Hamster toys and accessories from recycled household items thread

[souffle]

This is a thread where you can post how you use household items or other things to make free toys and accessories for your hamsters.
For houses we use cardboard boxes, usually cat food boxes or tissue boxes. We replace them as they get chewed or wet and they cost nothing at all. They provide warm dry nesting houses as well as giving some fun to chew. We always cut the bottom out to make an igloo effect as this is easier for getting the hamster out and we remove one whole wall to give good ventilation. We have never had any issues with chewing the cardboard.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Pophammy/Centra/snow071_zpsabfc0811.jpg

A well used box about to be thrown out
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Pophammy/Centra/snow072_zps26096810.jpg

Tissue box and pic with resident!
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Pophammy/Centra/snow080_zps45fec876.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Pophammy/Centra/snow078_zps91e302cb.jpg

[souffle]

Chinese Takeaway dish potty or sand bath.
All our hams love these are they are spacious and they can roll around and toilet in them too.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Pophammy/Centra/snow073_zpsaceae309.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Pophammy/Centra/snow075_zps395b60d2.jpg

[neily]

Brilliant idea's, i can now use my old cat food boxes for houses, I was concerned about chewing with the having coloured ink.

[chulasweetchica]

Omg love the tissue box going to empty mine now n use it. I been cutting up boxes for them to play in and chew on saves money!

[Nush]

One of the most useful DIY toy for Maximo is his digging box.
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l547/Nushroy/7EDACF28-B268-490E-8084-82C171DCDEE9-276-000000210F79F569.jpg

That's him dug inside
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l547/Nushroy/C84452FE-0D4B-4CE1-8EA1-D8DF122EEFE7-634-0000007F874DDD98.jpg

Also tea boxes make good hidey holes too:)
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l547/Nushroy/2719BBA2-A6AD-4815-863B-596F3743688E-276-0000002108749E71.jpg

[Erin Loves Dwarf Hamsters]

Oooh I like this!
I actually made a freebee toy today using old walnut shells left over from Christmas.

First if you don't have the shells ready then just crack open a few Walnuts and get rid of the insides (eat or feed to your hammies ;) )

Next using a hammer and nail - some of you may need to get an adult to do this bit - hammer the nail into the shell to make a small hole -
http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/549979_10200160292157479_1395074580_n.jpg
http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264001_10200160290877447_892003161_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/578551_10200160290837446_1576887703_n.jpg

Thread a thick piece of string or wool through the hole - Tie a metal washer to the end to stop the shell sliding off!
http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/76338_10200160292077477_683692498_n.jpg
http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/734830_10200160291597465_782692637_n.jpg

Thread on as many shells as you can until the string is nearly full. Then tie it to the top of the cage.
http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398092_10200160292557489_1990101811_n.jpg

Finally add treats inside the shells to encourage your hammie to play with it!
http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/554523_10200160291237456_1430575459_n.jpg

Its a rewarding toy that will stimulate your hammies mind, exercise its body and keep its claws from over growing :)

[neily]

Omg! I love that idea :)

[sully]

Love the walnut idea........did you give a whole walnut to your hams over christmas?

[Erin Loves Dwarf Hamsters]

Yes I give them ones that I have half opened so they can smell what's inside which encourages them to chew and scratch on it :) Walnuts are probably one of the most loved treats among my Syrians :)

[sully]

I wanted to give mine walnuts at xmas but there were too many in the bag and im fat enough NOT to eat the rest,i didnt know how long they would last and would rather have bought just 1/2 a dozen and spilt them but couldnt find any loose . :D

[Dandelion07]

This thread is a great idea! I asplso have a little cardboard tea box shelter. I love the walnut string! That is so inventive!

I'd like to see what HCers do to make water bottle holders.

[souffle]

Pringles tube Tunnels.
These are nice and wide and even a plump syrian fits through.
Eat a tube of Pringles (hard I know!) then cut off the bottom metal disc using sharp scissors. Use a cloth and water to clean the inside of the tube of any pringles dust and flavouring. Dry well and allow your hamsters to have fun running through the tunnel :)
The plastic lid makes a nice low dish as well for porridge or babyfood as well as fruit and veg :)
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Pophammy/Centra/snow091_zps08b20f9a.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Pophammy/Centra/snow092_zps722fe6a4.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/Pophammy/Centra/tor1_zpsf16946d9.jpg

[Kiki_3173]

I was at the Goodwill yesterday and happened upon this little goodie. It was intended to be a little scrubbie holder that sits on the top of the kitchen sink. BUT me, being the crazy hamster lady, never sees anything as it is intended to be used...I look at it & think, "How could I use that for my hammies?" It is PERFECT for Smudge's girly pink bin cage!!! Not bad for $1.99

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/18532195-9dc7-4c6c-81ac-18eed2b0f330_zpscba52e98.jpg

[Jessicaxo]

I threw in an old pringles can I had and Pingu LOVES it.

[lucy1666]

love this thread great ideas xxx

[Vectis Hamstery]

If you need food or water bowls, look no further than the supermarket chilled pudding aisle! Gu puds do lovely little glass hamster bowls - 2 in a box. The only downside is that it does need the human to empty the chocolate banoffee filling inside them, but I know we're all committed to our hamsters and so would be willing to make such a sacrifice for them ;)
chocolate banoffees : Gü Puds (http://www.gupuds.com/our-puds/after-dark-ramekins/after-dark-chocolate-banoffees)

I've had several in use for 2-3 years and they are so sturdy.

[Scampi16]

I wanted to give mine walnuts at xmas but there were too many in the bag and im fat enough NOT to eat the rest,i didnt know how long they would last and would rather have bought just 1/2 a dozen and spilt them but couldnt find any loose . :D

i still have mine left from Xmas in a dish and they are still fine.
I posted the same thing about the walnut toy on another tread like this (but without the photos). Nuts in shells can last quite a long time.

[evel_lin]

The only downside is that it does need the human to empty the chocolate banoffee filling inside them, but I know we're all committed to our hamsters and so would be willing to make such a sacrifice for them ;)

I never knew keeping hamsters could be such a burden ;)

[Arraminta]

Hahaha Vectis!! I think I need to check out the GU isle non non x

Minty

[xkellyx]

Love this thread! Peter has a tissue box with some tissues in it and I always hide treats amongst the tissues and he uses them for his nest even though his house is full of them :)

About to use up some tea bags too so that box will definitely be saved!!

And finally, I have a Pringles tube all washed and end cut off but do I need to take the silver foil bit out the inside or will this be ok? He's not much of a chewer to be honest

[kyrilliondaemon]

Dusty wanted to show off her new "elderly ham" food bowl. She's started to struggle with her normal one so we swapped it out for a pringles lid and Dusty is very, very happy with the arrangement - a food bowl she can walk over! Whats not to like? lol

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g5/kyrilliondaemon/a0b08214-2398-4981-8f45-af44676edff0_zps2b32a464.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g5/kyrilliondaemon/P1080828_zps6cec45bb.jpg

[Axeria]

HAHA! That is so inventive and cute! Lucky girl who has such a good mom ^_^

[lucyeleanor]

I'm not sure if this has already been suggested here, it definitely has been elsewhere on the forum. Today I decided to make treat tubes from toilet roll tubes.

