Project IKEA - Platform/Level

[Nikkigrace]

So for the last few days I have been working on a little DIY project which has become known as Project IKEA:mad:

I thought I would briefly share with you what I created and how I did it.

I bought this from IKEA - Knuff
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/D893789D-AE25-4F21-9444-0858C789F4C6-9538-000006B9E229B26D_zpsc21f7d9b.jpg

I pulled one side off. It came off quite easily once I had loosened the top and bottom joints
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/159858B8-24C2-41B8-AC46-B1C1C3C73479-9538-000006B9E3B59EBC_zps100b5600.jpg

And plastikoted the whole thing
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/6E1D73AC-E113-46BA-8EE1-76F945780699-9538-000006B9EBB7AA32_zpsd7eb35e9.jpg

Then, using some wooden doweling pieces from B&Q and some PVA glue, I started making little fences. They were quite fiddly and involved a lot of holding of pieces together while the glue started to dry and hold them, before I could put them down
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/B4CD7D04-FE43-4B47-A9BA-37DF2D4F76CA-9538-000006B9F3E98B9C_zps40fd4ad6.jpg

Joined the fences together - again using PVA glue
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/61C28CB9-DB4A-4B27-B098-3AF2DB5E414C-9538-000006B9FCDB9B44_zps6272f931.jpg

And started gluing them onto the side (now top) of the IKEA Knuff magazine holder.Also it is worth pointing out that I stuck wooden pieces over the circles in the side of the Knuff because I didnt want any hamsters attempting to get through and possibly getting stuck.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/C4EA4F56-2CC4-4944-BCB8-3E17A4E450E9-9538-000006BA039E4937_zps37c8aa6f.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/82A43F95-7BE9-4D6C-9CEA-1C4FB65E7B07-9538-000006BA0BF1AEAA_zps964174c4.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/59B3E19B-10D1-4FFE-A702-3DF10F914D6C-9538-000006BA11CB7519_zps5ca9bff3.jpg

Then i made a ladder, using more wooden doweling and PVA glue. I waited until the glue was half dry and then bent the ladder in the curve shape I wanted before leaving it to dry properly
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/D6C0F492-F8EF-4D1F-A830-1BF6AD2ED97F-9538-000006BA18F96046_zps5818111d.jpg

And finally glued on some wooden mushrooms I got from Petsupermarket
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/D2EBE1F6-4106-4629-B5C9-5598F763ED98-9538-000006BA1EC87A16_zps6c0f3222.jpg

[Nikkigrace]

Here is the finished product in a Zoozone and some photos of Autumn and her pups exploring their new level :D

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/3669C976-9F56-4F70-9BC3-F06E5AB4ABF7-10133-000007042BD95F98_zps5d4cdfd7.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/0B50C599-A2D8-4A83-B48C-C605B5A5E05A-10133-00000704FD82A8FD_zps70a6c5af.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/5EF04229-9D17-498B-BA15-73C593106973-10133-000007046342BD5F_zps9343fc78.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/C10C35AD-D448-4BC2-B056-4A8F3FF4CAEB-10133-0000070485FEA223_zpscbdce000.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/FC391325-B550-40C8-9D82-7FF30B82F308-10133-00000704989D8E5C_zpsdbea7b93.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/5628A1E8-F5D7-4856-9266-13D3CF04EB2A-10133-00000704AEAF4253_zps1f3017e6.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/2C218D33-5E51-41AE-95EF-0B6271FA9470-10133-00000704BB785D7D_zpsb82d84a6.jpg

[fluffydd]

That's really great idea. They really seem to love it :)

[Lougarry]

Oh wow, that looks amazing...

[jesselle]

Yaaay, glad you shared :) love the mushrooms.

I have knuffs purchased too, but mind will be pretty boring wheel stands.

[GhostsInSnow]

Wow that's amazing!!! I'd love to make something like that for my hammies

[Kiki_3173]

That is so fantastic!! I love seeing people's DIY work! The hams really seem to be enjoying their new level:-)

[Julia9290]

That is so COOL! I love it!

[strawberrysmom]

WHAT!!!! Get out of town! That is amazing!!! How clever!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[StuCil]

It's brilliant! Looking so nice and neat. Lucky hams :D

[Eriklover555]

So cute! What an adorable idea!

[hlspang]

Wow that looks amazing! What a lucky little hammy! I love the little fences all around the top and the mushrooms are adorable! Great project! :)

[Biscotti]

Beautiful! That's a really awesome idea and it turned out great. :D

[Kaztrekie]

Wow that's excellent it looks terrific lucky hammy :)

[evel_lin]

aw that looks so cute! What substrate have you used on the top?

[Nikkigrace]

aw that looks so cute! What substrate have you used on the top?

It's Burgess Country Garden Herbs :) from pet supermarket

[Kissa]

I'm going to have to make one of these for Darla... do they fit a flying saucer on top? He's forever burying his :p

[Rosiefell]

That's brilliant - I would never have thought of doing that. Any excuse to go to Ikea!!

[Nikkigrace]

I'm going to have to make one of these for Darla... do they fit a flying saucer on top? He's forever burying his :p

Yeah definitely :D

[jesselle]

I'm going to have to make one of these for Darla... do they fit a flying saucer on top? He's forever burying his :p

coco has her wheel on top of hers - though hers is just the magazine holder with a side popped out lol, no fancy stuff :) but works great for a wheel stand!

[Queen Of The High Teas]

That is absolutely fantastic! Can I ask, can a Syrian fit underneath? And how wide are they?

[jesselle]

Nikki hope you don't mind, but for Kissa/anyone else:

http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh621/jessellesmith/594C990B-51C1-4E21-B6AC-17F1092C05E2-3838-00000261DC4B5BD2_zps9205f0c4.jpg
http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh621/jessellesmith/3795314F-C21F-4B6D-AD49-DDE90F9A135E-3838-00000261E20F1E8F_zpsc63b15a4.jpg

Wobbles - the dimensions are online but think they're about 10cm. You could always make legs to make it taller?

[Arraminta]

Fantastic!!!

Can't really say more then that cause it is amazing..

Minty x

[samzyzg]

This absolutely amazing. I really want to try something similar now xD It would give my Syrian something new since she's in a cage which just big enough and it would give my robo a platform which he was used to having before moving into a different cage.

[tiger_lily]

That is amazing! I love the idea of putting the herbs and mushrooms on the top too :)

[Nikkigrace]

Jess- of course I don't mind, gives more idea of what they are like :D

Wobbles- yeah they are about 10cm but putting legs on it like Jess suggested would create more space underneath.

[Kiki_3173]

I still can't get over how cute this is!!! Puts my DIY skills to shame!;-).

If you don't mind, I am going to borrow your "fence" idea for a project I've got in the works.

[indianna]

Brilliant idea!! Well done!... Makes me want to do my hammies homes different again!. Now, where's that glue lol..

[Queen Of The High Teas]

That's great, and 10cm should be just about right to make a nest under:p. Now the only downside is - I need 8 of 'em!:shock:

[Nikkigrace]

That's great, and 10cm should be just about right to make a nest under:p. Now the only downside is - I need 8 of 'em!:shock:

Well you buy the magazine holders in sets of 2 so that will help :-) you will need a lot of doweling though!!

