Cocoa boxes?

[JLPrairie]

Are Hershey's cocoa boxes safe for hamsters? I would wash them, thoroughly peel off the paper-sticker cover thingy, and take off the outside sticker. I'm thinking of using it as a hideaway, since Titania doesn't seem to be enjoying any tall hideaways.

[cypher]

Provided you can remove every tiny trace of cocoa & are just left with cardboard it should be ok but might still be better to find a box that didn't contain a toxic substance in the first place.

[Drago]

Like cypher said, as long as all traces have been removed, there should be no issue with it. If you're really worried, skimp out on this particular box altogether. You can always get different kinds just in case :)

[AmityvilleHams]

I'd go with a DIY popsicle stick or wood hideout instead.You'd know for certain what is used on them,including any chemicals which may not be labelled that could have come into contact with the boxes :( Plus if it is cardboard you'd have no idea what dyes are used,which even if they're nontoxic to humans doesn't mean they're nontoxic to hamsters so better safe than sorry!

You could also probably find some wood hideouts in pet stores that are a good size for dwarf hamsters.Or,you could try out alternative materials like resin reptile hideouts which are generally quite short which is great in this case.Bendable bridges can work too,or if you want another durable hide option Kaytee make terracotta tunnels which I've only seen at Petsupermarket.They're very nice hides though,with a nicely textured top surface that makes it even easier to use as a platform to scatter food on so it does have more than one purpose!

Possibly have a look in the fish section of pet stores too,at least for resin items.Along with that,reptile half logs can be just as good as bendy bridges but offer a nice alternative texture!I've seen resin versions and natural wood versions,but you do need to make sure the specific brand being purchased uses safe wood.They come in a huge variety of sizes,and the dwarf sized ones shouldn't be too expensive.Natural coconut hides can work too,as long as the opening and overall size are appropriate.