1. Take one toilet roll tube and a selection of treats.
2. Fold in one end of the tube. It doesn't have to be too secure as hams will attempt to chew through the main tube rather than unfold it.
3. Put some treats in.
4. Fold up the other end of the tube.
5. To make it even more of a challenge, push your treat tube into another toilet roll. This way the hams can put their heads in either end and try to reach to chew, or work their way down the outer toilet roll tube first, or work through two layers of toilet roll tube!

It's as simple as that. I have given seven hamsters one each this evening, and they are all loving it!

[Eriklover555]

I'm not sure if this has already been suggested here, it definitely has been elsewhere on the forum. Today I decided to make treat tubes from toilet roll tubes.

1. Take one toilet roll tube and a selection of treats.
2. Fold in one end of the tube. It doesn't have to be too secure as hams will attempt to chew through the main tube rather than unfold it.
3. Put some treats in.
4. Fold up the other end of the tube.
5. To make it even more of a challenge, push your treat tube into another toilet roll. This way the hams can put their heads in either end and try to reach to chew, or work their way down the outer toilet roll tube first, or work through two layers of toilet roll tube!

It's as simple as that. I have given seven hamsters one each this evening, and they are all loving it!

This is cool! I'd seen a video on this somewhere, and forgotten all about it - now I'm reminded, and I'm gonna go search for toilet paper rolls. ^^

[Biscuit]

Wow! I love this thread! :mad: x

[neily]

I'm not sure if this has already been suggested here, it definitely has been elsewhere on the forum. Today I decided to make treat tubes from toilet roll tubes.

1. Take one toilet roll tube and a selection of treats.
2. Fold in one end of the tube. It doesn't have to be too secure as hams will attempt to chew through the main tube rather than unfold it.
3. Put some treats in.
4. Fold up the other end of the tube.
5. To make it even more of a challenge, push your treat tube into another toilet roll. This way the hams can put their heads in either end and try to reach to chew, or work their way down the outer toilet roll tube first, or work through two layers of toilet roll tube!

It's as simple as that. I have given seven hamsters one each this evening, and they are all loving it!

I done this for both hammies and neither were interested.

[HorseyMandz]

I done this for both hammies and neither were interested.

The first time you give a hammy a 'hidden' treat like the toilet tube roll one, it helps if you make a little hole in it with a pair of scissors or a knife to help the hamster smell what's inside it and get in it :)

[kittyp]

Definitely going to try the toilet tube treat. I started collecting kitchen roll tubes for Flick about a year before I even got her and she's a bit too big to actually fit through them so she just chews the end a but and that's it. Got an giant box and didn't really know what to do with them!

[Arraminta]

Hi,

My hammies love the toilet roll treat thing... And I'm loving the put the toilet roll in another toilet roll.. Trying that tomorrow

Arraminta x

[iwasbornwright]

Ohhh I'll definitely try the toilet roll tube treat idea with my boys :)

[Robynlynn32]

Thought I'd share our little dwarf playing today. We made her this little peekaboo toy to play in the tub with us today. She loved it.

[Biscuit]

Thought I'd share our little dwarf playing today. We made her this little peekaboo toy to play in the tub with us today. She loved it.

Awww. That's so cute! Not sure Biscuit would be impressed if I tried that with her though! :lol: x

[Victoriah107]

You would have thought I'd given a cat a paper bag, Sophie was so enamored by an empty tea box with a cut out for hiding in. Seriously! Simple is so great :) Love it.

The egg carton idea is so cute! Must try this one also :)

[ercvt]

Thought I'd share our little dwarf playing today. We made her this little peekaboo toy to play in the tub with us today. She loved it.

We did this with ours the other day, and it is a HIT. Cloudy played in that for at least 30 minutes. He actually emptied his pouches in a few of the areas and then came out to get more food to stash in there. It was great fun to watch!

[Jessie]

Definitely going to try the toilet tube treat. I started collecting kitchen roll tubes for Flick about a year before I even got her and she's a bit too big to actually fit through them so she just chews the end a but and that's it. Got an giant box and didn't really know what to do with them!

this happened with my syrians so I cut down one side completely so they can still use them, they love it :)

[ANGELBABIES]

Such brilliant ideas - please keep sharing, thanks

[Kent Hamster]

This is a great thread Thank you !

[Tutu]

If I ate the sweets then used the cardboard box as house for my hammy is it household recycled item! I enjoyed eating haribos and my little hammy loves storing her food in the box. Happy household indeed:) hehehe

[Gazmo]

My hammys love running through old wrapping paper tubes!

[Victoriah107]

My hammys love running through old wrapping paper tubes!

Ditto here on wrapping paper tubes. . . they are dwarf hammy size. Sophie loves her tubes :D

[Truffle]

I aways make sure tat i give my syrian hamster a large jam jar which i fill with extra bedding!!! she though does love to store her food in it.

[LisaAndObi]

I'm not sure if this has already been suggested here, it definitely has been elsewhere on the forum. Today I decided to make treat tubes from toilet roll tubes.

1. Take one toilet roll tube and a selection of treats.
2. Fold in one end of the tube. It doesn't have to be too secure as hams will attempt to chew through the main tube rather than unfold it.
3. Put some treats in.
4. Fold up the other end of the tube.
5. To make it even more of a challenge, push your treat tube into another toilet roll. This way the hams can put their heads in either end and try to reach to chew, or work their way down the outer toilet roll tube first, or work through two layers of toilet roll tube!

It's as simple as that. I have given seven hamsters one each this evening, and they are all loving it!

Obi loves this. From the moment it enters the cage it's his mission to get inside, takes him about 10 minutes for a single tube, so I will use a roll inside also to prolong his time :D

[Kent Hamster]

I'm not sure if this has already been suggested here, it definitely has been elsewhere on the forum. Today I decided to make treat tubes from toilet roll tubes.

1. Take one toilet roll tube and a selection of treats.
2. Fold in one end of the tube. It doesn't have to be too secure as hams will attempt to chew through the main tube rather than unfold it.
3. Put some treats in.
4. Fold up the other end of the tube.
5. To make it even more of a challenge, push your treat tube into another toilet roll. This way the hams can put their heads in either end and try to reach to chew, or work their way down the outer toilet roll tube first, or work through two layers of toilet roll tube!

It's as simple as that. I have given seven hamsters one each this evening, and they are all loving it!