[ILSMarki8]

Really neat idea. And with mashrooms it's absolutely amazing. I bet robos enjoy this new hut.

[Jassyb]

That is so cool, I have got to have ago at making one of those!!! Excellent idea!

[LawaRawr]

what an amazing idea, i may have to try it :D

[JBH316]

As soon as an IKEA opens nearer to me, I'm totally nicking that idea :mad:

Looks brilliant :cool:

[sully]

Very well made!

[Petite1]

Wow well done Nikkigrace thats fantastic, wheres that diy i saw yesterday......lol

[PolkaDot*Skye]

Such an amazing project, definately thinking about trying this out come payday

[Kissa]

jesselle, is that the 8" Karlie?

[Nikkigrace]

Glad it is inspiring some of you to have a go at this! It is quite easy really and I am already working on another one for my other robo :) will do it slightly different but not sure how yet!

[jesselle]

jesselle, is that the 8" Karlie?

oui oui :)

[Kiki_3173]

Nikkigrace or jesselle, can you tell me what the length of the longest side is? Thanks in advance :-)

[jesselle]

Nikkigrace or jesselle, can you tell me what the length of the longest side is? Thanks in advance :-)

31cm i think :)

[Nikkigrace]

Nikkigrace or jesselle, can you tell me what the length of the longest side is? Thanks in advance :-)

Longest side is 31cm :)

[Kiki_3173]

Thank you:-). I've got the DIY itch now...going to see if one of these might fit in Smudge's cage. We'll see though...her cage isn't huge:-(

[jesselle]

you dont really lose any space though! :)

[Nikkigrace]

You gain space more than anything!

[Queen Of The High Teas]

I so want to get some of these, but I'm not sure if ikea does delivery. Anyone know how wide they are back to front? My dwarf tanks are a foot deep.

[Kiki_3173]

I was thinking if I turn it the other way than you both have it (31cm side against the edge of the cage from back to front), it might make a nice 2nd level...instead of what I have there now (not in pic). I could put her sandbath or something up there. If I put it low enough, I might even be able to fit her wheel up there. I'll have to play with it;-). Thanks for the ideas!!

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/IKEA%20Billy%20Hack/DSCF2726_zpse435def5.jpg

[Kiki_3173]

I so want to get some of these, but I'm not sure if ikea does delivery. Anyone know how wide they are back to front? My dwarf tanks are a foot deep.

My tank is just about that size too! They said it was 31cm on the longest side.

[Nikkigrace]

Dimensions are approximately 10x25x31cm

[Queen Of The High Teas]

My tank is just about that size too! They said it was 31cm on the longest side.

Is yours an ikea billy bookcase? If so that's why it's the same size as mine:p

Dimensions are approximately 10x25x31cm

Thank you, that means they'll fit perfectly! And as they come in a pack of two, I only need four packs! So I've no excuse:mad:

[Nikkigrace]

Is yours an ikea billy bookcase? If so that's why it's the same size as mine:p



Thank you, that means they'll fit perfectly! And as they come in a pack of two, I only need four packs! So I've no excuse:mad:

It is worth just mentioning the although they come in sets of 2, one is slightly smaller at 9x24x31 cm. only lose 1cm on 2 sides and it is barely noticeable but thought I should let you know :)
I am working on the second one now and to look at, I can't tell it's smaller :)

[Kiki_3173]

Is yours an ikea billy bookcase? If so that's why it's the same size as mine:p



Thank you, that means they'll fit perfectly! And as they come in a pack of two, I only need four packs! So I've no excuse:mad:

Yes, I have a Billy Extension cage:-). You too? You need 4 sets? Are you going to put more than one in each cage?

[hikaru]

That is sooo brilliant! I need to take a trip to Ikea. ASAP! lol :D

[Queen Of The High Teas]

It is worth just mentioning the although they come in sets of 2, one is slightly smaller at 9x24x31 cm. only lose 1cm on 2 sides and it is barely noticeable but thought I should let you know :)
I am working on the second one now and to look at, I can't tell it's smaller :)

Ok thanks for that. It will probably work out better actually, for the smaller dwarf cages.

Yes, I have a Billy Extension cage:-). You too? You need 4 sets? Are you going to put more than one in each cage?

Yep, I think they make awesome cages for dwarfs:). I connected an extension to a 3 shelved billy bookcase, to make a set of four, as I couldn't find a waterproof 4 shelved bookcase for a good price. One dwarf per level, the shelves making the floor of each cage. I am also going to get another two extensions to convert into another two cages when I've saved up for my new hams. For now, their going in a bin cage just temporarily. I need 4 sets, as I have, or will have 8 hamsters, so one for each of them:).

[iwasbornwright]

Wow! That is so amazing! Looks really professional, well done! :)

[hforhammy]

a brilliant brilliant idea ! thanks !!!!

[kyrilliondaemon]

It looks really good :)
I'd never have the patience though lol

[jesselle]

other ideas! :mad:

third pic shows how you can make use of the popped out panel:

http://u.jimdo.com/www32/o/s50e2217db9be7bbf/img/i0831c6efa6a26641/1305983605/std/image.jpghttp://www.fotos-hochladen.net/uploads/sandbad3klwnfx8z3d.jpghttp://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a216/tashi123456/SelbstbauHammi_zps7b4a1e80.jpghttp://www7.pic-upload.de/19.03.12/2k87x22t6gd.jpghttp://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b10/Kaddel/Knuff.jpghttp://i50.tinypic.com/24yqsdl.jpg

[Kiki_3173]

I saw all of these last night too, jesselle! My mind is racing with ideas;-). Lol

[indianna]

Absolutly brilliant!!!.. Im off to Ikea!!!!!....

[Nikkigrace]

I saw all of these last night too, jesselle! My mind is racing with ideas;-). Lol

The possibilities are endless! Just depends how creative you are and how much time you have!! :)

[Nikkigrace]

Project ikea part 2 is coming along nicely :-)

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/9D3FF0D2-E478-444A-A906-5AA39018ADB4-2222-00000150C4045FE9_zpsc1626358.jpg

[DrKMcK]

Oh My God!!! A deck for Hammies! That is totally mindbending. And a step by step pictorial too! That is so creative. So many of you have such great ideas. :-)

[Kiki_3173]

I am SO going to IKEA tomorrow!! :-). Can't wait to be started!!!

[Kaztrekie]

Where do you find the mushrooms I have been looking but an only find big ones?

[Lougarry]

You can get the mushrooms in lots of places including LPW:
http://www.littlepetwarehouse.co.uk/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Mushrooms&categories_id=&search_in_description=1&inc_subcat=1&x=0&y=0

[Kaztrekie]

Thanks :) did nt look hard enough

[Nikkigrace]

Where do you find the mushrooms I have been looking but an only find big ones?

Thanks Lougarry :)

I got mine from pet supermarket but there's a few places

[newcastlemam]

I am defo going to have a go of making a couple of these as soon as my uni work is in lol

[purple_x]

Can I just ask where you got those little wood thingys from....the dowelings (is that what they're called?)
And what size are they, they look the perfect height to make the little fence.
Did you have to cut them down to size?

