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Old 06-14-2019, 08:50 AM  
Pebbles82
Hamster Antics
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 23,533
Default Re: Where does the continuous floor space rule come from?

Rotostak was also based on the idea that hamsters would run through tubes with the whole set up mimicking a burrow and tunnels. However, in the wild, while a hamster would have burrows and tunnels underground, at night they would come out up top and can run up to 10 miles a night and forage most of the night.

So they need more than just a burrow or a tunnel but space as well. Especially at night - to move freely.

Most plastic tubes for hamster cages aren't big enough either - a large syrian can (and many have) get stuck. A hamster with full pouches could get stuck.

Also they develop abnormal behaviours like trying to block off the ends ofthe tubes (as they would wth natural tunnels to feel secure), the whole thing turns into a stinky mess that needs cleaning out regularly and causes stress for them because their nest and hoard have been disturbed.

Are we talking about a Syrian Hamster? You would need a cage between 80cm x 50cm or to 100cm x 50cm. Many people would say 80 x 50 is a bit cramped for a syrian - especially for fitting in an 11" wheel. Without plastic tubes all over the place, especially outside the cage where they can be pushed apart and an escape route.

I think I can safely say that Rotostak is universally disliked on here!
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