Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- large plastic bin
- electric drill with drill bits
- small hacksaw
- all-purpose snips
- hardware cloth
- ruler
- marker
- 1/4 - 20 x 1/2 machine screws with nuts and washers (about 20 of each)
- phillips screwdriver
- Step 1
Select an appropriate sized bin for your hamster cage. 90 quart works best for Syrian hamsters. For small hamsters a smaller sized bin is fine.
- Step 2
On the bottom side of the lid, measure the area you will cut out for the vent with a marker. Be sure to leave some space on each side for the hardware cloth.
- Step 3
Using the hand drill, drill two holes very close together so that they overlap. Do this at each corner, this will be the hole where the hacksaw will go through.
- Step 4
Use a small hacksaw and cut along the lines you drew to cut out the piece of plastic from the lid.
- Step 5
Take the hardware cloth and see how much cloth you will need to cut.
- Step 6
Using snips cut out the amount of hardware cloth needed.
- Step 7
Now cut off any pieces that are sticking out of the hardware cloth.
- Step 8
Place the hardware cloth over the hole and mark where you will need drill for the machine screws. Do this along the entire edge every few inches. Make sure you keep the hardware cloth in place to get accurate drilling spots.
- Step 9
Drill out holes where you marked in step 8. Tip: If you are unsure as to which size drill bit to use test them out on the piece of plastic you cut out from the lid.
- Step 10
Place a washer and machine screw on the bottom and secure it with a nut on the opposite side. Do this on four opposite sides to secure the hardware cloth. Then screw in the remaining holes. Use a screwdriver if needed to fasten the bolts tight.
- Step 11
Add any accessories such as water bottles to your hamster cage.
- Step 12
Clean your hamster cage bin out. Make sure you remove any plastic shavings and fragments.
- Step 13
Add bedding, toys, house and any other things your hamster might need.
- Step 14
Add hamster.
- Step 15
Your hamster will be happy with all your effort.