[Nikkigrace]

Can I just ask where you got those little wood thingys from....the dowelings (is that what they're called?)
And what size are they, they look the perfect height to make the little fence.
Did you have to cut them down to size?

They are called wooden dowel or doweling. I got mine from b&q and they come pre cut in packs of around 30. The size I bought was 8mm x 40mm and they were a great size for the fences :)

[GhostsInSnow]

I just had a peek on Ebay and they do packs of 200 for £5.50 :)

[Nikkigrace]

I just had a peek on Ebay and they do packs of 200 for £5.50 :)

That's great! As long as they are the right size because you can get really tiny ones.

[purple_x]

Thank you :)
I'm gonna have to look for some online because I live in the middle of nowhere and have no idea where the nearest b&q even is!

[jesselle]

ikea deliver the knuff i think :)

[newcastlemam]

ooo gonna look on ebay for the dowling will have to make sure I get the right size though

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Looks like I can try and make some of these sooner than I thought. I've just found someone selling 10 of them for £15 on eBay!! Now I know how I'll spend my time over Easter:p Anyone know what I can coat them with? Wooden floor varnish? Neat PVA? And how do you stick on the dowels?

[Nikkigrace]

Looks like I can try and make some of these sooner than I thought. I've just found someone selling 10 of them for £15 on eBay!! Now I know how I'll spend my time over Easter:p Anyone know what I can coat them with? Wooden floor varnish? Neat PVA? And how do you stick on the dowels?

Coat them in plastikote (you can buy it from B&Q). It will give it a shiny finish so you can wipe clean if you need to, and is safe for hams. Use pva glue for sticking the wooden pieces together and onto the top :)

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Coat them in plastikote (you can buy it from B&Q). It will give it a shiny finish so you can wipe clean if you need to, and is safe for hams. Use pva glue for sticking the wooden pieces together and onto the top :)

Do you mean spray plastikote? As I coated my wooden wheels with paint on stuff and their not shiny at all, and haven't stayed clean. And how do you stop the dowels coming apart whilst they dry?

[Nikkigrace]

I didn't use the spray, I used the brush on stuff. Gave it 2 coats. I gave the wooden wheels that I have 2 coats too as my robos like to wee in them, so I can wipe them out every once in a while.
The fences...takes some patience. I held two bits together until the glue had started to dry enough to hold its self. Does take time and patience but worth it in the end. The pva has held surprisingly better than I thought it would. The fences are very solid on top of the level now

[Pompompoms]

I sense an upgrade to all the poms' platforms coming, these are fantastic :D:D

[Kiki_3173]

I am well into my Knuff DIY project...thank you Nikkigrace for the idea, jesselle and strawberrysmom for cage advice:-).

[Nikkigrace]

I am well into my Knuff DIY project...thank you Nikkigrace for the idea, jesselle and strawberrysmom for cage advice:-).

Post some photos here when it's done! Look forward to seeing it :D

[Biscotti]

I love that it's setting off a trend, everyone must post theirs when they're finished so I can admire all your talented works. :D

[Nikkigrace]

I love that it's setting off a trend, everyone must post theirs when they're finished so I can admire all your talented works. :D

I love that too! I nearly didn't post it on HC at all but was persuaded to, glad I did now and definitely post any pictures in here, will be great to see them all :D :D

[GhostsInSnow]

200, 8mm x 40mm FLUTED HARDWOOD WOODEN DOWEL PIN FOR WOODWORKING | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200-8mm-x-40mm-FLUTED-HARDWOOD-WOODEN-DOWEL-PIN-FOR-WOODWORKING-/200680883634?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Nails_Fixing_MJ&hash=item2eb98345b2)

These were the ones I found, a pack of 200 for just over £5 and free postage. Great if you want to do more than one :) ...are they the size you got Nikki?

[Nikkigrace]

Yup that's the size I got I'm sure! Great price!!

[GhostsInSnow]

Great :D Thank you!!!
I got my Plastikote from Wilkos and some PVA. Gonna order the Knuff things and dowels today!!! Gonna have fun over Easter ^_^

[Luckylucy]

Wooow that looks super amaziing!! :)

[Scampi16]

That looks brill!
Might do the fence/ladder idea.
just one question, you have more than one dwarf in that cage, couldn't this extra 'level' cause fighting?. i would like to do something like that for my Robo's but scared it could cause one to become territorial over the level.

[Nikkigrace]

That looks brill!
Might do the fence/ladder idea.
just one question, you have more than one dwarf in that cage, couldn't this extra 'level' cause fighting?. i would like to do something like that for my Robo's but scared it could cause one to become territorial over the level.

It's a good point you make and having a level in a cage where there is more than one hamster is always a risk because as you say it may cause one to become territorial. It is okay in mine at the moment as its in the cage where I have a mum and her 3 pups who are only 3/4weeks old so there will be no fighting between them at the moment.

[Scampi16]

It's a good point you make and having a level in a cage where there is more than one hamster is always a risk because as you say it may cause one to become territorial. It is okay in mine at the moment as its in the cage where I have a mum and her 3 pups who are only 3/4weeks old so there will be no fighting between them at the moment.

Thanks for replying, I understand yours are mother and pups.
Do you (Other peoples comments also welcome) think that I am best to be cautious and not do something like this for my two Robo's?
i would love to do some sort of project like this for them, as the bottom would be brill for them to sleep as they just have a huge pile of bedding at moment they use. They didn't like houses and like to sleep together next to the wheels.

[kabobby]

Oh I just love it, what a creative idea. Well done, looks fantastic !:)

[Kissa]

just one question, you have more than one dwarf in that cage, couldn't this extra 'level' cause fighting?. i would like to do something like that for my Robo's but scared it could cause one to become territorial over the level.

It's a risk, yes -- not in this particular case, because it's a mum and pups, but with a typical pair, levels are not advised. However, sometimes hams ignore the rules! I know of one forum member who had a pair who fought when they had multiple wheels but were fine with one :p My personal opinion is that a low level like this, probably with multiple ramps off it, would be okay as something to put bowls or wheels on for a pair. (And by low I mean barely taller than the depth of the substrate, so it's not a level so much as wheel/bowl support and something to nest under ;))

Of course, my opinion in this is mainly based on talking to other people who have pairs and groups, rather than experience :)

[kyrilliondaemon]

Scampi - Personally I'd see it as a risk with no real benefit so I don't try it. We know the rules vary for each pair/group and we adapt our basic rules to fit each situation but I doubt we'll ever find a pair/group who're happier with a level than without so we keep levels out of cages just to be safe.

[Nikkigrace]

I think personally I will leave the level in as its been there from when they are pups and they are used to it. However, at the first sign of any problems, it will come straight out. Also as kissa says it is barely above substrate level at that end of the cage, especially now it has been in a while, so it less of a level and more of a hard surface over their bed that I can put food on :-)

[Kissa]

I need a level for wheels :lol: Darla loves digging under his flying saucer, which means I've often come in in the morning and found it's half buried! Annie's quite bad at doing it too ;)

[Nikkigrace]

I need a level for wheels :lol: Darla loves digging under his flying saucer, which means I've often come in in the morning and found it's half buried! Annie's quite bad at doing it too ;)

It'd be brilliant for that!

