Forest Themed Habitat

[teddies05]

Hey there! I'm making some nature-inspired habitat for my long-haired Syrians. I already posted my Desert inspired one but unfortunately enough I don't have the step by step procedure on that one so in my next project I'm making a Forest inspired one with shelves that act as hideout for the hamster. This time I HAVE A STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE..

Materials for the shelf:

Any wood board for the actual shelf
Popsicle sticks
Glue (I used cooked cornstarch for this one)*i have instruction on how to make this*
Strips of paper/newspaper (For the paper mache)
Glue gun and glue stick
Food coloring (green)
Clean sand
Brown paper (Paper bag from the grocery will do great!)


HOW TO MAKE GLUE:
Dissolve cornstarch with water and cook it on low heat until it becomes semi-transparent and viscous. Add food coloring to give it a natural color for the theme. Add a bit of vinegar to stop it from spoiling if you're planning to use it on the next day.

[teddies05]

Using glue gun and Popsicle sticks make a skeletal shape of your shelf. This will define and shape on how your shelves will look like. Keep in mind that rock formations are not symmetrical so you don't have to make it perfect BUT make sure that the skeleton is strong enough to withstand the paper mache.

The shelf with a green plastic is optional. I will place it on the topmost part where I can still see what my hammy is doing.

[teddies05]

Then cover the skeleton with the strips of paper and colored glue. Cover every visible part of the popsicle stick (as always you don't have to do it perfectly) with the newspaper strips. This process will shape the formation of the shelves; the high walls of the shelves will stop beddings from falling out.

let it dry before applying the final coat of brown paper ( to make it more realistic-looking).

NOTE: paper mache process usually soak the paper in water beforehand but DON'T do this on this one to make the applications easier and more controllable.

[teddies05]

Then dump a heap of clean sand on the remaining glue (the color of the glue will color the sand with a more natural looking color *it will look like lichen or algae sticking on the rock* and as always don't do it perfectly).

Let it dry naturally or if you're afraid of bacteria on the sand, oven it for several minutes.

THIS IS JUST THE SHELVES.. I WILL POST ON HOW TO INSTALL IT ON THE CAGE AND I'M ADDING SOME DIY ON WOODEN LADDER.

[chinesehammy]

This is awesome! I love it

[celmoy]

Wow, this looks incredible! I can't wait to see more of how you did it

[teddies05]

update!

I'm also made some Bendable Wooden Ladder to go with my habitat.
I found out that these ladders were a bit pricey when bought online so why not make one for myself.

I only used dried and fallen of branches of local trees because they are much safer to use than fresh ones.

why? because the sun and the elements already evaporated any juice, scent or toxic that the tree might have BUT also make sure that the wood you're going to use is safe for rodents. Also, insects and parasites won't survive on dry wood but if you're Clean-freak like me; heat everything up on oven for 10-15 mins. provided that you don't burn your wood.

[teddies05]

This how to make it stable as without this the logs will just spin like crazy!!

[teddies05]

well, with all parts complete.. Its time to install everything and time to demolish the previous boring habitat..

[teddies05]

this is the finished theme.. it looks more like something from prehistoric era.. LoL!



I just add a coconut hidey on the upper shelf and a rope made from twisted brown paper.. and place all the necessary things inside..