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Old 02-28-2017, 12:52 PM   #1
jopop
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Default Mix of newbie questions...

Hi, please bear with me and my newbie questions re Syrians. They're all quite random so hope this is an ok place to post rather than in each section..? Please let me know if not. I'm not getting my hamster for a few months yet but I've got a busy few months so I'm trying to get organised - Bit by bit.

1. I have got a Duna Multy - should I get/make a platform to go at one end? Seems a good idea to me but am I off track there?

2. Do I need a food bowl or is it better to scatter feed to keep him occupied?

3. Silent spinner or Wodent wheel?

4. How deep should substrate be? Gives me an idea how much to buy initially.
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Old 02-28-2017, 01:03 PM   #2
Drago
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Default Re: Mix of newbie questions...

1. I don't quite know what you mean as I'm not super knowledgeable with pre-made cages, but if you mean making a platform just for a little extra play area, then I'd say it wouldn't be a bad idea make sure it's not too high or near an area where he could chew out or attempt to escape
2. This one is really up to you! I personally bowl feed so that I can monitor any changes in my Syrian's eating habits so I can ensure they get all the nutrition they need and that they're all still healthy, but scatter feeding is much more natural and stimulating. You could even do a mix if that's what you would like!
3. Definitely go with the wodent wheel! It may be pricey at first, but it's a quiet and very high quality wheel. Silent spinners eventually jam up and become hard to move so that's why I wouldn't recommend it if possible to avoid.
4. I recommend a bare minimum of 4 inches IF your hamster doesn't burrow very much, if he does however, 6-8+ inches would be best!

Have fun preparing for your hamster, and make sure to ask as many questions as you need make sure to share pictures when you get your hamster!
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Old 02-28-2017, 01:33 PM   #3
Sharkie
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Default Re: Mix of newbie questions...

I find that scattering the food really keeps Winnie busy and it's fun to watch her try to find it. I do keep a little bit in a bowl for her though, just so there's always some that she knows is there. I don't really have any advice on the other questions, sorry.

:^) I look forward to seeing your new hamster!
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Old 02-28-2017, 04:04 PM   #4
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Default Re: Mix of newbie questions...

1. I have got a Duna Multy - should I get/make a platform to go at one end? Seems a good idea to me but am I off track there?
Syrians love levels! Just make sure it isn't too high and they have an easy way of getting up and down
2. Do I need a food bowl or is it better to scatter feed to keep him occupied?
I prefer a food bowl, just so I'm able to monitor what and how much Titania's eating. But this is totally up to you.
3. Silent spinner or Wodent wheel?
Sorry, don't know anything about this.
4. How deep should substrate be? Gives me an idea how much to buy initially.
At the very least 3 inches, but more is always better. Just remember that the hamster pros (not me, lol) in Germany believe a ham needs 1 foot of substrate, so always go for more.
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Old 03-01-2017, 12:04 AM   #5
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Default Re: Mix of newbie questions...

If you have space to make a small level it would add interest & be a useful place to put things that you don't want getting buried in the substrate!

I scatter feed, it's a form of enrichment encouraging natural behaviour, when you get a new ham that's used to feeding from a bowl it's a good idea to do both for a while & rather than scatter the food on the substrate find a few places around the cage to hide it where you can keep an eye on what you're ham is eating at first.

New silent spinners really don't work well so a wodent wheel (if you can get hold of one) or a silent runner would be better.

Substrate I would say a minimum of 15cm, more if possible. Not sure how much that works out in litres or kg of substrate though!
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Old 03-01-2017, 04:40 PM   #6
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Default Re: Mix of newbie questions...

1. I normally like to have a platform in my hamsters cage - as a place to put her food and water bowls, so they don't get buried and full of substrate. And my girls always enjoy sitting on them when watching me when I was in my bedroom.

2. I prefer having a bowl where I put some food - but I also do scatter food and treats around the cage.

3. I don't have either the silent spinner or wodent wheel but for my Syrian I have the 28cm trixie wheel - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trixie-Exer...xie+wheel+28cm - which Pumpkin really enjoys running in. The silent spinner theses day don't work as well as they used to and wodent wheel can be difficult to find, but I know petplanet sells them Wodent Exercise Wheel on Sale | Free UK Delivery).

4. I would recommend putting as much substrate in the cage as you can - although sometimes this can be a little difficult with a 28cm wheel as the substrate needs to be shallower where the wheel is so it will fit in the cage but you can divide the cage with a divider so you can fill the other part of the cage with deep substrate. I found that some Syrians love to dig whilst others don't.
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