[GhostsInSnow]

I popped into Ikea today and picked up a pack. Gonna plastikote it tomorrow and then it's just a case of waiting for the dowels to come and gluing them...and the new cage of course haha

[StuCil]

I'm so jealous T_T we don't have ikea here in Indonesia T_T which is so sad. The closest one I can get to is in Singapore. Went there last month, too bad I didn't go to the ikea. I suppose I could buy some things there for a hamster project. I just didn't think of it, and now I'm full of regret seeing how brilliant you guys DIY-ed it! It's kinda hard to find wooden things for crafts here. Or maybe I just don't know the place *sobs

*fingers crossed I can find something similar so soon!

[Kiki_3173]

I've been diligently working on my version of the DIY Knuff platform and I have finally finished. It is certainly not as cute as Nikki's, but here it is:-)

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/IKEA%20Billy%20Hack/DSCF3053_zps2ea3f743.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/IKEA%20Billy%20Hack/DSCF3044_zps78b1d138.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/IKEA%20Billy%20Hack/DSCF3042_zps17f26a61.jpg

[Nikkigrace]

That's brilliant!!! I love it!!

[newcastlemam]

That's fab can't wait to show my DIY wilko shelf project off once its finished x

[jesselle]

Kiki that looks brilliant, really like it! X

[StuCil]

Looks just as great Kiki!!

[Kiki_3173]

Thanks everyone:-). Smudge loves the platform:-) and I really enjoyed making it! Thanks for the idea Nikkigrace:-)

[Kaztrekie]

That's looks great I have just started making the fences for mine and plasikoting some corner shelves

[Queen Of The High Teas]

To those who've used dowels, how many does it take to fit them all the way around? As they sell packs of 100 in screw fix, and I want to know how many I'll need.

That looks awesome Kiki:D

[Kiki_3173]

To those who've used dowels, how many does it take to fit them all the way around? As they sell packs of 100 in screw fix, and I want to know how many I'll need.

That looks awesome Kiki:D

It took me a little under 100 to make the fence the way I did, but I left 2 spots open/empty for the ladder and a spot open for the bridge. I'd say about 100.

[Maple]

Love it! Kiki, can you tell me what you used as the base for the bridge and ladder?

[Kiki_3173]

Love it! Kiki, can you tell me what you used as the base for the bridge and ladder?

I just used a piece of basswood from the local craft store:-) and put a clear sealant onit...just in case;-)

[Maple]

Hmm, I'll have to look around at my local Michael's. Thanks. :)

[Queen Of The High Teas]

It took me a little under 100 to make the fence the way I did, but I left 2 spots open/empty for the ladder and a spot open for the bridge. I'd say about 100.

Thanks for that:). Guess I need about ...800 then:shock:

[Nikkigrace]

To those who've used dowels, how many does it take to fit them all the way around? As they sell packs of 100 in screw fix, and I want to know how many I'll need.

That looks awesome Kiki:D

I would guess around 100-120 roughly. Depends what size you buy too

[petal10]

That's so cute!

[GhostsInSnow]

Sheldons Shelf :)
13856

[Nikkigrace]

Oh that's so cute!! It looks great! Does he like it?

[Nikkigrace]

I had to take the level out of my robos cage as I am trying to keep a trio happy without any issues and the level might have caused a problem as they got older. However it has gone to good use with my Russian dwarf boy Bert :D

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/13CF39AD-6588-455C-9A84-4A8793FD9649-1607-0000015DB3940797_zps5bbe1673.jpg

[Kiki_3173]

Sheldons Shelf :)
13856

Oh this is beautiful!! :-) Awesome job! How is Sheldon liking it?

[GhostsInSnow]

I don't know if he's been up on it yet, I haven't seen him on there. He likes to play underneath it. Next time I catch him I'll pop him up there and see what he does hehe

[jesselle]

I don't know if he's been up on it yet, I haven't seen him on there. He likes to play underneath it. Next time I catch him I'll pop him up there and see what he does hehe

that looks so lovely!

can i ask what substrate you're using? (off topic sorry)

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Hey, can someone help me please? I've got some of the knuff things supposedly arriving tomorrow (hopefully), and I want to order a load of dowels for them off amazon so they arrive quick. Can anyone whose got one of these measure or tell me how long the dowels are please, as there's so many I'm lost with them. I have one out of the shed that's 3cm, but it looks a bit short to me. Thanks in advance:).

[Nikkigrace]

Hey, can someone help me please? I've got some of the knuff things supposedly arriving tomorrow (hopefully), and I want to order a load of dowels for them off amazon so they arrive quick. Can anyone whose got one of these measure or tell me how long the dowels are please, as there's so many I'm lost with them. I have one out of the shed that's 3cm, but it looks a bit short to me. Thanks in advance:).

I used 8mm x 40mm dowel for mine :D

[Queen Of The High Teas]

I used 8mm x 40mm dowel for mine :D

Thanks:) just ordered a 1000 so I sure hope they'll do!!:p

[Noodle]

I love this idea, thank you for posting. Will be having a go when I get the chance! xx

[Nikkigrace]

Thanks:) just ordered a 1000 so I sure hope they'll do!!:p

Haha I love this!!

[GhostsInSnow]

that looks so lovely!

can i ask what substrate you're using? (off topic sorry)

Thank you
I'm using finacard at the moment :D

[Kent Hamster]

That looks so cool ! will see if I can make it sometime ! Thanks x

[Kiki_3173]

I started my second IKEA Knuff platform :-). I sanded one of the holes to be much larger, so that it can be another way into the bottom level. I also decided to use much thicker wooden dowels this time.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/DIY%20Hamster%20Items/CAM01555_zps8d4a1a82.jpg

[pixiehollow]

That is amazing!! I love it!! We don't have Ikea in the Isle of Man though :( xxx

[Kiki_3173]

That is amazing!! I love it!! We don't have Ikea in the Isle of Man though :( xxx

They can be ordered online too! :-)

[pixiehollow]

They can be ordered online too! :-)

Not seen a basket option? Just a want list?? I'm very blind when it comes to this sort of thing :mad: xxx

[pixiehollow]

They can be ordered online too! :-)

Found it thank you :) xxx

They don't ship here :( says postcode is invalid, not on mainland x

[Nikkigrace]

I started my second IKEA Knuff platform :-). I sanded one of the holes to be much larger, so that it can be another way into the bottom level. I also decided to use much thicker wooden dowels this time.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/DIY%20Hamster%20Items/CAM01555_zps8d4a1a82.jpg

This looks great!!
What size dowelling are you using for this one? And do you plastikote the floor or not? I am working on some new ones :D

[Nikkigrace]

Hey guys,

Glad everyone is enjoying this thread and it's great to see that it has inspired so many people to do their own DIY projects with it :D

I've decided that as I enjoyed making this so much, that if anyone would like one of these but for whatever reason can't do one themselves then I would be happy to make them for you and post them out, all for a reasonable price. They can be custom made in terms of what fences you want, where you want gaps in the fences for ladders/bridges etc, with or without the mushrooms. Just PM me if you are interested and we can discuss further :D :D

[Kiki_3173]

This looks great!!
What size dowelling are you using for this one? And do you plastikote the floor or not? I am working on some new ones :D

Thanks:-). I still have the top level that needs dowels.

