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Old 01-12-2020, 09:48 AM   #1
Vierville
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Default Natural theme storage bin playpen

Hello.

I have four dwarf hamsters and having seen some of the really good storage bin cage habitats on here, I have been thinking of making a storage bin play pen which I hope all four of my little ones can use (separately, of course).

I would like to make it as natural as possible with real soil, pebbles and maybe a safe plant as I think it is a bit sad that hamsters generally never get to experience anything much other than substrate, bedding and occasional sand bath sand.

I have a few questions for those who have much more knowledge than me:

1) Can I share this amongst four hamsters? I'd envisage putting them in the playpen for about an hour every few days. How would they cope with each others' scents in there?

2) What kind of sand or soil could I safely use? Hamster bath sand comes in very small quantities so I'd need a lot to fill the bottom of a big storage bin. Is there an alternative?

3) what kind of safe plants would hamsters enjoy?

4) Any other suggestions for this projevt woukd be much appreciated!
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Old 01-12-2020, 10:40 AM   #2
Engel
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Default Re: Natural theme storage bin playpen

I think it should be ok providing that all hamsters are well.. obviously if ones I'll I'd advise not doing it as it can be passed along. It may get smelly quite quickly as they'll be marking over each others spots.

Play sand can be used and you can get large quantities of it quite cheap. I've used Coco coir as soil and you can get those as bricks quite cheaply too. I think someone's used potting soil before but no 100% sure on that.

Herbs are safe unless consumed in large quantities, but if they're supervised at all times it should be ok. I've used mint, parsley and thyme you can also use a herb mix designed for rabbits and guinea pigs, just make sure it's not got ribwort in it. I've been using this one https://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/...-salad-2905751

Spider plants are also safe providing you remove the flowers and seed pods that develope as those a toxic

Here's a couple of natural themed cages that I've done to inspire you.
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Old 01-12-2020, 11:06 AM   #3
Vierville
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Default Re: Natural theme storage bin playpen

Thank you Engel, those photos are brilliant! I particularly love the little house!

I can definitely get play sand, I guess baking it at a high temperature to kill and pests before use is recommended?

I was thinking of a nice deep quantity of sand, some wooden bendy bridges and quite a few pebbles with lots of toys in between... Seesaws, a hollow wooden log tunnel and a wheel.

You make a good point about them marking. I guess spot cleaning regularly and a more infrequent total clearout is what would be needed.

Thank you for your advice.

P.S. the ham in that last photo is lovely!
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Old 01-12-2020, 12:17 PM   #4
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Default Re: Natural theme storage bin playpen

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Originally Posted by Vierville View Post
Thank you Engel, those photos are brilliant! I particularly love the little house!

I can definitely get play sand, I guess baking it at a high temperature to kill and pests before use is recommended?

I was thinking of a nice deep quantity of sand, some wooden bendy bridges and quite a few pebbles with lots of toys in between... Seesaws, a hollow wooden log tunnel and a wheel.

You make a good point about them marking. I guess spot cleaning regularly and a more infrequent total clearout is what would be needed.

Thank you for your advice.

P.S. the ham in that last photo is lovely!
I think it's more to dry the sand out but have heard that some people don't bother and it's fine as long as the bag is air and water tight. If you decide to bake it, thin layer on a baking tray for 15 minutes at 350F.

Niko is very photogenic. Pretty chill and calm robo too
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Old 01-12-2020, 12:22 PM   #5
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Default Re: Natural theme storage bin playpen

My word I thought that was a winter white hybrid not a Robo! He's lovely. Lovely markings too.
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Old 01-13-2020, 02:54 AM   #6
Engel
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Default Re: Natural theme storage bin playpen

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My word I thought that was a winter white hybrid not a Robo! He's lovely. Lovely markings too.
Haha he's definitely a roborovski, his pied (markings) so makes him look a bit different.
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Old 01-13-2020, 05:28 AM   #7
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Default Re: Natural theme storage bin playpen

He is just absolutely gorgeous!
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Old 01-13-2020, 08:14 AM   #8
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Default Re: Natural theme storage bin playpen

Personally I wouldn't use the same play bin for more than one hamster, being put in with the scent of other hamsters could be really stressful for them, I can imagine space is an issue with several hams but it's far better to have individual play areas.
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Old 01-13-2020, 09:33 AM   #9
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Default Re: Natural theme storage bin playpen

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Originally Posted by cypher View Post
Personally I wouldn't use the same play bin for more than one hamster, being put in with the scent of other hamsters could be really stressful for them, I can imagine space is an issue with several hams but it's far better to have individual play areas.
This was my concern.
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Old 01-13-2020, 09:37 AM   #10
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Default Re: Natural theme storage bin playpen

Thanks for mentioning that Cypher. Even if hamsters were completely healthy, you could be lowering all their immune systems just from the stress of having to share the same substrate in a playpen.

I'd always recommend specific options of easily cleaned plastics(with supervision in case of chewing, preferably the heavier duty ones like PVC which are quite difficult to chew), disposable single use toys(tossed between hamsters and replaced with new ones for each hamster), or using a specific set of toys etc for each individual hamster and of course always cleaning the bin with vinegar and water between hamsters.

Perhaps you could set up a folding table large enough to hold one play bin on top with enough space underneath to slide another under? You could also get a table large enough for multiple bins as needed, or even attempt stacking bins as long as they're properly meshed on the sides. Garage shelving units and similar furniture pieces can be a worthy investment as well - these will hold more bins than a table could.

On the topic of sand, yes, all play sand must be baked. No exceptions. It isn't just to dry it out - bugs of all sorts are more than capable of getting into even sealed packaging(you do not want your hamster getting into wild bugs as they can carry parasites and be treated with harmful pesticides, even though some on the forum don't seem to know this - it is definitely heavily emphasized in reptile communities where there is even more knowledge on why wild insects are just not good to be feeding our pets). Living in certain places you quickly learn air and water tight don't really exist when it comes to bugs It may take extra time and effort to do all the rinsing and baking and sifting, but it is best for the safety and health of your pets to do so.
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