Hamster feet (paw?) sizes

[hamsterdesign]

Hi! This is a pretty specific questions, but I'm looking for some resources on the range of sizes of hamster feet. Also, I read somewhere that metal mesh is really bad for hamster environment– any idea about why that is specifically? As in, are they more likely to chew it, or get hurt by it in another specific way?

Thanks!

[AmityvilleHams]

The why for one reason is because any form of metal mesh can contribute significantly to bumblefoot. It isn't the only cause, but it is one of the easiest to completely eliminate from any hamster's environment. Mesh things in the cage can also catch tiny nails and rip them off potentially, which is obviously not a nice thing and could lead to a pet bleeding out in the worst case scenario if you aren't able to stop the bleeding. This means no mesh wheels, no mesh platforms, etc. It would also apply to basically any small pet, and even though some people in some pet communities may be in denial of the dangers they are absolutely present for all small pets.

There are many toe and nail injury risk factors to avoid completely for pets in general though(including hamsters). Some examples are hamster balls(which have numerous other risks and ethical problems), toys with chains, and ladders with gaps. Another injury risk is general foot injury, and one highly overlooked example that I've even found in my own personal experience are metal bottle holders used inside of tanks and similar enclosures.

[Engel]

Nails and toes can be trapped causing issues as well as a factor in bumblefoot. Also rusting may be an issues health wise.

Only way I can see mesh being ok is if in a roof panel to provide ventilation (bin cage) or to cover roof bars of a cage where the bars are too wide.

AmityVilleHams what happened with the metal hotel holders and how? Never heard anything bad happening with them and the fact I've got one myself. Is this something I need to watch? I mean I've just upgraded to the zoozone and the bottles on the outside but was going to attach it inside

[AmityvilleHams]

For bin cages and such, yes, you can still use mesh for ventilation. That has never been the issue if properly sized(not too large for escape risk reasons, but I would also caution owners to be wary of very small mesh or bar spacing as well for the potential of getting teeth stuck as seen in gerbils).

If the metal holders get climbed on(which is very likely), they can cut tiny hamster feet. For obvious reasons that's a pretty big concern.

My preferred solution would be just using strong velcro and attaching the bottle with that directly to the side of the cage. Safely sized water bowls can also be a good solution, and others have had some creative ideas for DIY bottle holders.

[Engel]

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

For bin cages and such, yes, you can still use mesh for ventilation. That has never been the issue if properly sized(not too large for escape risk reasons, but I would also caution owners to be wary of very small mesh or bar spacing as well for the potential of getting teeth stuck as seen in gerbils).

If the metal holders get climbed on(which is very likely), they can cut tiny hamster feet. For obvious reasons that's a pretty big concern.

My preferred solution would be just using strong velcro and attaching the bottle with that directly to the side of the cage. Safely sized water bowls can also be a good solution, and others have had some creative ideas for DIY bottle holders.

Not sure how safe water bowls are as I'm sure my ham would sit in it... but I get what you mean

[hamsterdesign]

Thanks for everyone's replies!