The dowels I'm using this time are 1/2"...the previous ones were 5/16". It certainly takes less dowels, but they only come 20 to a package instead of 50 like the skinnier ones! :-)

I can't find Plastikote here in FL, so I used a child safe clear sealant all over the Knuff. My hams are litter trained, but accidents do happen;-)

[Nikkigrace]

Project ikea just got bigger! :lol: :lol: :lol:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/F924AADD-9289-4F36-B23E-8B88615EBE20-446-000000203CD92967_zps056c1b4c.jpg

[ElliotHamsterHeart]

Hehe looking forward to the creations already xxx

[Nikkigrace]

Hehe looking forward to the creations already xxx

:lol: they aren't for me, I'm just making and selling them for a few other people on here, so they will look much the same but it's still fun doing it all again!! :D

[Kissa]

I just tried to "like" this post :p I've spent too long on facebook!

[Nikkigrace]

I just tried to "like" this post :p I've spent too long on facebook!

Hahaha this really made me laugh!!

[sully]

I just tried to "like" this post :p I've spent too long on facebook!

I also keep trying to do this recently...... they also do it on another site im on aswell as facebook. :)

[Noodle]

I just tried to "like" this post :p I've spent too long on facebook!

Haha I keep doing the same! Should be a feature on here :p

[robolove]

I was looking for a way to make a platform for my hamsters because the one the cage originally came with was kind of ugly. These platforms look amazing!

[Queen Of The High Teas]

I love this thread:p It's one of my favourites on here, as its lovely to see people's work:).

The knuff files I bought off eBay have finally been collected today, hopefully for deliver tomorrow, so with a bit of luck I can get started! I've got 8 to do so its gong to take a while before everyone has one I should think. The mega sized bag of dowels need to arrive first though. Will PVA be ok to coat them? I'm planning on putting bedding on them too , so it should act as an absorbent anyway, but I do want to coat them.

[Nikkigrace]

I love this thread:p It's one of my favourites on here, as its lovely to see people's work:).

The knuff files I bought off eBay have finally been collected today, hopefully for deliver tomorrow, so with a bit of luck I can get started! I've got 8 to do so its gong to take a while before everyone has one I should think. The mega sized bag of dowels need to arrive first though. Will PVA be ok to coat them? I'm planning on putting bedding on them too , so it should act as an absorbent anyway, but I do want to coat them.

I'm so glad people are enjoying this thread. I wasn't even going to put this on here as I wasn't sure who would be interested, but I'm glad I was persuaded to now.
I didn't actually coat my fences with anything. I plastikoted the levels but left the fences as they were. However if you want to coat them in something then pva would be fine. I think you can even water it down if it is being used as a sealant rather than a glue so it will go further then too :D
I currently have a list of 9 that I'm making for other people so I too will be working on these for some time now!! ;)

[Biscotti]

I've decided that as I enjoyed making this so much, that if anyone would like one of these but for whatever reason can't do one themselves then I would be happy to make them for you and post them out, all for a reasonable price. They can be custom made in terms of what fences you want, where you want gaps in the fences for ladders/bridges etc, with or without the mushrooms. Just PM me if you are interested and we can discuss further :D :D

I wish you weren't so far from me! Or I'd order one (or six :lol:) from you in a heart beat.

I'm really inspired by this thread though, I may have to challenge my patience and make one next time I take a trip to Ikea. :)

[Nikkigrace]

Biscotti - Never say never!! Anything is possible!

I feel like I am running a small factory from my bedroom at the moment!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/23D07629-813A-4E36-B1BF-92E0408DF727-1069-000000E8A3826FE1_zpse2f7adf1.jpg

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Ok,thanks, I won't coat the dowels then:) Probably take long enough to just stick them in place anyway:p

Your room looks like a little workshop! You should make them to sell on eBay, I'm sure if they were packaged up well they would be ship-able:)

After a couple of deliveries this morning, looks like I have myself a project for a while:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/image_zps26bbf65e.jpg

[Kiki_3173]

I wish you weren't so far from me! Or I'd order one (or six :lol:) from you in a heart beat.

I'm really inspired by this thread though, I may have to challenge my patience and make one next time I take a trip to Ikea. :)

Biscotti...if you really want a platform...I know someone that makes them, that owes you a favor! ;-). Hehehe

[Oshawott]

These look brilliant!

Might have to give this a go soon. :)

[Nikkigrace]

Wobbles - I think my HC orders will keep me going for now! But maybe I should look at eBay in a few months when these are all done.

Biscotti- as I said in pm, I'm sure we could arrange me doing 1 (or 6 lol) for you. They would just need well packaging. But looks like you have a closer to home offer to consider first ;)

[Posy123]

This is such a lovely project and one I am going to enjoy making with my kids. I will never look at Ikea products in the same light again! Thanks for sharing. Just found this site and already 2 wonderful ideas to keep both my kids and our hamster happy! :)

[Nikkigrace]

This is such a lovely project and one I am going to enjoy making with my kids. I will never look at Ikea products in the same light again! Thanks for sharing. Just found this site and already 2 wonderful ideas to keep both my kids and our hamster happy! :)

That's great to hear! Would be good if you can post photos of the finished product, it's always nice to see people's own take on it! I hope you and your kids have great fun making it! :D

[Queen Of The High Teas]

I'm hoping to get started on these tomorrow but I've hit a slight problem - I can't pry them apart!:mad:

I'm trying to remove one side, but I don't wan't to pull it suddenly in case they snap completely, but they won't come undone! Would tapping with a hammer work? Or for those who've managed to do it, how?

[Biscotti]

Biscotti...if you really want a platform...I know someone that makes them, that owes you a favor! ;-). Hehehe

Biscotti- as I said in pm, I'm sure we could arrange me doing 1 (or 6 lol) for you. They would just need well packaging. But looks like you have a closer to home offer to consider first ;)

Awww! Thanks you guys for the offer, I'm speechless. :D:D I've given Kiki a pm about it. /happydance

[Nikkigrace]

I'm hoping to get started on these tomorrow but I've hit a slight problem - I can't pry them apart!:mad:

I'm trying to remove one side, but I don't wan't to pull it suddenly in case they snap completely, but they won't come undone! Would tapping with a hammer work? Or for those who've managed to do it, how?
Have you managed it yet?
Just force it...I loosened one side first and then just pulled it hard

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Have you managed it yet?
Just force it...I loosened one side first and then just pulled it hard

I couldn't so I got my brother to do it for me:p. They were pretty tightly jammed together.. He hit them with a hammer to loosen them up then sort of wrenched them apart.

[Kiki_3173]

I couldn't so I got my brother to do it for me:p. They were pretty tightly jammed together.. He hit them with a hammer to loosen them up then sort of wrenched them apart.

Mine were kind of like a bandaid...just had to rip real quick!!!! :-)

[Jessicaxo]

This is just phenomenal!!