Thank you Lucyleanor, This is great! just tried it out on my hamster Sam and now he is busy away trying to get into it, he loves it :D

[Gayze]

I've got boxes of old tea/coffee mugs in the kitchen cupboard. There's nothing wrong with them, and they're all the large 12 ounce or larger sizes. We just have so many that we have about a dozen stored away. I'm thinking they might make good hidey-houses or even potties for a hamster. Can anyone see any drawback to a coffee mug lying on its side?

[LavoChain]

I've got boxes of old tea/coffee mugs in the kitchen cupboard. There's nothing wrong with them, and they're all the large 12 ounce or larger sizes. We just have so many that we have about a dozen stored away. I'm thinking they might make good hidey-houses or even potties for a hamster. Can anyone see any drawback to a coffee mug lying on its side?

People often use ceramic items for hamsters, I see no issue with mugs.

[Gayze]

Thanks! It'll be good to see someone having fun with them.

[Vectis Hamstery]

I've got spare mugs in some of my hamster cages. They are no different to the small glazed ceramic flower pots I also use as hamster hides (and are cool in summer).

[dshiro2010]

Have you tried making a hamster maze? I'm going to and I'll try posting pictures.
You need a bunch of straight cardboard. You have one the size you want the maze to be that will be the floor, then you put up 4 walls. Next you trace out how you want your maze to look, including any dead-ends. You put up cardboard and glue them on the lines. You also cut out 2 pieces to fit perfectly in-between the cardboard, one for start and one for finish. Place a reward at the end, and put your hamster in the starting position. Open them up and watch your hamster make a run for it to try and find the reward! :)

[PinkyDinkyDoo]

wow, great thread, love it
ty for sharing all your ideas

I'll definatly be trying them all

[MissDay]

Have you tried making a hamster maze? I'm going to and I'll try posting pictures.
You need a bunch of straight cardboard. You have one the size you want the maze to be that will be the floor, then you put up 4 walls. Next you trace out how you want your maze to look, including any dead-ends. You put up cardboard and glue them on the lines. You also cut out 2 pieces to fit perfectly in-between the cardboard, one for start and one for finish. Place a reward at the end, and put your hamster in the starting position. Open them up and watch your hamster make a run for it to try and find the reward! :)

I made a maze this past weekend, and my dwarfs weren't interested at all. Firstly, they just stood at a dead end, and sniffed around, and then ended up climbing over all of the walls.
And when they had successfully scaled their way OVER the maze, and to the end, they abandoned the treat and went back to their tubes.
Oh well.

[Tam909]

i love the pringles idea! if you need a shorter tube but not thinner, i use a cocoa powder tub in the same way! :D

[Tam909]

i dont have pics but a jam jar can make a great potty as it got a smaller entrace then widens, this is what i use and it stops the pee running about!

[JinjaMakes]

We have a HUGE printer at work that prints off the *whatever it is that the guys print on big paper* the tubes are wider that kitchen roll tubes and over a meter long!!
Great for getting Harry back in his cage when he's not co operating. Also I've cut a few down to make custom length tubes. They're pretty thick cardboard too so it's good for chewing.

[Stripe]

I love the walnut string idea, I might just have to bake something to use the insides.

[DallyDaydream]

So many great ideas! I need to make more DIY toys for Scout, especially when it's often as easy as 'use up what's in this container then clean it'. ^_^ I gave her a tissue box once, and it got very well loved; this thread reminds me I need to do that again next time I get an empty box!

Now, to find that empty tube from when I finished the Pringles yesterday...

[Kayla]

Gonna get two winter white tomorrow and I'm already making them toys! I've seen a video on how to make these, but I'll try to explain as best as I can.
1) flatten a used up toilet paper roll
2) cut the roll into strips (however thick or thin as you'd like, I like to stay around half an inch or so)
3) cross the strips over each other (this step is easy, hard to explain though so look at the picture!)
4) fill with treats

[Eriklover555]

Gonna get two winter white tomorrow and I'm already making them toys! I've seen a video on how to make these, but I'll try to explain as best as I can.
1) flatten a used up toilet paper roll
2) cut the roll into strips (however thick or thin as you'd like, I like to stay around half an inch or so)
3) cross the strips over each other (this step is easy, hard to explain though so look at the picture!)
4) fill with treats

Do you use glue or tape to hold it together?

[hbrh94]

I think you just hook the rings over each other Eriklover555 :)

[Eriklover555]

I think you just hook the rings over each other Eriklover555 :)

Ahhh, ty ^^

[hamsterhelper]

If you need food or water bowls, look no further than the supermarket chilled pudding aisle! Gu puds do lovely little glass hamster bowls - 2 in a box. The only downside is that it does need the human to empty the chocolate banoffee filling inside them, but I know we're all committed to our hamsters and so would be willing to make such a sacrifice for them ;)
chocolate banoffees : Gü Puds (http://www.gupuds.com/our-puds/after-dark-ramekins/after-dark-chocolate-banoffees)

I've had several in use for 2-3 years and they are so sturdy.

I feel so sorry for you having to eat those delicious gu puds my boyfriend and I love! You really do sacrifice so much for those wee hamsters of yours don't you! My hamsters love their gu dishes, very sturdy, we have had them a year and they're great. Nice change from plastic or ceramic x

[celmoy]

I wanted to try a bigger digging box, more like a sand pit. Took an old amazon delivery box, taped the sides up so he couldn't climb out (when I have a pen I'll just use a regular one he can climb in and out of) and filled it quite deeply with sand. Poked a few nuts into the sand and my ham had a good time digging around and finding the nuts :D

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/v/t34/1620698_727804803917744_675876471_n.jpg?oh=963c8b2 83bbed720a4a3b3dcfeeb0c7c&oe=5302BE1E&__gda__=1392707807_cfb03003ee3e4a1e54941c911eadf39 5

[Cheetobandito]

Have you tried making a hamster maze? I'm going to and I'll try posting pictures.
You need a bunch of straight cardboard. You have one the size you want the maze to be that will be the floor, then you put up 4 walls. Next you trace out how you want your maze to look, including any dead-ends. You put up cardboard and glue them on the lines. You also cut out 2 pieces to fit perfectly in-between the cardboard, one for start and one for finish. Place a reward at the end, and put your hamster in the starting position. Open them up and watch your hamster make a run for it to try and find the reward! :)

I made one for my old hammy, fidget, then passed it on to Cheeto, who quite literally pulled the walls down and floor apart! lol!

[Bashful&Mortimer]

I'm not sure if this has already been suggested here, it definitely has been elsewhere on the forum. Today I decided to make treat tubes from toilet roll tubes.

1. Take one toilet roll tube and a selection of treats.
2. Fold in one end of the tube. It doesn't have to be too secure as hams will attempt to chew through the main tube rather than unfold it.
3. Put some treats in.
4. Fold up the other end of the tube.
5. To make it even more of a challenge, push your treat tube into another toilet roll. This way the hams can put their heads in either end and try to reach to chew, or work their way down the outer toilet roll tube first, or work through two layers of toilet roll tube!

