 66 quarts

Answer 1

Depends on if the Syrian hamster is a member of Al Quaeda

Answer 2

If you modify a plastic bin for a cage, you will need to ensure that the hamster has nothing to start chewing on so that it can get out. It will chew until it's loose and they are amazing spelunkers (climbers) so you will certainly need a lid. It's cheaper to invest in a 10 gallon tank and a metal mesh lid. Don't buy the plastic mesh lids - they are crap - they do not provide the security one of the metal lids provides.
Also, buy a good water bottle with a chew guard or you will spend more in the long run replacing the bottle and bedding after your hamster chews thru it and soaks the bedding. To keep the bottle from rattling against the glass, use that blue sticky stuff they use to adhere posters to walls and stick the back of the bottle to the glass. Don't put it in a corner because it gives the hamster a foothold to try to climb out.
He'll need a wheel big enough for an adult hamster, a little hidey-spot to sleep in (the plastic igloos things work well) and a wooden something to chew on and stave off boredom.
Don't purchase that crap hamster food from Walmart or such. They are almost 50% alfalfa pellets which is just a filler that your hamster will just stash and not eat. You are better off just buying a nice box of natural cereal or muslix with low sugar and giving him a spoonful a day....and a few treats like Yogurt drops (for pets).

more information than you asked for, I know..but I jes can't help meeself.

One trick I learned to keep them from running in their wheel until it bangs on the glass walls is to turn it over and hang it to the top by securing the legs with wireties to the mesh. As long as the hamster has only to stretch about two inches to get into the wheel..it will save you the racket of the wheel banging around. So will the water bottle trick.

Also, try not to buy the wheels with open wire treads..but if you do you can retrofit it with a piece of plastic needlepoint mesh and wire tires so they don't skin their little hamster knees when their legs fall thru the wire as they run.

Zoo

http://www.thezootribe.com

Answer 3

16 gallons are a strict minimum, for a Syrian
might want to add a 2nd, connected with a tube and put a 12 inch Crittertrail Silentrunner in it >;))
he'll love it
mine does ¦-)

but, seriously, apart from the size which is kind of okay, make sure you add enough wire mesh openings for the hamster to be able to look out; hamsters in general but especially Syrians love to watch their surroundings (when they are not sleeping)
then again, they love dark corners where they can hide.
if you plan to let your hamster explorer your room in the evening, from time to time, one cage with the 12" SilentRunner might even be enough.

good luck!

Answer 4

I use one for my two syiran brother hamsters and they love it was going to trade it out with a different cage but I coould tel;l they liked the rubbermaid better good luck

Answer 5

Do you mean like an underbed storage bin? Those are fantastic, as long as you make sure they get enough ventalation. Try punching holes in the sides near the top, so the hammy cant enlarge them and escape, and replace the top with some kind of screen, but make SURE it is escape proof.

Answer 6

It completely depends. But as lond as you have a wheel, the hamster should be happy. Just dont get one of those teeny tiny cages that maybe would seem a comfortable living space for a baby mouse, hamsters are bigger. And my advice to you, only get one hamster. They are solitary and very protective of their space.

Answer 7

No, because the hamster will chew through the plastic of hte bin.

Answer 8

No. You should use a regular hamster cage so they can breath clean air all the time. It will be easier for to pay attention to them if they are in a cage also.

Answer 9

If is is hard type plastic, then I'd say go ahead. If the plastic is soft, though, don't do it. They may not be able to chew a hole from smooth plastic, but they can chew on plastic if they have an edge to start from. (the window you talked about making)

Answer 10

they can chew through it quick and its way to hot for them if it didn't chew its way out then most likely it will last only a couple of days