Suitable plastic type for animal enclosure?

AI Thread Summary
For building a hamster enclosure, suitable plastics include polyethylene and polypropylene, both of which are durable and safe for pets. Polypropylene is recommended for its resistance to damage from cleaning, despite being less transparent and more expensive than polyethylene. Ventilation is addressed by using metal mesh for the top and front, ensuring a healthy environment for the hamster. Concerns about allergies to certain plastics were raised, but both suggested materials are generally safe. Overall, polypropylene is favored for its longevity and structural integrity in pet enclosures.
TechTree
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Hello, So I've got a pet hamster which I'm trying to build an enclosure for. And so I was wondering what would be the most suitable type of plastic to use for the walls and floor. Obviously it's going to have the appropriate ventilation as the top and the front will be made entirely out of metal mesh.

An example image from https://www.petworld.ie/bernard-deluxe-hamster-cage-2levels-56cm.html
logo_31_42.jpg


What types of plastics (Polyethylene, Acrylic ect...) would be ideal for this enclosure?

Thanks! :wink:
 

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It's not clear why you are asking. Are you concerned that your hamster might be allergic to some forms of plastic or is it structural considerations?
 
A quote from the Petworld page you linked to (https://www.petworld.ie/bernard-deluxe-hamster-cage-2levels-56cm.html)

"All plastic accessories are made with polypropylene material,"
 
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Polyethylene or polypropylene are a good choice. Polypropylene is less transparent and more expensive to form, but cheaper in long term because it does not take as much damage from cleaning as polyethylene do.
 

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