It's as simple as that. I have given seven hamsters one each this evening, and they are all loving it!
I made one of these for Henry today, and he LOVES it! :). Right now he's tearing through the cardboard as fast as his little teeth can go. ;). Ok, well, now he's got an opening and is stuffing his face and kicking food about. Heehee!!! I think he likes it. :rolleyes:

[Bashful&Mortimer]

Henry has a new hidey house/toy. We finished a jar of mayonnaise today, so I took the empty jar (its plastic), washed it, dried it, took off the label, and ta-da!!! :). Henry seems to like it, although I had no idea it was so hard to wash every teensiest bit if mayonnaise out of the jar. :rolleyes:

[Vectis Hamstery]

When/if Summer arrives, I like to put chilled ceramic items in the cage to cool the hams. The most convenient recycled item for this is unwanted mugs, such as ones with a small chip or that have lost their handles (as long as there are no sharp edges) and ones that come with Easter eggs. Nice and easy to wash too :) One of my hams has a teapot as a hidey hole as the spout was broken, and several have small flowerpots:
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/11091714755_682cd4d3bf.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/hU8Wni) https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/10996911014_24405d4d94.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/hKL3w3)

[m00nbeam]

Ooo thatsagood idea :-). Looks cute for photos too !!! <3

[nalalove992]

The walnut idea is great! I'm so gonna try this at Chrsitmas time!

[immyhammy]

Nush your ham is adorable!

[Simba88]

That is a great idea and something I will def be doing ;). If you have anymore ideas please post them as I would love to see them.

[dave123791]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, sorry if it was.
1. Get 5 toilet roll tubes
2. Flatten 4 of them
3. Put the 4 flat tubes into the 5th
4. The tubes should not move
5. Put treats between the holes at the 2 ends of the roll

My hamsters love it. I have to replace the tubes every 2-3 weeks because my hamster rip it apart hoping to find treats inside.:D

[freckles]

what am amazingly clever toy! I would have never have thought of loading walnut shells like this!

[Ellie Bee]

Have any of you heard of treat parcels? So easy to make and a lovely treat!

1. Get a toilet paper tube.
http://i58.tinypic.com/33c3l1l.jpg
2. Cut it into 5 equal rings.
http://i58.tinypic.com/ve9gjl.jpg
3. Cross 2 rings over each other to form a cross shape. Continue to do this with the other rings as shown.
http://i61.tinypic.com/35d2nm9.jpg
http://i61.tinypic.com/2urbip0.jpg
http://i62.tinypic.com/1feomt.jpg
http://i59.tinypic.com/2mms0zq.jpg
4. When you get to the last ring, before pulling it closed, pop some strong-smelling treats into the parcel (like choc drops) and then close it up.
http://i59.tinypic.com/2nt8tn7.jpg
5. Give the parcel to your hammy! Mine love to roll it around at the same time as chewing it.

[DrKMcK]

Very nice! I've seen another type of toilet roll food treat toy where the ends are folded up. I'm going to try your way too! Thanks Ellie Bee. :-D

[becky1412]

I got an empty box and got out a few holes on the sides and top then just cut strips of cardboard and rolled then round and pushed them in the holes they try and open again so stay nice and snug so no need for glue or anything! For the cardboard going into the holes in the top I cut a bit out at the bottom so the hams can get into the box from the top too. This is the small one I made for Penelope my dwarf and I used a bigger box for Roland my syrian. If this makes no sense let me know and I'll do a step by step if anyone wants :)

26142

[DrKMcK]

LOL. Another good idea becky! It doesn't cost anything and the hams have fun. :-)

[sully]

I tried this with Piccolo my rescue robo a couple weeks ago but she wasn't interested but waiting on rescue Syrian, im sure he will be. :)

[orlastar]

Hi you can tap a hole i the side of a coconut with a hammer. Then scoop out the white stuff, the smooth the hole with sand paper or a file. it'd make a cute hideout. P.S Im new so can anyone tell me how to start a thread or post on my own profile? thnx:)

[orlastar]

Those diys are awsome! does anyone have an idea on how to make a platform without popsicle sticks?

diy- if you scrumple some plain paper and make pouch with your hand, fill it with food or treats, then crumple it into a ball around the pocket to enclose the food. Hammies love munching to reach the goodies!

[SecretlyDying]

This is how i use cereal boxes for my hamsters, a 2/3 tier platform thingy. My syrian loves it, his is the biggest one on the picture, the other two are for my dwarfs.

[Hammyfan126]

Yeah i o that too,my family uses a lot of tea so its so cheap and easy to use :D

[lucy1666]

love the cereal box idea too :) i need to pile a few more on top to give muffin a challenge lol

[67455 hammy]

This really is awesome! thanks

[Dalis_mum]

Sorry if this has already mentioned in previous posts... I make Dali a kind of swinging seesaw from kitchen roll tubes (toilet tubes are too small for this [It is to do with the physics of pivots which may be to indepth to go into on a hamster forum and i don't know if dwarfs will be weighty enough to work it).

Instead of putting holes in the tube and using 2 strings to tie to the lid of tank/bars of cage, I loop the string through the tube and tie up top so there is one string looped round. When she tries to climb into tube it pulls one end down then as she proceeds through it 'seesaws' and out she hops at the other end. She loves it.

[RubyDG]

I posted this previously on another thread but thought I'd add it on here as well :p

I made a playbox for Spike. It's just a big cardboard box that I put in small cardboard boxes and kitchen roll tubes. For me I picked a shallow box because I wanted something I could store under the shelf of his cage stand, I just put the flaps down and pack it away, but it could be made from any size box. I'd recommend a tall'ish box if you don't want your hammy getting out, Spike free ranges though so it's not something I had to take into consideration. What I did was basically build a city/playground/maze thing from the small boxes and connect them with the tubes and put everything inside the big box, that way it can be taken out and used and then put back quickly and easily. All the entrances are the same shape and size. I cut off the end of one of the tubes and used it as a template to draw circles on the boxes and cut them out. Any hole can then be either a doorway or be used to slot in a tube. That way all the boxes and tubes are interchangeable (I really hope my explanation made sense :rolleyes:). I then regularly change the layout and add in or take out new boxes. I hide treats inside boxes so Spike has to find them, it works a bit like a maze I suppose but it's really just for him to play in. Hopefully the picture will explain it better, I did add in two of his climbing toys in his most recent configuration.

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag300/RubyRose/Spikes%20Cage/658ff039-6618-4a8e-923a-78aed34cdc42_zps9bee27a1.jpg

It's just taking the idea of a homemade cardboard fortress/playground and compacting it all into a single big box for convenience. Making all the pieces interchangeable makes it quick and easy to rearrange since hamsters do get bored of things after awhile. Hiding treats in there is just added motivation and encourages them to explore. I have to say I'm absolutely terrible at DIY but the only things you need for this are the boxes, toilet/kitchen roll tubes, a pen, pair of scissors and some child safe glue. The glue I used very sparingly, just a drop here and there to hold a small box flap down and so on, remember you want to be able to take everything apart as well. The scissors for cutting obviously and the pen to mark the circle you need to cut out : just cut the end of the toilet roll tube, put it on the spot on the box you want the hole and swish the pen around the inside. That and your imagination makes it very simple and easy to do even for someone with zero skills like me :p.

