Potential Heater for Wire/Barred Cages!

RubyDG · 03-14-2016, 03:22 AM

Came across this heater which is meant for birds: Snuggle Up Bird Warmer

The heater itself is encased in metal and bolts to the bars. The wire runs out the back in the middle of the heater so goes directly out the cage and is out of reach of hamster teeth. I came across it on an American rat forum as someone used it in their rat cage and said it worked really well (so can be bought both in UK and US). Reviews state that is not hot to touch at all. It is pricey but seems worthwhile for those of us who get freezing temps in winter. I could see putting it as low as possible on the bars and making a temp cardboard house to cover it which would have a hammy the choice of their regular nest or the warmer heated one.

Reviews are good. One or two talking about cockatoos getting to the wire but I am assuming it's because it's been placed high up and the cord is dangling against the cage. For a hamster I would attach horizontally and as low as possible and ensure cord is up and away from cage bars.

Of course I have not yet tried this myself so no guarantees it's feasible! We are coming out of winter now but I am definitely going to invest in one of these for next winter. I hate constantly checking and freaking out about the temperature in the bedroom during the day when I'm out. It costs so much to heat the flat when nobody is home too. I think this is maybe a good option and I'm eager to try it next winter

What do you guys think - is this a good heating alternative? I'm keen to hear everyone's opinions!

cypher · 03-14-2016, 06:33 AM

That looks like a good idea Ruby, nice find!
I only had a quick look but I might well consider that myself, it could be handy for draughty spots even when the room temp is ok.

RubyDG · 03-14-2016, 07:13 AM

I always worry about Spike getting too cold. Heating my place can be a nightmare and I can't really leave the house with the heating on all day - not to mention the cost. With a tank you can get those reptile heating pads and put them under one side but this is the first time I've seen something that can potentially be used for a barred cage. It's not going to warm up the whole cage by any means but should provide a 'warm spot' for a hamster to go to when the temprature drops, particularly if you place a cardboard box over it for a hamster to make a nice nest around it. I'm sure a hamster will quickly learn that there is a warm place they can go to when it gets super cold. While pricey I think if it works well then it saves you money in the long run with heating.

If you go to the bottom of this amazon review page you can see a really cute video of a bird snuggling up to it: clicky

Pebbles82 · 03-14-2016, 08:36 AM

It looks like an excellent idea - especially for overnight between the heating going off and coming on again.

cypher · 03-14-2016, 09:21 AM

That vid is cute

I like the photo where some kind owner has provided what looks like a fleece hammock just below the heater, what comfort, I can just imagine a little ham curled up there nice & cosy!

pinkneon · 03-14-2016, 05:34 PM

Can I just about the metal though? Would they not burn their little paws if they touched it, or does it go on the outside of the cage? Sorry, not sure I've totally understood ...!

RubyDG · 03-14-2016, 06:40 PM

It's designed for birds to snuggle up against so it's not hot to the touch just warm. It would go inside the cage so they can sleep up against it. It's metal so can't be chewed and it's bolted to the cage itself. The wire goes out the back of the heater and if you put it as low as possible on the bars and make sure the wire is not lying up against the cage itself a hamster should not be able to reach it.

I've not tried it myself yet so I can't guarantee anything but some people on rat forums have used it apparently and to good effect. The main thing is to make absolutely certain they cannot reach that wire which I personally think is completely doable. Also to make sure they have another place they can go sleep in if they get too warm.

I've attached some pictures that might give you a better visual.

Thin Lizzy · 03-14-2016, 09:09 PM

Ooh I really like that, especially the second pic, Twinkle would love that.
Thanks for posting this thread Ruby, it's something to think about.

pinkneon · 03-15-2016, 02:20 PM

Thanks, I think I get it now ... Though I'm assuming it couldn't go in the Maxi Duna cage?

You could probably get some sort of cable tie for the wire - I can't remember exactly what they are called, but some people use them when there are wires in a room a very small child might reach - such as behind the TV or something ... They usually cover the entire wire so if a child touched it they wouldn't get an electric shock. Sorry, that's not a great explanation!

RubyDG · 03-15-2016, 11:57 PM

I do know what you mean! You get ones designed to protect against animals too, they have a really bad taste to them apparently and are a lot thicker.