Once I get money I am heading to Ikea! I have never been there before! I know everyone buys lots of awesome stuff from there so I am planning on looking at things to use for the hammies!!

[Jessicaxo]

Also can anyone show me a picture of the plastikote container? I'm unsure if we have them here in BC, Can.

[HarrisonTheHamster]

What is the grass looking stuff? Is it grass or some type of hamster safe grass? I'm asking bc this is my first hamster as an adult. I had two when I was a kid. But never made anything for them.

[countrygirl]

Wow absolutely amazing! I am so going to try and make one of these!

[Nikkigrace]

What is the grass looking stuff? Is it grass or some type of hamster safe grass? I'm asking bc this is my first hamster as an adult. I had two when I was a kid. But never made anything for them.

If you read further back in the thread, someone else asked and I answered it but I can't remember off the top of my head what it's called.

[HarrisonTheHamster]

If you read further back in the thread, someone else asked and I answered it but I can't remember off the top of my head what it's called.

Found it on page 2 of the forum. It's burgrass country herbs or something along those lines. Thanks agian and sorry about that. 😜 Can't wait to make one for Harrison!!

[Kiki_3173]

Here is my 2nd platform I made. It's a bit different than the last! Smudge loves the enlarged hole at the side:-)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/DIY%20Hamster%20Items/20130412183504174_zpseec05a25.png (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/Kiki_3173/media/DIY%20Hamster%20Items/20130412183504174_zpseec05a25.png.html)

Here she is trying it out:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/Lil%20Smudge/DSCF3192_zps4af3f5f9.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/Kiki_3173/media/Lil%20Smudge/DSCF3192_zps4af3f5f9.jpg.html) http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/Lil%20Smudge/DSCF3191_zps6cbb11ef.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/Kiki_3173/media/Lil%20Smudge/DSCF3191_zps6cbb11ef.jpg.html)



She hasn't quite got the idea of the "door" on the bottom yet though! lol
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s208/Kiki_3173/Lil%20Smudge/DSCF3242_zpsa798987d.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/Kiki_3173/media/Lil%20Smudge/DSCF3242_zpsa798987d.jpg.html)

[Nikkigrace]

That is actually incredible! I love it!!!
And that last photo of Smudge is hilarious :lol:

[evel_lin]

Oh Smudge! LOL!

[Carlyluker]

I am so going to try and give this a go one day soon! You're so clever x

[Nikkigrace]

I am so going to try and give this a go one day soon! You're so clever x

Haha, I just have a creative side!

Be careful with giving it to a pair...make sure you have 2 exits off the top of the level so one doesn't trap the other :)

[pixiehollow]

200, 8mm x 40mm FLUTED HARDWOOD WOODEN DOWEL PIN FOR WOODWORKING | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200-8mm-x-40mm-FLUTED-HARDWOOD-WOODEN-DOWEL-PIN-FOR-WOODWORKING-/200680883634?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Nails_Fixing_MJ&hash=item2eb98345b2)

These were the ones I found, a pack of 200 for just over £5 and free postage. Great if you want to do more than one :) ...are they the size you got Nikki?

Just ordered these :D

[LokiWolf]

This looks really cool! I might try something like this. We have a ton of Knuffs in the garage. My parents got them years ago when the Knuff was pretty cheap over here, but I recently looked at them on IKEA's website saw they really marked them up, they're like $10 now!

I won't give it to the boys as I don't know how they'll react to a platform and I don't want fighting. The girls on the other hand might enjoy it as they've never fought when I made cardboard platforms and stuff for them in the past, they even got upset with me when I tossed their favorite one out. But I'd have to make a nice safe ramp or half burry it as Charlotte may have trouble with it. If anything I'll just take a side off and put it that detached side in for the FS to stand on as they tend to burry that.

[Victoriah107]

Amazing! So creative! Your hammies seem to like the new diggs :) Lucky hammies, happy Mom :)

[pixiehollow]

Soon as everything arrived I had to start lol. Some areas still drying but here it is so far. There is a double bridge/ramp for the front that is still drying. Half bridge on the side that will on top of a climbing cube that I will get from p@h tomorrow hopefully. Bottom is a hideout :) xxx

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/laurasliluns/268AB404-70DD-4A22-97DF-85EC593A4A08-5602-000007D7A3F6B840_zpscef14332.jpg

[Nikkigrace]

Amazing!!!

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Well I finally finished these last night, so after letting the last of the glue set I spent all this morning setting them up:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3533_zps63f50e99.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3533_zps63f50e99.jpg.html)

Willow's:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3547_zpsdf4f1546.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3547_zpsdf4f1546.jpg.html)

Holly's:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3551_zps4f0bc2da.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3551_zps4f0bc2da.jpg.html)

Ivy's:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3550_zps40db83f5.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3550_zps40db83f5.jpg.html)

Orlando's:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3545_zps7cc686b8.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3545_zps7cc686b8.jpg.html)

These are temporary setups until my money has recovered itself enough to buy another two Ikea Billy's, but just to give an idea of what their like in the Wilko's 62 bin.

Kyte's:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3541_zps23a4411a.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3541_zps23a4411a.jpg.html)

Twilight's:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3537_zps92110564.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3537_zps92110564.jpg.html)

A side on view in a bin:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3538_zps7971202a.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3538_zps7971202a.jpg.html)

And the Syrian's vivs, though again, when the bank balance is better I want to get some more toys, though their favourite things are stuff they can chew up and destroy:p:

Summer's:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3657_zpsc100e2f5.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3657_zpsc100e2f5.jpg.html)

Sunny's:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/DarkWillow1630/IMG_3658_zps8b24fc22.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/DarkWillow1630/media/IMG_3658_zps8b24fc22.jpg.html)

It took me just over a week to do all of these from start to finish, that's working on them nearly every afternoon since last sunday. After prizing one of the sides off I decided instead of wasting it, to make another higher shelf out of it, so I ended up doing sixteen in all, and it took 1448 dowels to do everything! I ran out of them twice and have now completely cleared my local hardware shop of them:mad: I just hope they don't chew them!

[Nikkigrace]

Oh my god, Wobbles I'm so impressed!!! They look absolutely incredible! And you made them on mass too!!! You should be very pleased as your hammy a cages look great with them :-)

[pixiehollow]

Wow! That's incredible! Makes me want more to try the extra haha! Nikki has made one for my Tinker and the one I did is for Silvermists new cage :) thought 194 dowel was alot, but wow! 1448!! Xx

[Kissa]

Oh wow Wobbles, that is a lot! Some serious dedication for all your hams to have the same things there ;)

[Kiki_3173]

Holy Cow, Wobbles...now that is DIY:-). Those look fantastic! You have some very lucky hams;-)

[Petite1]

Some one on ebay are selling these, any one from hc by any chance?

[Amethyst_ice]

how very creative, wonderful x

[DrKMcK]

Those things are beautiful. Wobbles, I'm stunned! You guys are really talented. These are things companies would buy. Something to consider. :-D Great work!

[Wylie]

Very creative people on here! I am awed and amazed at these, fantastic! I am not creative at all and not very talented at making things BUT I think I might have to try this soon as I can afford to.

