Playpens

DonnaB · 12-29-2007, 02:53 PM

Does anyone know of a playpen suitable for a big Syrian. I bought Luna one of those coloured 6 or 8 panel things just before Christmas.... it took her 3-4 seconds to climb out!! She walked straight to the edge and shimmied up the wire, monkey style.

I was suspicious she may climb out so was keeping a close eye in her.... obviously it went straight back to the shop with a good moan. What really annoyed me was the fact it says on the box, suitable for outdoor use????

Mind you, now she has her wonderful wheel she may be too tired for a playpen.

souffle · 12-30-2007, 02:12 AM

All ours can climb out those playpens Donna and we are even a bit nervous with the dwarfs in case they get stuck after Holly's experience.
You could use a large deep plastic storage box but to be quite honest they prefer free running and spend all their time trying to get out rather than playing. I think they prefer a large bed with tunnels and hummocks made from the duvet or making a safe room such as a hall or small bedroom for them to explore free. Mind you ours dig up the carpet when they do that. Never mind as long as they have fun!

Holly · 12-30-2007, 04:03 AM

Someone on another forum modified their playpen to make it escape proof - let's see if I can find it.......ah-ha, yes:

http://www.hamster-heaven.com/cgi-bin/y ... 1174136860

Like it says at the bottom of the article, not 100% escape proof but a lot better aand, as long as you are supervising they might actually give up ascaping and start playing with toys provided.

We've got 3 of these playpens that we never use and I've been meaning to give this a try although I tend to let ours free-run in the hammy room now.

Basia · 12-30-2007, 04:13 AM

I have one of those playpens and a cardboard fort which the hamsters can climb out of very easily. I use them occasionally and the climbing out and me catching them is the game I think.
Like Holly, I let mine free-run in our conservatory which is impossible to escape from (I hope). The hall and stairs are usually another fairly escape-proof area. They also like a run around in their balls elsewhere in the house, but sellotape the lids because mine can escape from them too. The other good playplace is a bed, as Souffle suggested. They all seem to enjoy running around on the spare bed in the hamster room.

DonnaB · 12-30-2007, 09:22 AM

Haaaaa so its not just mine then, what a stupid design if hammies can escape.

Unfortunately I dont have anywhere she can run free, with 2 small children, every room is crammed full of 'stuff' lol. I also have 4 cats, which although they dont come into the main part of the house (they sleep/eat in the back laundry room)... I'd be too paranoid if Luna hid somewhere, and a cat snook in and sniffed her out, though theres more chance of her getting lost amongst the toys.

Luna does have a ball which she seems happy to go in and enjoys chasing the rabbit with.... and now she her wheel, I guess she doesnt need the pen as much.

Faye · 12-30-2007, 10:52 AM

I've just bought the kids one of those playmobil roman arenas
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Playmobil-4270- ... cs_title_3
first thing I thought that it'd be a great playpen for the hammies!

I expect a syrian would get out pretty quick though - sorry I'm not much help!

DonnaB · 12-30-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faye

I've just bought the kids one of those playmobil roman arenas
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Playmobil-4270- ... cs_title_3
first thing I thought that it'd be a great playpen for the hammies!

I expect a syrian would get out pretty quick though - sorry I'm not much help!

Its probably safer than the playpen!