I have two levels in his playbox, although you can't see the bottom configuration very well in the picture. I'm currently keeping an eye out for a bigger box, something of the same height but longer or wider. I would have to say it's my hamster's favorite out of cage toy, when he's done playing he just climbs out or falls asleep inside :rolleyes:.

*Disclaimer: Please ignore any evidence of my cappuccino addiction :-&quot;

[Boo Boo]

Gonna get two winter white tomorrow and I'm already making them toys! I've seen a video on how to make these, but I'll try to explain as best as I can.
1) flatten a used up toilet paper roll
2) cut the roll into strips (however thick or thin as you'd like, I like to stay around half an inch or so)
3) cross the strips over each other (this step is easy, hard to explain though so look at the picture!)
4) fill with treats

Like this??????
What treats shall I put in for my Campbell????

[Dalis_mum]

I just made these from some egg trays donated to me by the greasy spoon.

Put some sunflower seeds and mealworms in the pockets of each, she went straight to the long thin one. she hasn't ventured close enough the the 2 layer plaform to notice it yet (she has a big tank, it sometimes takes a while).

29716

29717

29718

[SonicCharge]

I can't post pictures yet since it's not finished but I turned an empty box of coca cola cans (It was empty so I didn't have to drink all 24) Into a giant hideout/mini house that I may connect to a play pen (bought or home made) for when the cage needs cleaning. It's glued with flour and water and is going to be painted with non toxic home made paint. I'll post pictures when it's done and I'm happy with it.

[flowery]

You guys have really creative ideas and I love learning from all of you. Meanwhile just sharing a ramp my bf helped to design from a box. I place their sandbath pit on it and it can still support the weight.

[BellaSimone]

Thought I'd share our little dwarf playing today. We made her this little peekaboo toy to play in the tub with us today. She loved it.

Love it!! Will need to try this!

[Wookiee]

I'm going to have a read of this whole thread now, and no idea if it's already been mentioned, but our Syrian uses an old cardboard gravy tub as his food store.

He was stowing food in his potty, which is hidden under his platform, so I put the gravy pot next to it, in between his nest and potty, and moved a couple of items from the potty. He clearly liked this idea because the next day he moved the rest of it himself and has been taking his treats there ever since :D

It makes it nice and easy to sift through for anything manky and replace his food store without him knowing that it's been interfered with too much.

[Scargirl]

Wow! I love this thread! :mad: x
Definitely AGREE :p

[HenriandHobieHammies]

Never throw out an amazon box!!! My hams love running through them (especcially the long skinny ones) and they are really fun to make a maze/obstacle course with!

[Lexieshamster]

Oohhh I like this thread. Some great ideas! I'm definately going to make a cardboard play box Ruby.

I have a few ideas to share but for now here's my favourite. A ping pong ball on a smooth surface makes a great and really cheap toy (I got a pack of 3 from Poundland). You can give it to your hamster in a play pen but I like to let my hamster free range with it. Here's a video of Nevy-Noo with his. Simetimes he doesn't show much interest in it but at others he can't leave it alone.

Determined hamster follows a ball all around the room - YouTube (http://youtu.be/Z_eu8mOQ5Ek)

[RubyDG]

That was the cutest video ever Lexieshamster!!! I loved watching him with the ping pong ball, so adorable :D

[Coco61]

Really enjoyed that! He was so determined to try and pick it up in his mouth. Great exercise and fun too!

[Scarlett Empress]

What a great video Lexieshamster! And what a good idea for a toy - Smokey found a plastic ball about 1" in diameter under my bed the other week, she chased that round and managed to pick it up and took it home - so I am sure she would have fun with a ping pong ball - thank you for sharing! :D

[Lexieshamster]

Thanks guys - I'm happy you like it! It was so cute watching Nevy with the Ping Pong ball I had to video it.

Scarlett Empress - Nevy once found a clothes peg and took it home to hide in his nest. Such cute and funny creatures.

[Lexieshamster]

Some more ideas.

If you've got an empty celebrations or similar tub left over from Christmas you can use it to make a hidey toy:

http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd508/katemoore75/My%202015%20photos/0DF51B6A-3A5C-45E5-98FD-57F4AC683A3D.jpg (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/katemoore75/media/My%202015%20photos/0DF51B6A-3A5C-45E5-98FD-57F4AC683A3D.jpg.html)

You need to mark out circles with a pen and then cut them out with a hot Stanley knife - then file down with sandpaper or a nail file so there are no sharp edges. You can also put a hole in the tub itself to get in and out. Nevy loves going in and out of the various holes and running round inside scent marking all round the sides. You can also use it up-side-down without the lid to make an igloo style nesting box. I was going to plasticote this one but never got round to it.

[Lexieshamster]

Neville thinks my plastic washing basket is an interesting climbing toy:

http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd508/katemoore75/My%202015%20photos/AA11341B-5AFC-47EB-B28C-8BD1B80A88CC.jpg (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/katemoore75/media/My%202015%20photos/AA11341B-5AFC-47EB-B28C-8BD1B80A88CC.jpg.html)

They need to be supervised with this though because once Neville tried to crawl through the gaps and got stuck. I got him out pretty easily though by prising the plastic apart a little and out he came.

[Lexieshamster]

Supermarket bakeries throw away loads of these. It's from an industrial size roll of cling film. If you don't mind asking them to keep one for you they're perfect for a Syrian:


http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd508/katemoore75/My%202016%20photos/E4CF7D4B-EBDD-4EBB-98D9-72FBAE7D8FF0.png (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/katemoore75/media/My%202016%20photos/E4CF7D4B-EBDD-4EBB-98D9-72FBAE7D8FF0.png.html)

[Teddy_and_nelly]

I made a several bedroom bungalow for my hams.

1.Take a large shoe box
2. Take a couple of washed out tetra packs that all fit into the shoe carton
3. Cut the bottom of the tetra packs so theres a wide entrance
4. Glue the tetraboxes into the shoe carton. Leave enough space so your hams can move between their "bedrooms"
5. Cut an entrance into the shoe carton
6. Put some holes into the carton top for ventilation
7. Put the top on the shoe carton.

Ready to move in!

My hams absolutely love it

[jacobtra]

Hi Guys,

This 'how to' video demonstrates the easiest way to make a hideout for your little friend. I love this idea as you can make any size hamster hideout, that's totally safe for your hamster. My hamster loved his, he loves little hideaway spots. Perfect for shy hamsters and perfect for hamsters that destroy hideaways because you can make another one in so little time! They literally take minutes to make and don't require expensive products!