[jesselle]

This took about 15 mins minus drying time. Simple wheel platform for Haku, who keeps burying his wheel :)

http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh621/jessellesmith/F0508EAF-0766-44F7-85CD-3AE1308A9833-1864-0000015C19386526_zpsac198a81.jpg

[Ilovehamsters]

Wow these are all really good! :D

[Amethyst_ice]

i think nikki certainly started something here!

[jesselle]

i think nikki certainly started something here!

I was a behind the scenes founder ;) but Nikki actually had the get up and go and creative flair to make them!

[Nikkigrace]

i think nikki certainly started something here!

Can't believe how much this has started actually!! Its great! :D :D :D

[robolove]

Can't believe how much this has started actually!! Its great! :D :D :D

Yeah it is! I saw your platform a couple of weeks ago and I made one today that was inspired by yours too. Didn't use an Ikea Knuff but I wouldn't have thought of using wooden dowels for a fence if I hadn't saw what you did ^_^

Here's my platform:
http://dwarfhamsterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/leave-a-gap-for-entrance.jpg

[Nikkigrace]

That looks great! What did you use to make it?

[sully]

Well done everyone!

[Nikkigrace]

This is what my afternoon looked like....

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/389BA0F4-9E0F-4B61-B855-F946451A03D9-1529-00000150CD1D2BD9_zps96c62264.jpg

[GhostsInSnow]

HAHA I went to Ikea on Wednesday and bought some more Knuff things too xD

[robolove]

That looks great! What did you use to make it?

Corkboard (it was supposed to be a noticeboard kind of thing) + Wooden dowels + thick cylindrical wood sticks for the legs ^_^
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BI8IaCfCMAA9o2L.jpg:large

[robolove]

This is what my afternoon looked like....

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/389BA0F4-9E0F-4B61-B855-F946451A03D9-1529-00000150CD1D2BD9_zps96c62264.jpg

That's a huge packet of dowels!

[hikaru]

Corkboard (it was supposed to be a noticeboard kind of thing) + Wooden dowels + thick cylindrical wood sticks for the legs ^_^
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BI8IaCfCMAA9o2L.jpg:large

whoa, that's a GREAT idea!

that corkboard makes me think of this ikea thingie which you put on the table to place hot frying pans on etc.

HEAT Trivet - IKEA (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/87077700/)

[LolaMcMuffin]

Corkboard (it was supposed to be a noticeboard kind of thing) + Wooden dowels + thick cylindrical wood sticks for the legs ^_^
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BI8IaCfCMAA9o2L.jpg:large

That is amazing!!!

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Robolove, that round platform is amazing, I love it!:D never thought of making a circular one!

Nikki, I see you've done those dowels the sensible way, unlike me, who put them one on top of the other lengthwise, the got incredibly frustrated because they kept rolling back off:p the way your doing them is far better and a lot easier too!

[Nikkigrace]

:) I quickly realised that if I glue 4 together and stand them up, that they are much less fiddly than any other way of doing it. Only thing is, I have to turn them all over every couple of minutes for about 15 mins otherwise all the glue falls to the bottom!! Then once the 4 are dry, I glue one on top :D

I made 62 little fences, like those above, at the weekend and I'm actually getting quicker and quicker at it! It's great!!

[DkHamters]

WOOOOOW.. that is amazing :o:p:p thats a very good idea :D LOVE IT!!!

[pixiehollow]

LOVE the round ones too! Gonna have to start making these platforms before I've even got the cages haha! x

[kimlck]

wow Wobbles,
I think I just might have to pinch that idea from you... we already have a "NikkiGrace" with one knuff left over, methinks a "Wobbles" is next

[CAtrin]

I like that I can see a few ways I can use the file boxes

[Nikkigrace]

It's been a busy afternoon for me today! I am ALMOST (but not quite) caught up on orders for people!!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/null_zpsbc125bd4.jpg

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Those are amazing! Looks like you've had a busy Sunday :D

[Gazmo]

amazing, i wish i was your hammys! :D

[Nikkigrace]

amazing, i wish i was your hammys! :D

I can make you one if you like. None of those in that picture are staying here, they are all for orders that will be going out to other people soon.
PM me if your interested :)

[LavoChain]

These are wonderful, such a clever idea! They'd be lovely for the rescue dwarves as they're so cost effective, they can even take them with them to them new homes! I usually have issues with wooden things as I won't share them between hamsters, I love this board. :D

[Nikkigrace]

I should point out that the flat ones are having legs put on them when i deliver them to the home they are going to, so that they are the height that is required to fit in with other accessories in the cages they are going in :D

[vanilla-yazoo]

Can I just ask if you are selling these on ebay, I saw photos of a shelf just like your robo one with the mushrooms on it, for £10 i think it was, if it is, then awesome :D

[Nikkigrace]

Can I just ask if you are selling these on ebay, I saw photos of a shelf just like your robo one with the mushrooms on it, for £10 i think it was, if it is, then awesome :D

I am, and eBay people seen to be loving them as much as on here :lol: hence the ridiculous amount of orders! :D

[vanilla-yazoo]

that is awesome!! :D I just thought I better check :) not that others cant use the idea but as it had the mushrooms on too :)
I might have to attempt making some/buying some after my move! :D
glad the orders are going well!

[Amethyst_ice]

production line! When are you opening the factory? ;) xxx

[Nikkigrace]

I actually think I need an apprentice! Hahahaaa!!

[Amethyst_ice]

offer some interships ;)

[Nikkigrace]

Haha, I could do with a spare room for the space i need and another pair of hands for the amount of work! It's quite therapeutic though actually!

[Amethyst_ice]

I love making things, they are looking great though, you'll be making bunk beds next ;) x

[Nikkigrace]

Hamster bunk beds?! You might be onto something there ;)

[Amethyst_ice]

for those little robos that need their own space ;)

[Nikkigrace]

Haha, il have to make a 3 tier bunk bed for mine :mad:

[Amethyst_ice]

beds for everyone!

[Kissa]

I just want to publicly thank you for Darla's ;) He loves nesting under it! :D

http://imageshack.us/a/img213/4125/20130511110017.jpg

[Nikkigrace]

Awwww you are more than welcome!! I'm glad Darla likes it :D little cutie

[Littleali21]

Hi

I have only just officially joined this forum, but have been lurking for a while! I seen this thread about a week ago and fell in love with the idea.

I am not picking new hammy up for another week, so it's not quite ready yet! But here is my attempt. Not too happy with the colour it came out, but figure once the grass is on it won't be too bad.

Can I ask where you got the grass like stuff from? Been a couple of places and had no luck!

