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Old 05-27-2014, 11:38 PM   #1
xStephC
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Question Thoughts on How to Improve?

Hi! So after looking at all of your wonderful cages in the "let's see your cages thread" I felt mine was..well, to be honest, not as good as all of yours!

Daisy is currently living in a two bin set up which is connected via PVC pipe. The cage does meet the minimum requirements of living space, as the big purple one is a 35 gal (132 Liter) bin measuring approx. 32x19x18 inches (or approx 81x48x46 cm) and the other tinier, clear bin is around 14x18x12 inches or 35x46x31 cm.

Most of the things in her cage are things I've homemade, as I still am in college and I really do like making my own things. Most of the things in her cage are homemade besides the gray igloo/castle I got at petsmart and her wheel, which is homemade but just not by me. These are the two biggest things in her cage, as the gray igloo is the medium size measuring around 12" L X 10" W X 6.5" H. and the wheel has a diameter of 12 inches.

I feel like my set up does give her some hiding places but I don't know, I think it needs something? If anyone can give me suggestions please do so! I wouldn't mind drilling holes, however if I can avoid doing so by using command strips that would be preferable. She's my first hamster so I'm learning things as I go. If you guys recommend me moving her to a tank I might be able to do that as well, as long as it makes her happy. Thanks guys!


Here are some pictures of her cage:



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Old 05-28-2014, 02:46 AM   #2
m00nbeam
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Default Re: Thoughts on How to Improve?

ooo cant view the pics, but im sure it looks great!!
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Old 05-28-2014, 03:07 AM   #3
RedSky
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Default Re: Thoughts on How to Improve?

I like it.
The one thing I have noticed with my Syrian is that she is very curious and likes to explore 'new' toys so I have started rotating her toys in and out. I only swap one at a time so she doesn't get stressed and she will come out to see what it is and climb all over it, find any hidden treats and sometimes have a little gnaw.
One of my dwarf hamsters also like to explore new things while the other two will actively avoid the area for a week or so. So maybe give it a try and see if she likes it or if it freaks her out.
The only quick improvement I can think to suggest is I'm not sure how deep your substrate is, but it does look like you could get more in the big purple tub. I like to give mine a good depth, of about 6" so they can really dig down. All of mine are burrowers, and they also enjoy climbing so it is a case of balancing the two out while making sure I can still get to them if needed and they can't fall too far.
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Old 05-28-2014, 05:21 AM   #4
Esmy
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Default Re: Thoughts on How to Improve?

I Love the purple bin! I agree with RedSky- merely as a fun thing for them to do, adding more bedding could be good. I struggle with this because bedding always gets under their wheels and slows the wheels down. I have a big jar in Penny's tank with bedding that she digs around in. You could try something like that or make a dig box if you wanted- like a square box with an entry hole a few inches up so it doesn't all spill out.
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Old 05-28-2014, 05:57 AM   #5
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Default Re: Thoughts on How to Improve?

I love how you've connected the two with PVC pipe. Are there lids involved? You could try hanging a "hammock" or one of those coconuts with a ladder from the lid, in case she might like to climb in and sway.
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Old 05-28-2014, 11:47 PM   #6
xStephC
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Default Re: Thoughts on How to Improve?

Thank you all for your help! Yes there are lids involved, mainly for the smaller one as she likes to climb on top of her wheel, a hammock sounds like a lovely idea. I have some fleece lying about and I'll pull out the old sewing machine and get to work

I've added a ton of bedding overall and I've also added a lot specifically in one corner in and I can't believe how much she likes to burrow now! I hide her food in there and it's absolutely adorable seeing her trying to find it all. I have some popsicle sticks lying about somewhere so I'll probably try to create some sort of hiding for her. Once again thanks for all the advice!
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Old 06-17-2014, 08:44 PM   #7
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Default Re: Thoughts on How to Improve?

Hi everyone! So I realized that Daisy can get out of the small clear bin. She got on top of her wheel, chewed part of the lid off and can now easily escape. So, some adjustments had to be made for my little troublemaker. I bought a second purple tote and although that cuts my visibility of her drastically, I don't really mind at all since I still have an aerial view of her. I also had more empty oatmeal containers which I used, after painting them colors of course. I still have yet to add a hammock but that's just out of pure procrastination. Here's a photo of her new cage:



She loves to climb so I have added more bedding, however I'll probably add more since now with the hammock and more containers she can climb on top of I'm afraid if she falls she'll hurt herself. But besides that I'm really happy with how this turned out! I love recycling things and doing crafts, so I can't wait to add more things as I get more ideas.
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Old 06-17-2014, 09:04 PM   #8
BrainGirl
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Default Re: Thoughts on How to Improve?

Looks great! Love your DIY-ing
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Old 06-17-2014, 11:00 PM   #9
DexterChloe
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Default Re: Thoughts on How to Improve?

Naughty Daisy escaping your cage! It looks fab! I love bin cages!
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Old 06-18-2014, 10:54 AM   #10
DrKMcK
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Default Re: Thoughts on How to Improve?

LOLOLOLOL. I just was reading this whole thread and I was going to suggest that you just get her another bin like the purple one! Then you did it! Good for you, it's perfect. If you want to, at some point in the future, if you think she'd prefer a bigger space you could try the bigger clear plastic bins. But this is very good as is. Also, home made stuff is great for hams. First, you made it for her...that's special. Also, hamsters don't care if it's store bought or homemade. If it's fun, that's what's important. I love her nice big wheel too. I only have tanks because I've had them for years. If I were to do it all over again I'd go for the bins. They are easier to clean and to move around.
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