Here I'll show how to build a cage out of a storage bin. These storage
bins are sold pretty cheap on most department stores like K-Mart or Wal-Mart,
and make great cages cause they offer the protection of a tank, but in a
larger, cheaper and lightweight version. They come in different sizes, from
really small ones (for shoes and such) to really big ones (and I mean really
big ones!!!!). They also come in different colors and even transparent!!!!
These bins let you provide more space than a similarly priced glass tank, so
if you are short of money, but want to provide (or need to provide) a large
space for your small rodent, then this is the option for you. Alternatively,
you could build one of these as a playground for your pet.
When
looking for a bin, make sure that you get one that has no plastic flaps or
anything where your rodent can chew and get out. I start off by leaving the
bin part unchanged. I've seen some around that make some modifications. One of
the popular modifications I've seen are air holes on the top part of the bin.
I don't like this modification, cause it gives the rodent a point where they
can chew it's way out of the cage. Making holes on the lid is also a popular
way of ventilation, but I don't like it for the same reason. More on the lid
construction below.
Another
modification I've seen is cutting out a square off the side and putting wire
mesh for ventilation. If you like the idea, my advice on it is that you put
the wire on the inside of the cage, so it covers the plastic and the rodent
can't chew it for an easy way out. Also, secure it very very well... as it's a
risk of your pet escaping.
A last
modification I've seen, one I liked a lot, is cutting out a square and
covering it with a piece of plexiglass. This allows you to view a lot better
your critter, and it's hard for them to chew out (as long as you secure it
tight, and I advice to put the plexiglass inside the cage, since plexiglass is
harder to chew on than the plastic of the bin. The only disadvantage is that
it will be a bit more expensive to build with the plexiglass...
Here is
a picture of how my bins look (with bedding included...)
For the
lid, I have two modifications I use. One is pictured here: I put mesh all
around the edge of the bin. Then, I cut a big square off the lid that came
with the bin and use it to pin down the wire mesh.
The
other variation I use to make lids is cut a square just like the ones above,
but I attach a piece of mesh to it. Attaching the mesh could be done either by
stapling it (if you have the right stapler) to the lid or by attaching it with
bolts and nuts. I don't have this type of lid photographed yet, but pictures
soon!!!!
Finally, here is a side view of the cage so you see how see-through it
actually is. It is more see-through in real life but the flash reflection
takes off a bit on the picture.
Well, I
hope you have enjoyed this page and consider using a bin to house your pet. 8)
