Enclosure Type
bin cage
Floor Space
4.4 sq ft
Dimensions
~37"L × 17"W (varies by bin)
Verdict
Depends on Setup ℹ️
💰 Typical Price: $20–$40
Our Verdict
Based on the floor space and enclosure type analysis above, this enclosure is depends on setup ℹ️ for a Dog.
🔨 DIY Setup: Cut a large ventilation panel in the lid and secure with metal mesh (not plastic craft mesh). Use cable ties around the perimeter. Search YouTube: "DIY bin cage hamster" for full walkthroughs.
Pros & Cons of the DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
✅ Pros
- Cheapest large enclosure option
- Excellent burrowing depth
- Fully customisable
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Great ventilation when mesh panel is cut correctly
❌ Cons
- DIY required (mesh cutting + cable ties)
- Less aesthetically pleasing
- Bin quality varies — check for rigid non-flexible walls
- Not suitable for climbing species
What Dogs Need in an Enclosure
Dogs are free-roaming companion animals. Crates are a training tool and safe retreat — not a housing solution. A dog should never be crated for more than 4-5 hours (adults) or 2 hours (puppies). Outdoor kennels must provide shade, weather protection, and socialization — permanent outdoor-only living is considered inhumane for companion breeds.
Recommended Setup for Dogs
Wire crate (breed-sized)Training tool and safe retreat. Buy for adult size; use a divider for puppies.
Orthopedic dog bedImportant for large breeds prone to joint issues. Washable cover is essential.
Baby gatesManages access to stairs, rooms, and kitchen without full confinement.
Outdoor kennel runTemporary outdoor space only — never a permanent substitute for indoor living.
Exercise pen (x-pen)Useful for puppies and small dogs when supervised freedom is limited.
⚠️ Things to Avoid for Dogs
- Using a crate as punishment — destroys crate training association
- Crating for 8+ hours daily — causes psychological harm
- Crates or pens that are too large for puppies (reduces housetraining efficacy)
- Permanent outdoor kennel living for companion breeds
Other Enclosures for Dogs
- 10 Gallon Glass Tank
- 20 Gallon Long Glass Tank
- 40 Gallon Breeder Glass Tank
- 75 Gallon Glass Tank
- Single Critter Nation
- Double Critter Nation
- IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×4 Grids)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×5 Grids)
- Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- Wire Dog Crate (Large — 42")
- Heavy-Duty Escape-Proof Dog Crate
- Cat Tree / Condo (72"+ height)
- Indoor X-Pen / Exercise Pen
- PVC Reptile Enclosure (4'×2'×2')
Can Other Pets Live in a DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)?
- 🐹 Hamster in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐭 Gerbil in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐿️ Chinchilla in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐾 Guinea Pig in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐇 Rabbit in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐀 Rat in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🐱 Cat in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- 🦎 Bearded Dragon in DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)