Bin Cages

Written by Rachelle Bish, Jellybean Rattery

Bins can be wonderful residential cages when made correctly, just as suitable as the best cages on the market and more customizable. You can hang stuff in them the same way you would in a cage. I find it easier to use binder rings to hang accessories instead of shower hooks or lanyard clips though.
- You'll want the bin to be at least 110qt, approximately 20" x 30". This is approximately the same size as a Prevue 528 cage. You can go even larger with some 50 gallon bins that are 22" W x 40" L x 18" T, which is more floor space than a Critter Nation. I personally use Sterilite bins because I like that the sides are flat and clear, and the top has locks and handles.
- You'll need a way to cut windows out. I personally use a wood burning tool outdoors to melt the plastic, because it leaves smooth edges. Others use hot knives or soldering tools. Highly recommend an N95 mask if you do these methods, and muslin cloths to clean the tool while it’s still hot, carefully of course.
You can also use a Dremel blade, sawsall, oscillating saw, or a utility knife. I've heard of people using a hair dryer to heat the plastic to prevent it from cracking when they use a sawing method. You'll need to sand any sharp edges with these methods.
- You'll need to cut out at least both long sides, or one long side and both short sides. Preferably all four sides and the top, but those that I listed before are the minimum.
- Cut 1/2" or 1/4" hardware cloth to size and remove the pointy bits left over. You can trim them with a flush wire cutter, sand them with a Dremel sanding tool, or I personally pinch them down with plyers.
- Attach the hardware cloth to the INSIDE of the bin. Never the outside, this leaves plastic edges for the rats to chew out of. You can attach it using metal zip ties, metal wire, or I personally use zinc-coated carriage screws, washers, and wing nuts. The wing nuts go on the outside because I've heard of rats figuring out how to unscrew them.

Photos provided and used with permission