There's just something about making something for my own hamster that makes it a little more special than going out and getting a shop bought plastic one.

Here is the video anyways! Enjoy! <3 Hammy love <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1nc0uWYrC8

[Pebbles82]

I made a several bedroom bungalow for my hams.

1.Take a large shoe box
2. Take a couple of washed out tetra packs that all fit into the shoe carton
3. Cut the bottom of the tetra packs so theres a wide entrance
4. Glue the tetraboxes into the shoe carton. Leave enough space so your hams can move between their "bedrooms"
5. Cut an entrance into the shoe carton
6. Put some holes into the carton top for ventilation
7. Put the top on the shoe carton.

Ready to move in!

My hams absolutely love it

I love this idea! I wish I had seen it before :-) I'm not quite sure what tetra packs are though.

[xbuttons94]

I have been having a look at videos and reading on here and made a few things yesterday. I took some small boxes and cut holes in them to attach toilet role tubes and added more tubes to the original one. So the box is a little hide out with a maze of tubes. My Robo boys are having a great time playing in them :D

[flowerfairy]

I love this idea! I wish I had seen it before :-) I'm not quite sure what tetra packs are though.

Packs that almond milk comes in and apple juice. It does sound good i must say.

[Vore3]

Gonna get two winter white tomorrow and I'm already making them toys! I've seen a video on how to make these, but I'll try to explain as best as I can.
1) flatten a used up toilet paper roll
2) cut the roll into strips (however thick or thin as you'd like, I like to stay around half an inch or so)
3) cross the strips over each other (this step is easy, hard to explain though so look at the picture!)
4) fill with treats

I do this for My hamster too, he loves it and usually break the whole "ball" he spreads the pieces all around his cage and break some. :D

[Shadokat]

I'm not sure if this has already been suggested here, it definitely has been elsewhere on the forum. Today I decided to make treat tubes from toilet roll tubes.

1. Take one toilet roll tube and a selection of treats.
2. Fold in one end of the tube. It doesn't have to be too secure as hams will attempt to chew through the main tube rather than unfold it.
3. Put some treats in.
4. Fold up the other end of the tube.
5. To make it even more of a challenge, push your treat tube into another toilet roll. This way the hams can put their heads in either end and try to reach to chew, or work their way down the outer toilet roll tube first, or work through two layers of toilet roll tube!

It's as simple as that. I have given seven hamsters one each this evening, and they are all loving it!

I have a winter white sunfire hamster, and I made him similar treat tubes. I use toilet paper tubes and shredded white paper towels. You load these from the top. Hold the tube upright on a flat surface. Push enough paper in to fill the end, then add some treats. More paper, more treats, until the tube is full. You get the idea. It's up to you how tightly you pack the "filling." My hammie seems to like them packed fairly tight. He goes in there, pulls out some paper, gets his treats, then leaves it alone for a while. Later on he comes back for more. I've only had him a couple days but I've rescued lots of hamsters in the past. They go through the treat tube in a few days and like to nest in the shredded paper. They seem to enjoy it.

[blpriestley]

Something I've discovered is that you can use the cardboard sleeves that starbucks use on their takeaway cups to protect you from the heat to make a short (or long if you go to starbucks a lot) but wide tubes. My syrian seems to like it but he's new so still a bit shy sometimes. He also has fun taking them apart and making a series of very short tunnels.

[InkyPen]

I took one of the cardboard cup holders from Starbucks (the ones designed to hold four cups of coffee) and turned it upside down in Inky's playpen, before hiding a treat under one of the four cup holes. She had lots of fun pushing, lifting and trying to chew the cup holder in order to get to her treat.

I think hard mode would be putting it on carpet to make it harder to push around and get the treat that way!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/s8WO3OW654VE3VmQHHmk_gQaKHeJmUcI-zqmR2QsTBH-su3DU2un5E66GN2etVOXBWUsvJmgMw8GnTa8wmn8P0Hd59TytM r-t7RaKq77v72_IVDw_JmbVBnZHeG3YD0K1uzvBJKJcGKQ1-GvZrFFtq8FogjJNlxNrH5UplxAykAjYnFuyLoppyA5wEQB9QTP 2AyqBE2ZlDYjXePeXZWKfcX2aMq7mPgbUI5mB0UtwYz7ZpRMHA EEGKqB0OV31osc8w4N3YRWXfWp8JedfYLwrcENIUC51voYy_5E F5PWlFBFlwPkeeSoNWKYZPLyn4iJe4gUv0b_BrPbu7qs7M9DUx 8ZjEJxu6eBMqYH8ycPOn9t3pCGw9qkwwlvAKfgmv1Pr5xwmnfZ CSSJINNZAmalF9r3VpjzcqwCKabbWe2OOWzzwVkPTHKDvohsUe _XDvgrxW-KF77qar50uORegDY2TflHxwPK1JSWHjbvfWjuuoHwtlIXeNMCE SH2To75aP1DbpBG_ATKCFOx8fndh00798-01Y-f6QjVadGfPUaUohPibseB3Tr1xBXDE401xgqALeDYrcyGbO5S0 MSGaf6-PdJ24dsceGX1CvJZJGNa44J2B0JUmsNRpQ=w479-h638-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4aW7b9BxcQRm8JEMnyjbXn3V9IskSj7RDR2f_IhuRZq2ju_bOT 61UFvkoSUkBTqC-A0zqAImpS8b_ob9JMk5F5_zSpiEO75MkNkMRmwkvoraFYAsxE9 1oRtJgXmOKk8KHQKBAUABeP4ogBSpeJe4WL2CkX0D28wuFwcOz 6A0YKLRJ69KPQGW5EHdwhojhmJ4TQqhrIyIEiRqnOE5uaQd4G7 jhsvYzr9sH-8KDp_cMT0cQahpjBFydVk6816juKfJMtMhs0N5L8ajI-zTRhx1tCnyzGPT5r7tYQ2qwagvL9bhWlbzZo5PgSaOycxcI_k5 CMi0-bfgZIkmSjpg78tK06GkKehpryMxg-W59VEuQ5v9qaIEnop-UCZ3OcrsYBvyDFYZy8xHKqatVsEHiqpdPBtjXjuekqJ90xDtDd CCMm-vgJ6FskgrBawdIhdw66NMT92uTYHiBzeadTXzumATjAEVLb-7OBw6ghJrDnr2Jwl8zWzwYlVDC0N7QJ0FTk90TEbA80igmd87Z PnebzVuaLB-gnX4mOIc7RsKsvzEATaIDyxtxp1OSx5zEgykRltDMHBAlx1rik YzK0terIaXa_mum4P1UbLvHyClMoMwUYIhBEvM-w=w851-h638-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TlrHlmtDqMVij58dvhFGcn3CN6C_7sMazag6GLqZ0zV-mm2foFTxB5DtDaQhRQxLnUjRpYY2JNO9XFRiUShZenQexYLfxE QQsCdflbVbxLlcfDbAl5hZQAgBPWCWkGKczq_PP01v0IoeDRG5 QzKNVczO0Tqwa3i4MXHN6iUX6kMw4LjANOxv-3Vv0sPCSHvcPxMZfSvsFjcnHSbBt7w3sBL8D8cH1IyJXESJPCX udcF3zhzvc3mFp4hRRTaAoawFFxh3kCsRZXrphgHOuTEMtmSP6 39B5GR8zfKq6PhwoVGjSxW2M1TF_JSe7q0zzFCbMj3BjitxDa3 mrs0tV_JhHYvGcPqqD15zzxwyH87i7EZLYNf2EJBxN_Eg8Zppx PwCPhRJP35DOK3wNZTHgo9E1fJVjxJUzFzioVlPn4sdtLMGzIK Qc1i3SlA09AlLuEwp1bWCgx4E_Splg1gDkfXXn1D1ekW7ZicCf BW2u4R-JoXV_4YxaEvAV1R3n3XUAjq0XYW6pat78mqgaLNPUt_zuwL2JK YJMffOOk5_PVegf1kcXzZ4Ef2dCD8AXYVy1t9eMjKNAEnbRL_9 ItkimdUwzHQ488ErKSGrFLC0eARDNc88t3zkBw=w851-h638-no

