Further cage recommendations and cage review

[Nakuzo]

Hello everyone

I followed some of the advice people gave me in the previous thread and I've made 2 houses for Oscar and a sand bath. Specifically, there is a small house which will be buried underground and a bigger one which will be used as the main accommodation. I've also separated a small area in the corner to add sand because I lot of your suggested the addition of a sand bath.

What else can I do? Do the houses look ok? I used toddler's glue, which I am pretty sure it's not toxic. I could use basically any suggestions I can get since I am new so let loose :P

P.S I will add a photo of how the complete cage looks like later today or tomorrow morning, once the houses have dried out 100%

[Jo 17]

I am only new owner of hamster myself ( 2 months ) but I have to say your DIY house, sand bath are absolutely brilliant. Try to put some pictures of whole enclosure so we can see more. And of course put some pictures of your new friend - hamster...

[Nakuzo]

Originally Posted by Jo 17

I am only new owner of hamster myself ( 2 months ) but I have to say your DIY house, sand bath are absolutely brilliant. Try to put some pictures of whole enclosure so we can see more. And of course put some pictures of your new friend - hamster...

I'm adding the pictures of the cage after I've added everything in here. You can also see Oscar in the second picture having a sneak pick, and in the third roaming. Thanks for your kind words

[Nakuzo]

Quick update everyone. Here's how the cage looks right now after I've added everything in. Any suggestions/ recommendations/ things I can improve?

[tryingmybest]

How big is her wheel?

[Pebbles82]

It looks great. I would be a bit concerned if she chewed the cardboard houses though. Cardboard is fine to chew but if she chewed them she might end up eating or chewing some of the glue as well. Even if it's non toxic glue it wouldn't be good if eaten. If she doesn't chew at them at all then it's probably ok.

[Nakuzo]

Originally Posted by tryingmybest

How big is her wheel?

It's 16 cm which in inches is something like 6.3. Oscar absolutely loves his wheel and I don't see him having any trouble bending his back. He is pretty straight when he is running, so I believe it to be appropriate size.

[TinyBubbles]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

It looks great. I would be a bit concerned if she chewed the cardboard houses though. Cardboard is fine to chew but if she chewed them she might end up eating or chewing some of the glue as well. Even if it's non toxic glue it wouldn't be good if eaten. If she doesn't chew at them at all then it's probably ok.

I was actually coming in today to ask what others use for glue? Trying to DIY a sandbox and wanted use some chew sticks to look like a fence so I have to assume it will be chewed.

[Pebbles82]

Elmer school glue is safe but no visible glue is good as it can be chewed. It probably won’t be strong enough for wood though. For wood glue I use Ponal classic. It’s available from amazon. Costs about £12 but it’s a large bottle and lasts for years. It’s great stuff - doesn’t smell, non toxic and sticks wood solid. Found it from a German forum as it’s what they use.

Is your hammy a Syrian? If so the wheel is too small. 8” diameter is the absolute minimum for them or they can get spinal problems. Most people get 11” diameter.

[Nakuzo]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Elmer school glue is safe but no visible glue is good as it can be chewed. It probably won’t be strong enough for wood though. For wood glue I use Ponal classic. It’s available from amazon. Costs about £12 but it’s a large bottle and lasts for years. It’s great stuff - doesn’t smell, non toxic and sticks wood solid. Found it from a German forum as it’s what they use.

Is your hammy a Syrian? If so the wheel is too small. 8” diameter is the absolute minimum for them or they can get spinal problems. Most people get 11” diameter.

No no, Oscar is a winter white Russian dwarf