Meet Niko

[AmityvilleHams]

Hammocks aren't a good idea for hamsters. They aren't digestible if chewed, and since hamsters chew basically everything that is a very big problem. Plastic tubes aren't a good idea either for health reasons.

[Engel]

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

Hammocks aren't a good idea for hamsters. They aren't digestible if chewed, and since hamsters chew basically everything that is a very big problem. Plastic tubes aren't a good idea either for health reasons.

Well that sucks. Can I see your setup? For ideas and potential alternatives for different things?

[AmityvilleHams]

Unfortunately I don't have any hamsters to show cage setups of at the moment, but there are lots of great ideas out there using natural materials like different safe woods. A lot of people use cork rounds which are a great alternative to plastic tubes since they're breathable unlike plastic, but there are tons of other ideas which I'm sure others can help with as well!

[Engel]

It's been almost a month since I last posted so here's another update!

Niko is doing well. Super tame now. As soon as I go anywhere near the cage he'll come up to the door. As soon as my hand goes in the cage he hops right on a waits to come out. He's not skittish at all now (except when I move too fast). When I hold him he's very relaxed and doesn't seem to want to escape.

He no longer goes in his ball, he free roams. Again, he's very calm, very trusting. He'll climb all over me, sit on my shoulder. He'll come when called and will allow anyone to handle him.

Unfortunately, the bin cage broke so I have got him a wire cage with the floor space being 486² inches of space. I've taken all plastic out, except the wheel so now it replicates his natural environment somewhat.

[Ria P]

That is amazing how tame Niko is!

I really like your cage set up. He must be very happy with his new home.

Personally, i'd exchange the chains for rope because little paws can get trapped in them.

[AmityvilleHams]

The toys I can see with chains on them aren't safe anyways even if the chain was replaced with safe rope, since they're basically ladders with gaps. Unfortunately the problem with those toys other than potential injury from chain is that those gaps in the ladder part itself can also lead to injury, so it's just all around not very safe and best removed as soon as possible.

[Engel]

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

The toys I can see with chains on them aren't safe anyways even if the chain was replaced with safe rope, since they're basically ladders with gaps. Unfortunately the problem with those toys other than potential injury from chain is that those gaps in the ladder part itself can also lead to injury, so it's just all around not very safe and best removed as soon as possible.

I'm going to take the chains off completely. Also, he can get to the ladder off the floor, it's not even 1 hamster high. If anything it's something to chew, climb and weave in and out of

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by Engel

I'm going to take the chains off completely. Also, he can get to the ladder off the floor, it's not even 1 hamster high. If anything it's something to chew, climb and weave in and out of

LOL! I love your measurement unit. Not cm or inches but 1 hamster high. So funny.

[AmityvilleHams]

The problem still remains even if it's only 1 hamster high, no matter how cute that unit of measure may be.

[Engel]

Originally Posted by Ria P

LOL! I love your measurement unit. Not cm or inches but 1 hamster high. So funny.

I'm used to larger rodents like rats so some times I go a bit mad with hamster stuff. So 'how many hamster high' is a needed measurement lol