Escape-proof hamster cage suggestions needed! - Page 2

Sapphire_Ratties · 08-08-2005, 07:44 AM

I've already posted pics of my bin cage, it doesn't take special tools or spare cages. just zip ties and wire mesh overholes that have been drilled into the sides and holes that have been cut in the top. It may not look pretty, but she loves the space, and it wasn't really expensive.

a cage of the same size at the petstore (it would have to be a rabbit cage) would probably be about 90-100 dollars. This bin cost 20$, and the roll of wire, zip ties and wire cutters I already had (but if I didn't it would have probably cost about 30-40 dollars).

Simple, easy, fairly quick, no special tools, and she loves the space

Oh and hi othe fancy rat members! :P

Emma · 08-14-2005, 01:41 AM

I was horribly worried you were meaning Crittertrail cages, but then saw the picture and see you mean Terenzianis (forgive the spelling!)!!!

I actually think a Critter 1 would be fine for a syrian hamster, especially a tiddler like Noodles (80g is on the small side, my syrian weighs around 170g, but she is large, I have had some weigh much less, so as long as she isn't skinny I wouldn't worry, she's just small). I've never considered it as a hamster cage before, but as a cage for a single elderly/ill rat. Remember the cage is only their base, they should have plenty of out time too.

The only thing about the Terenziani cages is that the upper level floors are made of mesh, so you need to cut some lino or similar to size to make the upper floor solid so she doesn't hurt her feet/legs.

If she's a climber and you're worried about the height issue you could always rig up an old t-shirt or similar as a hammock/safety net - I've done this for Phoebe who is a bit of an acrobat, and she uses it like a rat does. She's my first syrian that has used a hammock, others I've tried it with have ignored it, but it's worth a try and will break a fall at least. Alternatively you could try and DIY an upper level across the whole length of the Critter 1, reducing height and adding floor space as well.

**babyboos** · 08-14-2005, 04:39 PM

I was confussed at first too but I soon realised this is a ratcage manufacturer and not SuperPet Crittertail who make those awful hamster enclosures.

furrynavel · 08-15-2005, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyboos

I was confussed at first too but I soon realised this is a ratcage manufacturer and not SuperPet Crittertail who make those awful hamster enclosures.

WoW, no wonder you were all worried. I have just seen one of those crittertrail things in Pets at Home. I wouldn't put a mouse in the smallest one. The look very flimsy and not much ventilation.

**babyboos** · 08-15-2005, 02:12 AM

Yes and I know people who have Syrians in them - even though I believe they are marketed at dwarves and mice? They are total death traps - the number of head and eye injuries the stupid petting zone inflicts is ridiculous. Have you seen the Revolution - it is a big round cage which revolves like a giant wheel but has no deep base to hold any litter for our little critters to dig around in -which they love - their world is constantly moving and little legs can get trapped between the wheel mechanism and the bottom of the cage. You have to worry at the people who design these and the pet welfare organisations that do nothing about them.

furrynavel · 08-15-2005, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyboos

Have you seen the Revolution - it is a big round cage which revolves like a giant wheel but has no deep base to hold any litter for our little critters to dig around in -which they love - their world is constantly moving and little legs can get trapped between the wheel mechanism and the bottom of the cage. You have to worry at the people who design these and the pet welfare organisations that do nothing about them.

I didn't realise that was a complete home, I thought it was an add on wheel

My goodness, I cannot believe that people keep hammies in this permanantley

Perhaps we should write out several major points that the big petshops and cage makers are getting totally wrong and contact them en masse.

I know (it has taken a few years though) that through the constant complaints to PAH head office and individual stores that they have now changed the way the look after their rats (not brilliant but much better than before) and changed the content of their care guide leaflets.

This is the place that people who maybe do not know so much go and they trust these places to be knowledgeable and have safe and suitable cages and equipment.

Lots of people have their pets in disgusting conditions without knowing they are doing anything wrong because they have trusted the petshop.

**babyboos** · 08-15-2005, 03:58 AM

You are completely spot on Emma I have written personally to SuperPet many, many times with pictures and copies of vet bills but they haven't paid any attention. Ferplast Dunas used to be on sale in all PAH but I haven't seen one in there for some time - I got my first Ferplast Rainbow cages in there (and I haven't seen one of those on sale in PAH for over 2 years) so it is like they are going downhill rather than improving in the enclosure department, although you are right the livestock areas are much better than previous years, although a few freestanding wheels in those glass cages would not go amiss. And someone ought to sack the managers for allowing the continued housing of guinea pigs with rabbits.

furrynavel · 08-15-2005, 04:18 AM

They still do the dunas in the Falkirk and Stirling ones, for about £25.00. I have an old one I use to take my rats to the vet.

I remember the rainbow one, were they not about £60 or so. I think petsmart used to sell them when I worked there.

**babyboos** · 08-15-2005, 04:22 AM

Can only think they must be old stock as I have not see any in Perth Dundee or Edinburgh for months

and when I asked was told they weren't getting any new ones in... I recommend these for dwarves and it annoys me when they are not readily available.

The Rainbow cages were quite expensive when they first came out I bought the majority of mine at £35.99

furryfeet · 08-15-2005, 02:38 PM

Ah, I forgot Crittertrail cages, I can see why you were worried when I mentioned the word Critter, don't panic, I would never use Crittertrail cages for a Syrian. I did used to have a big Rotastack setup for my dwarfs, it took over half of my bedroom with an outpost on my desk (I was a student at the time) and when one of them woke up they would always come up to the desk as they knew they'd be let out to run around! But that had lots of rooms, plenty of space.

Noodle is still in the Critter 1, but will be moving into a Terenziani Michaelangelo tomorrow as my friend's new rats ahve now moved in with her other rats! I just have to make a few running repairs to it - although it is ratproof it is not hammyproof. I've got a whole heap of new hamster-sized things I have begged borrowed or stolen for her to play in or chew!

Have other Critter/Terenziani owners found they need to cover the floors for hamsters?