Wood, good idea??

lonesnowball · 08-10-2014, 07:17 AM

I am thinking about building a cage for my roborovski hamster because the cage I have now is a good size but isnt big enough to explore. And when I saw the prices of large cages, I knew that I could NEVER be able to afford one. So I started looking at DIY cages, and I came across this one.

It really big and beautiful. Plus my dad could make it in one hour, lol. We already have wood and glass in the garage but I don't know if it's safe for the hamster. Also, what type of glue is safe for him? I really want to know what we can use to build this home., without him chewing things that will harm him. So what do you recommend? For wood, glass, and glue?? Also, is fibreglass safe?? My dad has a lot in the garage, but I want to know if we can use it.

Oh yeah, and I want to know what would be a good alternative for the bottom of the cage. Since wood can absorb urine and smell overtime. Would it be better if we make the bottom with glass? Or just wood and put something absorbent on top. If that, what is absorbent, safe, and cheap?

Well tell me what you guys think, and what you would recommend. Thank you SO MUCH!! You guys are always a big help!!

BrainGirl · 08-10-2014, 07:26 AM

Do you have a link to the plans or a picture? Wood cages can be good and quite nice! I'm not sure how robos are in them though.

**ianpallen** · 08-10-2014, 07:37 AM

I have a large wooden cage and it is made from thin planks of spruce. I am thinking of making it better by making it out of plywood. Marine ply is the best. I sealed mine with watered down PVA, about 50/50. It did not take long to dry in the sun and heat we had. Varnish will also seal it. It will need checking and revarnishing in time as the acid in the wee will erode through the protection unless your hamster uses a corner loo. Glass is ok as is perspex / acrylic sheet but you must have good ventilation. Welded mesh top in a wooden frame will be good enough. Hope this helps.

lonesnowball · 08-10-2014, 07:56 AM

Here is the link to the website that shows you the plans and has several pictures: Build your own hamster cage – photo guide | BABBLEPIE

And is plywood safe? Because I'm reading different websites and some say that it is, while others say it isn't. Is there a specific type of plywood that is safe??

BrainGirl · 08-10-2014, 08:00 AM

It looks great! I have to wonder what the purpose of the wire mesh on top is though since most of the front is open.

**ianpallen** · 08-10-2014, 09:38 AM

The top is mesh because all the front is perspex in a frame so it can be opened at the front as well as the top. Nice cage.

BrainGirl · 08-10-2014, 09:47 AM

Oh, I thought it was just a small strip at the bottom to hold the bedding in, that makes more sense though

**ianpallen** · 08-10-2014, 10:52 AM

There is a strip of perspex to hold the bedding in, but if you look in the last but one pic, there is a black and red wheel. There is a reflection in the perspex infront of the wheel.

lonesnowball · 08-10-2014, 11:10 AM

Is melamine wood safe?? I still haven't found one that is 100 percent safe. Any ideas??

**ianpallen** · 08-10-2014, 11:19 AM

Melamine is chipboard coated with a plastic covering. It is safe, but you will have to make it waterproof at the joints. When chipboard gets wet, it swells and splits. If a hamster gets to the bare board and starts chewing, it will not take long before it is a hole for it to escape. Chipboard is slabs of sawdust glued in a mould and pressed. To make a cage, you will have to cut the board which will leave an exposed edge.