Thanks for the inspiration x

[Nikkigrace]

That looks great, I'm sure your ham will love it when you get one :)

The green stuff is burgess country garden herbs which the ham can eat. I got mine from petsupermarket website! :D

[Littleali21]

Thanks Hun!! I shall take a look x

[Littleali21]

Hi. I couldn't find the burgess country herbs. Do you know if woodlands dandelion feast would be ok for a Syrian? Thanks in advance

[Nikkigrace]

This is what I bought...
Burgess Excel Nature Snacks Country Garden Herbs by (http://m.pet-supermarket.co.uk/Products/CA3017/burgess-excel-nature-snacks-country-garden-herbs)

But I do think dandelion feast would be okay too :D

Hope that helps

[Nikkigrace]

My bedroom went from production line to packaging factory yesterday! 6 platforms going out today, 3 in the box on the left, 2 in the box in the middle, and 1 in the box on the right! The 5 flat platforms are being hand delivered and the one on the right I just need to find a box for then I will FINALLY be caught up on all orders :-D

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o259/nikki282/null_zpsd60f3a9c.jpg

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Those look amazing Nikki, must have taken you ages! These have to be the best hamster cage idea ever, if HC did a hammy awards they would hands down win "most innovative idea":D

[samzyzg]

I have almost everything i need to try one of my own, excited to try :3

[Nikkigrace]

Those look amazing Nikki, must have taken you ages! These have to be the best hamster cage idea ever, if HC did a hammy awards they would hands down win "most innovative idea":D

Aww that's so sweet of you to say :-) I'm really pleased that they are inspiring so many people! And keeping me busy too :D

[Biscotti]

Wow Nikki, that's super impressive! :D I can't believe your patience in working on so many. :lol:

Thanks to your inspiration, I finally went to Ikea and grabbed a package of Knuff this weekend. I only had enough dowel pins to complete 2 platforms (made another order just this afternoon), so I can finally come in and say I have one now too, lol. :lol::lol:

Gave it to Raster and Bailey since they've been through the "boring cage" introduction phase and can use an upgrade now. Hopefully they'll be ok, but we shall see.

I had wanted to paint the "wall" panel into some sort of brick wall look since the nooks reminds me of a castle wall, but I couldn't wait. Maybe some other time. :p
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p114/karucookie/Hamster%20Cage%20Tours/RasterBailey_20130520_knuff_zps4d0fea75.jpg

[Hamtastic]

These are wonderful!! Im so making a few next time I go to IKEA!!

[Nikkigrace]

I love that biscotti!!! I also considered getting a bit more creative with them and possibly painting them but I haven't had chance to make myself another one yet with all the others I've been doing. I'm moving house soon but maybe once I'm moved I'll get my creative hat on and see what I can come up with ;-)

Hamtastic...I look forward to seeing them :D

[lexie672]

I am totally stealing this idea for my little girl :) I want a natural looking cage full of wooden stuff... so the level in the Alaska is coming out and will be replaced with something like this..... thank you so much for sharing! I will post piccies when done! :)

[robolove]

Wow Nikki, that's super impressive! :D I can't believe your patience in working on so many. :lol:

Thanks to your inspiration, I finally went to Ikea and grabbed a package of Knuff this weekend. I only had enough dowel pins to complete 2 platforms (made another order just this afternoon), so I can finally come in and say I have one now too, lol. :lol::lol:

Gave it to Raster and Bailey since they've been through the "boring cage" introduction phase and can use an upgrade now. Hopefully they'll be ok, but we shall see.

I had wanted to paint the "wall" panel into some sort of brick wall look since the nooks reminds me of a castle wall, but I couldn't wait. Maybe some other time. :p
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p114/karucookie/Hamster%20Cage%20Tours/RasterBailey_20130520_knuff_zps4d0fea75.jpg

I love your platform! It looks so natural and the Acorn (is that an acorn?) house looks really cute there :D

[Nikkigrace]

I am totally stealing this idea for my little girl :) I want a natural looking cage full of wooden stuff... so the level in the Alaska is coming out and will be replaced with something like this..... thank you so much for sharing! I will post piccies when done! :)

Look forward to seeing them :-)

[Queen Of The High Teas]

Wow Nikki, that's super impressive! :D I can't believe your patience in working on so many. :lol:

Thanks to your inspiration, I finally went to Ikea and grabbed a package of Knuff this weekend. I only had enough dowel pins to complete 2 platforms (made another order just this afternoon), so I can finally come in and say I have one now too, lol. :lol::lol:

Gave it to Raster and Bailey since they've been through the "boring cage" introduction phase and can use an upgrade now. Hopefully they'll be ok, but we shall see.

I had wanted to paint the "wall" panel into some sort of brick wall look since the nooks reminds me of a castle wall, but I couldn't wait. Maybe some other time. :p
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p114/karucookie/Hamster%20Cage%20Tours/RasterBailey_20130520_knuff_zps4d0fea75.jpg

That's brill Biscotti:) Its great the way you've turned it the other way around to make a higher wall along the edges. Love the creativeness with these!

[Nikkigrace]

There are so many possibilities! :D

[Kirsty1987]

These are amazing :D I'm going to be ordering some stuff so i can make some at the end of the month hopefully :) I bet ikea are wondering why there has suddenly been a huge demand for the knuff ;) and does anyone know if this glue is safe to use High Quality Elmers 118Ml Multi Purpose Non Toxic Bonding Glue All Bottle Tube | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130905271515?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649)

[Biscotti]

and does anyone know if this glue is safe to use High Quality Elmers 118Ml Multi Purpose Non Toxic Bonding Glue All Bottle Tube | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130905271515?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649)

That's safe to use, I use it myself. :) I think this is the one that all the school uses for young children.

[Pilgrim77]

I'm going to go to Ikea at the weekend and give this a go I think. Anyone know where you'd be able to get some cylindrical wood, like stilts to put it on like I saw in some pics? Would like to prop it up a bit.

[xlauraxjanex]

That's awesome! given me some inspiration as I'd like to start building my hammie a homemade cage x:D

[Grubbbery]

These are absolutely amazing. I'm never going to a pet shop again when it comes to building platforms and homes when such amazing custom platforms can be made! I'm going to give my ham as creative a home as I can afford after seeing this :D

Is PVA glue completely safe adhesive for hamsters or do you have to keep an eye on how close they get to the glued areas?

[Nikkigrace]

I'm going to go to Ikea at the weekend and give this a go I think. Anyone know where you'd be able to get some cylindrical wood, like stilts to put it on like I saw in some pics? Would like to prop it up a bit.

Try some DIY stores, I'm sure you will find something there :) or craft shops maybe!

[Nikkigrace]

These are absolutely amazing. I'm never going to a pet shop again when it comes to building platforms and homes when such amazing custom platforms can be made! I'm going to give my ham as creative a home as I can afford after seeing this :D

Is PVA glue completely safe adhesive for hamsters or do you have to keep an eye on how close they get to the glued areas?

Thanks :-)

PVA is absolutely fine. Had no issues using it for the many platforms for many hams that I've made!

[LokiWolf]

I'm a bit upset, I really wanted to do this project and give it to Scarlett, but I ran into a problem. Last weekend, we cleaned out the garage and I found all the extra Knuffs we had that were in there not being used for anything. I was pretty excited, until I looked closely inside one and saw someone had put glue on the edges to keep them together. I looked at all of them to see if they all had been glued, they all were. I decided to leave them in the garage as I wasn't sure if I could knock out a side without the wood splintering (I don't know how strong the glue is, but it didn't give any when I tried tugging on a side). I rather not destroy all them trying.

I could always pick up a pair if we go back to IKEA, but they cost a lot more now than they did years ago.