Making my own natural set-ups

Munchalot · 08-06-2013, 01:46 PM

So I really want to set Todd and Finley's bin cages up as a natural/rustic theme, as I really don't like the look of plastic, bars and bright colours.

I have some bits and bobs, including Play Stix bridges, the Karlie wooden wheels for a more natural theme, natural baked stones, sticks and leaves, log tunnels, a corn tunnel and some other bits.
There are some things I could use some advice on...

Does anyone know if mopani wood sold for reptiles is safe for hams? And I would like to dry out some moss and stick it to some tunnels and stuff to make it look more natural. What mosses could I use? Is sphagnum moss sold for reptiles and amphibians safe to use?

I'd also like to make a couple of box/platforms that I can use as a nest box but can put the wheels on top of. I can't seem to find any good wooden boxes, has anyone here made some homemade boxes that are easy and cheap to make? What materials did you use? I was thinking of picking up some childrens play blocks and making some platforms by sticking them together with non-toxic PVA.

Any tips or pics of other peoples DIY would be much appreciated!

Queen Of The High Teas · 08-06-2013, 02:22 PM

Have a look at this thread:

Project IKEA - Platform/Level

for a platform. Plenty of space to sleep under and fit a wheel on top

And you won't get non-toxic PVA. PVA is PVA, whether its the white stuff used in schools, sold in the art and craft section or found in the diy section of a builder's yard, it's all the exact same stuff

mouseandstrawberry · 08-07-2013, 08:38 AM

Yes that wood is fine hun.

I use dry spagnum moss for my gerbils, they love using it for their nest and never throw it out of their bed. They don't chew it i think because its super soft.

The bird sections have lots of wood branches, you can just take the bolt off and they look great and they enjoy climbing up them.

Slate is also excellent, it stays cool and is brilliant in the summer for them. I buy mine from bnq, i can get small squares for around £3.

I'd love to see pics. I have my gerbils as natural as possible

Munchalot · 08-08-2013, 01:18 AM

Alright thanks guys.

Wobbles I picked up some glue from the kids craft bit in Asda, and it says non-toxic on the bottle - do you think it's still unsafe? I've used it to secure some cardboard to some wooden ladders as the steps were too wide-spaced for my dwarf, and I've had no problems so far.

And I read that thread about the platform, it's fantastic.

I might use that for inspiration.

mouseandstrawberry, thankyou that's really helpful!

I'll pick up some moss in that case because I think that will add a nice touch. My syrian will probably love that for bedding, as he's already chopped down the bamboo sprigs I put up. He'll use anything.

And slate is a great idea! I use baked pebbles to keep them cool and to place around their sand baths for a natural look, but I may get some slate aswell. I wonder if I could make a slate platform? I could attach it to some bamboo to hold it up, what do you think?

Munchalot · 08-08-2013, 06:35 AM

This is Finley's home at the moment. Yes, I know it looks kind of small and crowded, but I'm trying to make use of the space. This is why I need some levels.

I might hoist the wheel up onto a ledge so it's not sat in the middle of his bin.

I posted a thread about bin cages a while ago, and for those who didn't see it I was quite disappointed by the size. On the website, it says 110 litre and 79.5 x 39.5 x 42 cm in dimensions. What they failed to mention, was that these were the external measurements of the rim. When I measured the base, it turns out that it is about 10cm shorter in both length and width, which means that they are only 30cm wide. There aren't many things you can fit into 30cm.
Believe it or not, the website has changed since I last saw and reviewed it, but not to the correct measurements. Now they are advertising it as being 10cm LONGER in length and width than it previously stated. So now, if someone buys this bin thinking that are getting a 90cm X 50cm, which is ideal, what are they guna think. Ridiculous.

But anyhoo, this is what I have.

In any case, he does quite like this space and all the bit in it - since I set it this way, he's the happiest he's been. He's quite timid and likes having places to hide, he hates big open spaces. He adores his new sandpit, and his jar under the bridge. When I first moved him into his box, even this space was quite daunting to him. Maybe he's better in this size bin?
He definitely needs some levels though, I think it's way to crowded in there, even if he doesn't.

The leaves are basil sprigs, and bamboo wands from my own garden. They're not sprayed or treated in anyway. I was hoping he would leave them alone, but he immediately chopped down the bamboo in the sand pit, shredded the leaves and took them back to bed to sleep on. :L

moonlite · 08-08-2013, 06:45 AM

looks nice, hoisting the wheel would be great...

Munchalot · 08-08-2013, 06:48 AM

Thanks.

I'm thinking of making a platform in the corner by the willow ball, where the bowl is. If I put the wheel on top he could climb on the willow and onto the platform, and then that frees up the whole centre space. If the platform is supported on sticks so he can still go underneath it, the food bowl could stay there and not get in the way. :L

BobsHamster · 08-08-2013, 07:02 AM

not sure on your budget or space in the house but have you thought of getting a second bin and joining them? that way you have a "warren" to set up?

I like the look of the natural set up and have just built some ramps for my hammy to use to free up tubing inside the cage that I canuse on the outside now.
I reckon I'm going to decorate them to look natural now I've seen yours.

moonlite · 08-08-2013, 07:05 AM

thats a good plan, cant wait to see an update, it looks nice and comfy...

Munchalot · 08-08-2013, 07:46 AM

BobsHamster, I thought about it, but I'm not sure if I can afford another right now. I'm an eighteen-year-old student with a small part-time job, paying for driving lessons and lodging. I'm a bit skint.

Hopefully in the near future I will be taking on one or two robos, in which case I'll set this bin up for them, and fork out for an even bigger bin for this dude. But that will be at some point when I'm steadier, and have a bit more money. I won't be taking on any more pets until I've got more to stand on.

I'll be updating again soon, also with pics of Todd's set-up.
One thing I do like about Fin's bin right now is the willow ball. I put a pebble in there for him to sit on and to weigh it down, and filled it with dried bamboo leaves and ripped parcel paper to make a nest. He loves it. He likes to climb the willow and shuffle around in the paper inside. I'm going to hide some worms in there for him to dig out.