Sorry for the quality of the images, but hopefully you get the idea!

[Drago]

I took one of the cardboard cup holders from Starbucks (the ones designed to hold four cups of coffee) and turned it upside down in Inky's playpen, before hiding a treat under one of the four cup holes. She had lots of fun pushing, lifting and trying to chew the cup holder in order to get to her treat.

I think hard mode would be putting it on carpet to make it harder to push around and get the treat that way!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/s8WO3OW654VE3VmQHHmk_gQaKHeJmUcI-zqmR2QsTBH-su3DU2un5E66GN2etVOXBWUsvJmgMw8GnTa8wmn8P0Hd59TytM r-t7RaKq77v72_IVDw_JmbVBnZHeG3YD0K1uzvBJKJcGKQ1-GvZrFFtq8FogjJNlxNrH5UplxAykAjYnFuyLoppyA5wEQB9QTP 2AyqBE2ZlDYjXePeXZWKfcX2aMq7mPgbUI5mB0UtwYz7ZpRMHA EEGKqB0OV31osc8w4N3YRWXfWp8JedfYLwrcENIUC51voYy_5E F5PWlFBFlwPkeeSoNWKYZPLyn4iJe4gUv0b_BrPbu7qs7M9DUx 8ZjEJxu6eBMqYH8ycPOn9t3pCGw9qkwwlvAKfgmv1Pr5xwmnfZ CSSJINNZAmalF9r3VpjzcqwCKabbWe2OOWzzwVkPTHKDvohsUe _XDvgrxW-KF77qar50uORegDY2TflHxwPK1JSWHjbvfWjuuoHwtlIXeNMCE SH2To75aP1DbpBG_ATKCFOx8fndh00798-01Y-f6QjVadGfPUaUohPibseB3Tr1xBXDE401xgqALeDYrcyGbO5S0 MSGaf6-PdJ24dsceGX1CvJZJGNa44J2B0JUmsNRpQ=w479-h638-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4aW7b9BxcQRm8JEMnyjbXn3V9IskSj7RDR2f_IhuRZq2ju_bOT 61UFvkoSUkBTqC-A0zqAImpS8b_ob9JMk5F5_zSpiEO75MkNkMRmwkvoraFYAsxE9 1oRtJgXmOKk8KHQKBAUABeP4ogBSpeJe4WL2CkX0D28wuFwcOz 6A0YKLRJ69KPQGW5EHdwhojhmJ4TQqhrIyIEiRqnOE5uaQd4G7 jhsvYzr9sH-8KDp_cMT0cQahpjBFydVk6816juKfJMtMhs0N5L8ajI-zTRhx1tCnyzGPT5r7tYQ2qwagvL9bhWlbzZo5PgSaOycxcI_k5 CMi0-bfgZIkmSjpg78tK06GkKehpryMxg-W59VEuQ5v9qaIEnop-UCZ3OcrsYBvyDFYZy8xHKqatVsEHiqpdPBtjXjuekqJ90xDtDd CCMm-vgJ6FskgrBawdIhdw66NMT92uTYHiBzeadTXzumATjAEVLb-7OBw6ghJrDnr2Jwl8zWzwYlVDC0N7QJ0FTk90TEbA80igmd87Z PnebzVuaLB-gnX4mOIc7RsKsvzEATaIDyxtxp1OSx5zEgykRltDMHBAlx1rik YzK0terIaXa_mum4P1UbLvHyClMoMwUYIhBEvM-w=w851-h638-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TlrHlmtDqMVij58dvhFGcn3CN6C_7sMazag6GLqZ0zV-mm2foFTxB5DtDaQhRQxLnUjRpYY2JNO9XFRiUShZenQexYLfxE QQsCdflbVbxLlcfDbAl5hZQAgBPWCWkGKczq_PP01v0IoeDRG5 QzKNVczO0Tqwa3i4MXHN6iUX6kMw4LjANOxv-3Vv0sPCSHvcPxMZfSvsFjcnHSbBt7w3sBL8D8cH1IyJXESJPCX udcF3zhzvc3mFp4hRRTaAoawFFxh3kCsRZXrphgHOuTEMtmSP6 39B5GR8zfKq6PhwoVGjSxW2M1TF_JSe7q0zzFCbMj3BjitxDa3 mrs0tV_JhHYvGcPqqD15zzxwyH87i7EZLYNf2EJBxN_Eg8Zppx PwCPhRJP35DOK3wNZTHgo9E1fJVjxJUzFzioVlPn4sdtLMGzIK Qc1i3SlA09AlLuEwp1bWCgx4E_Splg1gDkfXXn1D1ekW7ZicCf BW2u4R-JoXV_4YxaEvAV1R3n3XUAjq0XYW6pat78mqgaLNPUt_zuwL2JK YJMffOOk5_PVegf1kcXzZ4Ef2dCD8AXYVy1t9eMjKNAEnbRL_9 ItkimdUwzHQ488ErKSGrFLC0eARDNc88t3zkBw=w851-h638-no

Sorry for the quality of the images, but hopefully you get the idea!

