Preparing to Own a Roborovski Dwarf Hamster (Checklist)

[ShanRICK]

I've been looking at the reptile bowls on the p@h website.

I've already decided on the corner one as a litter tray.

I found one with steps. Would this be alright for food, sand, water etc, or would it be too difficult to climb for a robo?
[url]http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/zoo-med-repti-ramp-bowl-%28online-only%29?pageSize=28&orderBy=1#[/url
Even though I'm looking at the small one, even on the photo for the large size, the steps don't seem too steep, but I wasn't sure.

[cypher]

I'm sure it would be fine, it's not like big steps & a robo can climb more than you might think!

[ShanRICK]

Okay thank you very much! I just wanted to make sure it would be suitable.

[ShanRICK]

So I've finally completed my final checklist!

So I've actually decided to use a bin cage as my starter cage. I have heard a smaller cage can also help with the taming process, but mostly because it will be slightly more affordable and will fit in the current space I have. In a couple of months I'll probably switch to the IKEA Detolf DIY cage, and use the bin cage for hamster supply storage or as a playpen. I am starting an apprenticeship in January, so I will have more money to buy the Detolf, as well as more toys, etc. This will also give me more time to find a designated area to place it, as it is quite a long cage. Does this plan sound alright?

I have created my final checklist of everything I will be purchasing before getting my robo. I just wanted to double check everything on here sounds alright before I start ordering.

FINAL CHECKLIST:

Essentials:
• Cage — IKEA Samla
• Carry — Pico Transport Box
• Wheel — Wonderland Wooden Wheel
• House — Classic Rustic Wooden Fun Oval House
• Chews — Antos Cerea Small Toothbrush x2
• Water — Volvic bottled water
• Water Bottle — Crystal Deluxe Water Bottle 75ml
• Food — Burgess Dwarf Hamster Harvest
• Food Bowl — Beco Bowl XXS
• Substrate — Carefresh Naturals 14L x2 (expanded)
• Nesting Material — cheap thin shredded toilet paper
• Sand — Supreme Science Bathing Sand
• Litter Tray — Zoomed Repti Rock Corner Bowl small

Toys:
• toilet roll tubes
• Playhouse and Cabin Leif - this is to go in the Detolf when I buy it
• Classic Rustic Fun Sticks for Small Animals (small 22x10cm) x2
• Classic Timber Town Hamster Tunnel 20cm
• Rosewood Boredom Breaker Trio of Fun Balls
• Rosewood Naturals Wintery Hay Cottage (small)

Treats:
• Rosewood Boredom Breaker Little Hearts
• Rosewood Boredom Breaker Shrimp Cookies
• Boredom Breaker Nibble Woodroll-Carrot

[flowerfairy]

Great list. Its such fun getting ready for a new sweetie isnt it?

[ShanRICK]

Thank you! It's definitely fun! As I posted I was just so excited seems more real that I actually will be getting a little hammy

[cypher]

This is going to be one lucky happy ham when it finally comes home with you!
Great list, one thing I would have doubts about is the Classic Rustic Wooden Fun Oval House, I think that's the same as one I bought once, quite a while back so it may have changed but they really are tiny, very small entrance hole & a bit rough round the edges so maybe not practical even for a little robo.

[ShanRICK]

Ahh okay I see. I originally wanted to use the Playhouse and Cabin Leif as a house to go ok the Detolf (with a oval house as a small hideout you), but it is very large (35 x 25 x 11.5 cm) so it would take up half the bin cage! I realise it can be used as a platform though, but it's probabaly better if I have a look for another suitable house.

[cypher]

The lief cabin is a really nice house, I have one, the only problems are it is quite big as you say although I do use mine in place of a shelf or level, the other thing is if you have a new nervous or shy ham it's really easy for them to hide away in the little space under the ramp & you can't get to them or check for spot cleaning without taking the whole thing out.
There are a few nice small wooden ones on Amazon worth having a look at. None with removable tops though, those are hard to come by unless you want to shop somewhere like Rodipet!
Flat roof house
Wooden nissan hut
wooden cottage
If I can remember any more that might be suitable I'll come back!

[Penguin]

I am all excited going through the list thinking 'oh, I could get that one for my hams too! And that, and that and that!'

I'm sure your hammy will be very happy with everything. He/she sure is lucky!
The only thing I wanted to point out is the water bottle. I prefer that the water bottle has a small piece of plastic at the end with a hole in there so that you can hang it. (example: https://www.personalised-pet-product...51-600x600.jpg)

The reason is that, if you do get a water bottle holder and it somehow breaks, you can still hang the bottle with a bit of creativity. C: