Aquarium tank hamster cage, levels?

[AmityvilleHams]

Originally Posted by Jenibelle

For reference, here is the list that was provided on this forum:

What wood to use?

And another forum that says it's safe as well,
using tree wood and grass on a hamsters cage - Supplies & Accessories - Hamster Hideout Forum

It's because oak is hardwood I think, not a softwood? But I'm not totally sure on the reasoning behind it.

I think I once read somewhere something to do with a certain chemical found naturally in oak wood,not sure what it is!It is very important to remember that not all hardwoods are created equally,and that even with general species like oak it is possible to find certain trees that are oak which are in fact toxic.I'd avoid it though,pine is definitely easier and more reliable in terms of information on the wood itself.

[bunerella]

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

I think I once read somewhere something to do with a certain chemical found naturally in oak wood,not sure what it is!It is very important to remember that not all hardwoods are created equally,and that even with general species like oak it is possible to find certain trees that are oak which are in fact toxic.I'd avoid it though,pine is definitely easier and more reliable in terms of information on the wood itself.

I thought Pine was not good for hamsters because b it splinters a lot.

[AmityvilleHams]

Originally Posted by bunerella

I thought Pine was not good for hamsters because b it splinters a lot.

Pine is completely safe.You just have to watch the wood and make sure it isn't splintering,as with any wood.As long as it is kiln dried pine it is fine for making shelves and toys out of,but no pine should be used as bedding.Lots of problems with the strong odor even if kiln dried as a bedding,just my thoughts on that part of things!

[Lala Noma]

Originally Posted by Elliiy

ohh lol didnt know knuffs were those lol well i guess you learn something new everyday

I used the words "ikea knuff" just because I didn't know how to say "magazine rack", lol. But, yes, I learned something new today, too. Thank you!

[lovelyhamsters5]

Thank you so much I'm going to do that!!!

[Pebbles82]

I have shelves made from solid pine in our hamster's cage - it's better than plywood really as some plywood can use a lot of fumy glues. I did ask someone once why solid pine was ok and shavings aren't and it's something to do with the amount of surface area I think. With shavings there is a lot of surface area exposed - every shaving has two sides. You can also seal/waterproof a wood shelf with something petsafe. Most Rodipet houses are made of birch plywood (birch is a good wood) but they use petsafe glue in their manufacture.

Ikea Knuff shelves are fine too though.

[AmityvilleHams]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

I have shelves made from solid pine in our hamster's cage - it's better than plywood really as some plywood can use a lot of fumy glues. I did ask someone once why solid pine was ok and shavings aren't and it's something to do with the amount of surface area I think. With shavings there is a lot of surface area exposed - every shaving has two sides. You can also seal/waterproof a wood shelf with something petsafe. Most Rodipet houses are made of birch plywood (birch is a good wood) but they use petsafe glue in their manufacture.

Ikea Knuff shelves are fine too though.

It is the surface area!In comparison they release less phenols,and it makes sense too since pine toys and shelves and such tend to have a lot less pine-y scent to them than actual substrate does.

I've contemplated something for a while though in regards to Ikea items as shelves.If they are just birch plywood,they're probably safe,but if there is heavy chewing and they have the particle board type material Ikea things often have it might not be a good idea.Not sure on that though as I don't know much about the Knuff or what it's made from,but if it is just birch plywood it's a great idea

[Pebbles82]

I'm not sure what the Knuff shelves are made from either - it's the Rodipet ones that are birch ply. But many people have used the knuff shelves without the wood being a problem. Chewing is a good point though. It needs keeping a check on and can cause sharp edges on things and it can't be good for them to chew anything that isn't just wood - I haven't heard of these being chewed but there is always some chewy hamster out there! Just keep an eye on them maybe. I think most people paint them with water based plasti kote as well so that would seal them a bit.

The Germans don't believe in having anything plastic in their cages in case a hamster chews it (except wodent wheels which are apparently an ok plastic), but I guess it depends on the hamster as well. I like our plastic sputnik and rat tube but Charlie isn't a chewer.

[AmityvilleHams]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

I'm not sure what the Knuff shelves are made from either - it's the Rodipet ones that are birch ply. But many people have used the knuff shelves without the wood being a problem. Chewing is a good point though. It needs keeping a check on and can cause sharp edges on things and it can't be good for them to chew anything that isn't just wood - I haven't heard of these being chewed but there is always some chewy hamster out there! Just keep an eye on them maybe. I think most people paint them with water based plasti kote as well so that would seal them a bit.

The plasti kote might deter chewing somehow.Not sure,just a theory!Either way with supervision and common sense they should probably be safe

[cypher]

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

The plasti kote might deter chewing somehow.Not sure,just a theory!Either way with supervision and common sense they should probably be safe

Nope
Mine will quite happily chew on plastikote!