Need inspiration for zoozone layout

[hammy2]

I'm getting a Russian dwarf hamster from a hamster rescue. I've brought and meshed a zoozone but I'd like to make a shelf where the water bottle goes. Has anyone done this before as need ideas. Please show me your zoozone pictures for inspiration

[Pebbles82]

I just linked some 100cm tank set up photos on another thread Here they are - scroll down the pages to see the photos

Elmato 10412 Nagerparadies Luxus mit 4-teiligem Zubehörset: Amazon.de: Haustier

Skyline 2045 Nagarium Agadir 100, weiß: Amazon.de: Haustier

These are both slightly taller than the Zoozone, but only by a couple of centimetres.

This platform seems popular for tank set ups. Its quite big

Trixie Natural Living Shelter, 30 x 22 x 25 cm: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

[hammy2]

Thanks for that xx

[hammy2]

I can't see how they work work with this setup though

[Pebbles82]

True they are a bit different, but I've seen that tall Trixie platform work in Zoozones etc before. It would be too high to put a water bottle on though. You might be better with a bottle stand. The level/platform gives something to go under as well as on top of

[hammy2]

I was hoping someone had an idea for a level that stretches the width of the zoozone to make a nice sturdy platform really

[racinghamster]

Hi hammy2. Great cage for a Russian dwarf by the way. I use a second hand Gabber Rex (similar shape and size) and although I can`t take a photo of my cage/layout, I can give you some idea of what it`s like inside.

Left hand side: Spare mini Duna plastic shelf slotted between the top & bottom parts of the cage, just as it would be on the mini Duna. It`s not long enough to reach the opposite end, but you can place either a wooden bendy bridge under the loose end, or use a cardboard box/tissue box/small show box under that end to balance it on. I have on top of the shelf a smaller cardboard box with a door in it where Chubs sit in the evenings eating his treats!

I use a wooden bendy bridge to go where the ladder/ramp would normally be or you can use anything you feel is suitable. Duna shelves usually come with a plastic rung ramp, but the bendy logs work well if you don`t have the plastic ramp.

Under the shelf, I have just that. A long tissue box (open end down) so it has no floor. This allows the hamster to dig down into the substrate. Free/cheap, chewable and easily replaced.

Water bottle: Well if you don`t want to use the hole in the ZZ cage, there are two other ways to have your bottle inside the cage. The one I use is this: I use a cut off section of a bottle holder that comes with a Savoc Rody cage. You know the plastic insert that fits inside these tanks and holds a water bottle? I cut that part off using a Stanley knife and slot it into the same central part on my gabber rex and slot a couple of folded pieces of card in to hold it steady. It holds a mouse-sixed Classic water bottle or a hamster sized one. Or you can make a bottle holder like the one I will post an image of from a used plastic water bottle.

Other end of the cage: Silent spinner wheel, another up-turned cardboard box from Cadbury`s mini rolls! He does love his cardboard boxes! An egg box with holes cut out either end for playing in and chewing.

Chube tube, which he loves. Uses it mostly to hide and pee in!

So just a few pointers for you. Shame I can`t take a photo but hope some of these ideas help. x

[hammy2]

That's really helpful thanks i have a spare muti duna shelf (cage cleaning and new rat intros cage) so could try this

[CMB]

If I get a zoo zone I would get a wooden shelf and either attach round dowels for legs or blocks of wood. Fan either be glues with pet safe glue or screwed together.

Some houses have a flat roof which would be like a platform.

Someone used a wooden spice rack.

[hammy2]

Thanks I've put in a shelf now and have another for the other side maybe. I'm going to go to poundland and get some organiser shelves I think which may support these properly but seem fairly solid