Help for My Hamster

[AmityvilleHams]

It really can't be made into a suitable home.They're absolutely tiny and even with add on units they aren't big enough,as you have the floor space of the largest unit and anything else does not count as more floor space.

The Ikea Detolf could be made wider and more Syrian appropriate by using a sheet of melamine on the bottom instead of the glass it comes with.You'd only have to make a lid then and you should be able to get melamine cut and as long as you seal it properly with aquarium sealant and let that fully cure it will be a very good cage especially since it will have no side bars which in your case is important.

[peasypea]

Hamsters love loads of space to run around and dig, which unfortunately they can't do in that style of cage. If I were you I would try and return that as they really aren't suitable, or make a bin cage and use that as a fun attachment. Have a look round the forum, there are so many threads with links to good cages! The minimum recommended space is something like 75cm x 45cm floor space. Tanks make for really good hamster cages as they have no bars and can dig around in loads of substrate.

I'm from the UK so I'm afraid I don't know what is available to you (guessing you are US?) but I know that there are so many helpful people on here who will come on and give you loads of amazing advice. Have a look around as this is such a good forum for hamster care

[cypher]

I have to agree the ovo habitats really can't be made into a suitable home for a ham, if you are in the US I think petco may have a tank sale on if you want something reasonably priced or there's the option of a bin cage made fairly easily from a large plastic storage bin (tutorials on here & youtube if you're not sure how to best do that) those are the best options for creating an ideal habitat for your ham.

[Thin Lizzy]

The house she's in is unsuitable and like the others have mentioned hams love to dig deep in their homes, the damage she did to her mouth could be because the cage is way too small and she showed her frustrations by chewing and wanting to escape.

[HammieMomSilverSpring]

Here is the bin cage we just made. She went straight for the bars so I've got fine screen mesh on the inside (think it is a fiberglass mesh of some sort). I think I'll have to replace it regularly but does anyone know if coating with olive oil would do the trick? I heard they don't like the taste of it. Otherwise I'm looking for a glass aquarium sometime soon. By now she is addicted to chewing and went straight for the wires once we put her in! So That's when I added the screen. After two days she's already cut a hole in it.

I had an aversion to glass aquarium just because I remember my hamster as a kid chewing on the glue all the time.

In retrospect next time if I make a bin cage the wire is going way up top where she'll be less likely to reach it.

[Pebbles82]

Edited! Sorry I just saw you had a bin cage added. TBH the bin cage is a bit on the small side too and if she is chewing at mesh a tank would be better for her. She is maybe a very energetic hamster who just needs lots of space. I know you said you had a bad experience with tanks, but it's probably the best option for her and you can get one really cheap at the moment (see below)!

A 40 gallon breeder tank is a popular size for a Syrian hamster in the US. Petco have a dollar a gallon sale on at the moment until 5 November I think. So you could get one for $40. Hammies need a good depth of substrate so they can do normal behaviours like foraging, digging, burrowing and burying their hoards. And a good sized house or nesting box in their habitat/tank/cage that is dark inside so they can build a good nest and have a dark space to retreat to. Also they need a wheel of 10 to 12" inches diameter or they can get back pain.

If you have space, a 40 gallon breeder tank would be ideal, and no diy (you can get zilla mesh lids to fit them). I guess it might also be possible to get a refund on the Ovo set up if you have only just bought it. Some Uk members have been quite successful with refunds saying something isn't suitable or is too small.

Syrians do need a good amount of continuous floor area just to have normal hamster behaviours. So one larger cage or tank would be best. Good sized cages are really hard to find in the US (assuming that's where you are!) and very expensive, and a tank would avoid bar chewing as well and give a good sized habitat.

Another option (if you have the space) is a detolf - but that costs about $60 and needs a lid making. It's an ikea glass cabinet tipped on its side with the door left off, and they can make a nice visual room piece as well when sat on top of kallax storage units, plus give extra storage There are also lots of tutorials around for making a simple lid with a few strips of wood, some mesh and a stapler.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ha...dbCYIQ_AUIBigB

They do need a lot of space and exercise, and people don't always realise that. They shouldn't really sell the Habitat Ovo in my opinion, except as an add on to a larger main cage. US Hamster forums recommend a minimum continuous floor area of about 450 square inches, which is about 70cm by 40cm. Our Syrian was in an 80cm by 50 cm cage but I found it was a bit cramped with a Syrian sized wheel and toys and he is now in a 1 metre cage. 80cm is not a bad size though. With a tank you have the advantage of being able to give 20cm or more depth of substrate for digging tunnels.

Here are some examples of tank set ups

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=40...6qAkcQ_AUIBygC

I think you'd notice a real change in behaviour of your hammy very quickly. They visibly look happier and do normal hamstery things Tubes can also get blocked up and a bit smelly sometimes and make cleaning difficult. Cleaning is also something that stresses hammies and when you have a good depth of substrate you can just spot clean mostly (they will use a litter tray too which really helps) and not have to do main cleans very often.

[cypher]

Good advice from Serendipity, I just wanted to add that the only mesh you can safely use is metal, galvanised welded metal mesh is the best to use, I'm not sure what kind of mesh you're referring to there when you say fibreglass but it sounds as though it could be harmful if chewed.
Chewing probably is due to frustration with her cage set up not really being suitable, while you try to figure out something better do check all the materials you're using are safe.

[HammieMomSilverSpring]

Wow, who knew hamsters liked to have such a wide surface area for existence!

After checking prices on aquaria I am thinking the bins option will be cheaper, only I am going to be careful to measure for a larger amount of space. I have some 115 quart storage bins downstairs that have the correct surface area, only it's going to mean talking my husband into letting me destroy another bin! LOL! Then I'm cutting the air holes in the top of the container if possible. One more project hee hee.

And I'm paying attention about the wire mesh, too. It is netting like you'd use for a screen porch but can't verify the origin. hmmm.

[AmityvilleHams]

I wouldn't use that.It tends to be a much softer material than proper wire and could potentially get chewed through.You want something that is easy to cut and shape,but also strong enough to resist chewing and not just fall apart either.

[Cinnamon Bear]

I don't know if Aloe Vera gel would work. Have to make sure that it's the gel though