I love this toy! My hams were never crazy for it, but my gerbils absolutely adore it

[InkyPen]

The Labyrinth House

Something I've been toying with is the idea of pre-made tunnel systems for hamsters (especially those like my Syrian, who is too lazy to dig but likes a nice tunnel!), which can sit underneath the substrate and hence underneath any other toys. The idea came from when a colleague had a Dell monitor delivered to the office, and some of the packaging immediately made me think "hamster castle!". Much to the bemusement of my colleagues I then rescued it from the recycling and took it home with me on the train XD

https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/18664661_10156117674326102_906370252422114996_n.jp g?oh=b627f2b81517460a83127634a5ffc37f&oe=59A52418

So, I took a cardboard box and decided to make a prototype

Remove all sellotape and then stick one end back down again using a hamster safe glue like PVA (UK) or Elmer's (US)
https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s261x260/18622642_10156117719516102_1858597133419762697_n.j pg?oh=9d171ef2b63e48a8b0241f6ac6f14d57&oe=599E014B

Weigh down the flaps with books while it sets (choice of literature need not be Chinese history or Japanese cooking...)
https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18698016_10156117721251102_4027263496673911282_n.j pg?oh=74f5a2bbda64412321f2eba89c220f85&oe=59AC0AE4

Measure 10cm (or however high you want it to be) around the whole box. This was for a Syrian.
https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18664718_10156117730336102_2719598827801645195_n.j pg?oh=30f8a4391526a0fd1eb8c4d1328ee1f2&oe=59A1734C

Cut around the line, keeping the cardboard you cut off in one long piece as you'll be using it again shortly https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18664439_10156117735416102_6810459899698018240_n.j pg?oh=12ea3e1eecaac9f446310dc6aeef87e7&oe=59B87E93

For each of the internal walls, cut them slightly shorter than the height of the house (e.g. 9cm) and a bit longer than the length (so that you have something to glue it on with). It's easiest if you cut doors in before you glue it in. Where there are corners in the cardboard, work with them, not against them.
https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18739894_10156117745766102_2107746451454178580_n.j pg?oh=b8d4d0169257707a066eae29eea2ba0b&oe=59A3E7C6

And the almost finished prototype (I cut in some external doors after I took this photo)
https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18664242_10156117674301102_5578296531873258904_n.j pg?oh=2ee4f4253fe45aa20e4600d0cee3c02a&oe=59B7A117

And in situ
https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18664487_10156117674331102_6946892572842532555_n.j pg?oh=5258411aeb6e71743cbfcee06e0bc521&oe=59E97797

Inky moved in there and started sleeping in there immediately :D So I think we can say it's a hit. I'm going to look at a more permanent (wood) version as, while I haven't lifted it off since I bought it, I'm pretty sure that she will have gone a bit grand designs on it in places, where she has decided that an extra door would be beneficial.

I thought I'd come up with something new :rolleyes: but it turns out the Germans are already well ahead of us - Rodipet make something very similar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMB-N-UfMBI I'll take that as a sign that it wasn't such a bad idea ;) However, they're quite pricey (about £32 inc. P&P) so I'll make my own to fit my cage :)

[FelicityAnn]

THAT IS AMAZING! :cool:

How big is your cage? Did you have to take everything out to put it in, then put all the substrate back on top? Did you leave the top showing, so that Inky knew where it was?

[InkyPen]

THAT IS AMAZING! :cool:

How big is your cage? Did you have to take everything out to put it in, then put all the substrate back on top? Did you leave the top showing, so that Inky knew where it was?

She's in an Alexander (100x50cm) and it has taken up a substantial amount of space, but other things can go on top like another platform. . This will be particularly the case once I remake it in wood, as it will be better at taking the weight.

To be honest I didn't pay a great deal of attention to size, as it was only a prototype to see if she liked it. I literally just made it the same size as the cardboard box I had lying around. Next time I'll make it the same width as the cage, so it fits in better - you can make it any size so longer as each compartment is a suitable size.

I left a layer (an inch?) in the bottom of the cage, put it on top and then chucked the rest of the bedding back on top, leaving the entrances open so she could find them. There are actually two entrance doors, and I thought one had been accidentally covered up until I dug it out and then promptly watched her backfill it :mad:

[Hamsterita]

It looks very cool Inky, make sure to post the final result with wood!

[Twimper]

Not sure if anyone has suggested this already but making origami things out of paper or card and putting treats in them is fun for you are your fluff ball. Penny wasn't too impressed with the one I made her and lost interest but my first Sirian use to love destroying my origami creations.

[craftsboydiy]

I made these fun stuffs from toilet rolls (food bowl, hideout, tunnel bridge, tower, chew toy). Search through youtube and find out many videos about toilet roll toys, so I made something different from them. Hope you all enjoy the video:

GXSGhcUdHNY

[Oreocookie]

I love all your creative ideas, and I'm a great fan of DIY projects for hamsters. If you have children it's a great way to spend time with them and encourage their creativity. And if you buy only pre-fabricated hamster items, it can get very expensive quickly.
I especially love all things from toilet or towel rolls, egg and muesli boxes etc. And I have made great labyrinth houses with different chambers from shoe boxes as well. They are extremely practical if they come with lids. You can make side entrances as well as top entrances. You can remove the lid in order to check on your hammie without destroying the nests. And if the house gets too soiled or shredded, you just make a replacement☺ My hammies always moved into these DIY houses and made their homes in it. So, it's obviously very appealing to their natural instincts.
If you buy pre-fabricated multi-chamber houses from pet companies you have to pay stiff prices. I think that the only item where you should really splurge is a high quality wheel of an adequate size which runs without too much noise. So, it's good for the health of your hammie and yourself.
I also love DIY cages because I'm not very satisfied with the commercial cages. They are often way too small and not very well designed. And the better ones are very expensive.
I found IKEA to be a treasure trove for creative pet owners. Is IKEA easy to find in the UK? They are everywhere in Germany. And one of the most popular cages for dwarf hamsters can be made from the IKEA-Detolf glass cabinet. For Syriens the Detolf is a bit too low, though, and one has to increase the height and/or construct a lid, which makes the project a bit more complicated. In Germany the Detolf is so popular that googling "Detolf" brings you to hamster forums more often than to IKEA. IKEA should really offer a tweaked version without shelves and a lid instead of a glass door☺ I'm sure that there are a few examples of creative Detolf-terrariums at this site here, too. What I like especially about the Detolf besides it's benefits for the hammie: it looks very modern and stylish. It's a great piece of furniture if placed on a long sideboard.
Where I live it's easy to get hold of a used Detolf cabinet for great prices. This it might be different in the UK , though. But the creative use of IKEA products has made the lives of many hamsters and their owners a lot happier.

Connecting multiple big empty cartons from parcels with tubes for posters or paper towel rolls is also a great way to construct fairly quickly a big play pen or free-run space, which can be easily de-assembled and stored. The hammie has to be supervised, though, since some may chew their way out. And my Winterwhite once escaped by climbing on an egg box in the play pen which was placed too close to one side and then jumped over the divide. I have also heard that some intelligent hammies use their digging material for constructing ramps! They push all the available material into one corner and then climb out easily!

[Sprout_winter_white]

My tiny winter white sprout loves to dig. She adores her dig box. Thanks. This DIY is amazing. :mrgreen: