Impossible to spot clean + biting bars - Page 2

Pebbles82 · 02-24-2020, 03:32 PM

I found they only burrow if they don't find the house suitable or big enough

Given a big house that's dark inside and enough space to build a large nest they tend to just move in. It mimics an underground burrow but makes it easier for us to spot clean/empty the potty by taking the roof off - and nicer for them too,

The raised lids Ria mentioned are a good idea. If you don't mind a bit of diy. It's basically a lid with sides - anything from 4" sides to 12" sides - so the lid becomes a kind of box that sits on the tank top.

Here are some

The first three look very ambitious to me! Skill! The second one on the second row (on my pc anyway) looks easier to make - raised by about 4 to 6".

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=de...iw=786&bih=356

peculiarplanets · 02-25-2020, 12:42 AM

Thanks for the suggestions all! I'll see if I can convince my dad to make me a raised lid. I'm not great with such DIYs sadly. I'll give the shoebox house a try as well

Ria P · 02-25-2020, 01:06 AM

If you do go for a raised lid it may be a good idea to use perspex or thin wood like ply for the sides instead of mesh so she won't be able to climb it. It should be possible to adjust the existing lid.

Pebbles82 · 02-25-2020, 02:45 AM

How big is her tank? Despite trying to escape she does get out of cage time and if you were thinking of upgrading her to something bigger then might be best to think about all the costs and effort involved etc before making the raised lid

. For some hamsters, no cage is big enough though. I would try adding the house first as she may settle. Or may still try and get out.

peculiarplanets · 02-26-2020, 11:42 AM

Her tank is 100x50cm. I've already asked my dad if he can make a bigger cage. I feel like she needs it. She actually just escaped again and I had to retrieve her from the closet.. again..

Ria P · 02-26-2020, 11:46 AM

100cmx50cm is a really good sized tank and its beautifully furnished.
How exactly does she manage to escape? Couldn't you secure the lid by weighing it down with a couple of books?

peculiarplanets · 02-26-2020, 01:25 PM

I swear I have a little she-hulk because it IS weighed down with books. I just added another book so I hope she'll stay put this time. She's just a really talented escape artist it seems

Pebbles82 · 02-26-2020, 01:47 PM

Goodness! Once they get out they keep trying! It becomes a game. It is difficult to know what would be best. 100 x 50 is a good size. I was wondering about the Alexander cage - same size but two levels and pretty escape-proof. But she might bar chew.

Did you try adding the house yet? Yes they can be surprisingly strong and determined. You could try a detolf if you have the space - a lot more space in it. You’d have the same issue with the lids although you could bolt them together with a small bolt. I think I saw one owner using large bungee cords to fasten round the tank and lid.

Pebbles82 · 02-26-2020, 01:48 PM

This kind of thing. You need to handle then with care so they don’t spring off and hit you in the face when removing.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Taylor-Tool...=bungee&sr=8-1

peculiarplanets · 02-26-2020, 02:04 PM

I haven't had time to add the house yet, as I need to craft it first. Am hoping to do that this Sunday. I'm seeing my dad this Saturday so I'll ask him about making a cage. I might have space for the detolf but my dad is very skilled as well, so I've asked him if he might be able to make a slightly bigger cage. He's also looking into better lids for me