Thermometers

Gemma_xo · 06-23-2016, 04:56 PM

Probably an age old thread, sorry if it is, but it's getting to that time of year where I'd like to be triple sure that the Hamsters aren't over heating in their cages. I want two thermometers that I can put in their cages, I found some on Ebay- they were digital displays and they have a sucker to go onto the glass, it's a tank thermometer, but I feel like that's supposed to test the water temperature.. I also need to factor in their chewing habits, and where I'd put the thermometer to ensure it's actually accurate and in a safe enough place that they don't get too hot in the summer.

What thermometer should I be buying? Links for the UK would be greatly appreciated as I can't really afford to be buying one from over seas, p&p would cripple me, plus I'd like one sooner rather then later.

Here's a list of thermometers I found that made the short list..
1) Pets at Home Digital Thermometer slightly pricey, especially as I need 2, also, cables, chewable!

2) Reptile Thermometer

3) Aquarium Thermometer

4) Digital LCD Thermometer --> The original thermometer I was thinking about buying seeing as I could stick it into the top of the cage- but would that give an accurate temperature?

Thank you =] x

PS. See below for a picture of their cages, I would prefer one that I can stick to somewhere on their cage - either on the glass or the sides, I'm not fussed, not overly keen on cables as I'm sure you all understand why! (I have a pair of chewers!)

TL;DR - See links for thermometers I've found, I need help picking one

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Gemma_xo · 06-23-2016, 05:46 PM

Pssst!

Just for the record, the bookshelves have since been organsied and tidied, my friends children were over and they tend to move EEEEVEERYTHING. But, I can assure you, they're organised and tidy and the hamsters stuff is all neatly stored now in containers

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Pebbles82 · 06-23-2016, 06:17 PM

I haven't used on myself I'm afraid - I just go by how hot it feels lol. And Charlie used to show he was too hot by going to sit in his ceramic salt pig all night.

I can see it would be a good idea though, especially with a tank style cage. Rather than look at pet and aquarium thermometers, I'd just go for something like this - a basic battery powered room thermometer that shows temperature and humidity.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mudder-Ther...om+thermometer

AmityvilleHams · 06-23-2016, 07:27 PM

Do they make the laser/infrared spot tester style thermometers in the UK?They were originally made to keep children safe and test the exact temperature of specific spots such as the seats on swings,but they eventually became popular in the reptile community as well!They're more precise as long as you get reputable thermometers,but they might cost a bit more than just a digital thermometer.

Of course,the main reason they can be better is that they would be able to tell the exact temperature of specific areas instead of just having one general ambient air temperature.

Gemma_xo · 06-24-2016, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

Do they make the laser/infrared spot tester style thermometers in the UK?

Yes! I checked eBay and found this link. They don't look overly expensive either & I get to buy one and use it as and when then too! They're now on the short list too

Thank you. Never thought of infrared!

cypher · 06-24-2016, 07:09 AM

I would just go for something simple like the one at the link Serendipity posted tbh, I have something similar to that which is accurate enough & can easily be moved from one place to another if you have more than one cage to check, all done with a quick glance no need to point & shoot lol! If you do use a laser one be very careful not to point it at a hamster

ETA If you're on a tight budget why not just get an old fashioned one, not even batteries to worry about & you can get them for about £1.50 or less!
You can't put any type in the cage so anything that will just sit by the cage would do fine.

Gemma_xo · 06-24-2016, 09:17 AM

I did think that about the infrared ones, Cypher. Think I will go for the one Serendipity put up, with it being white it fits in with the over all cage look too, I'll have one on top of the cages in the middle of both of them. Neither of them can get to it and that'll be a good all rounder too.

Also, what temperature should the cages be? I keep seeing different numbers so I figured I'd put it to bed and just ask here.
Thank you all! =]
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emma g · 06-24-2016, 12:15 PM

I am a new mummy to hamsters and didn't think about over heating and thermometers, so thank you very much for this post. Belle and Rose are in tub cages which I imagine could heat up. I make up cold water bottles and cold stones and give chilled carrots for my bunnies and piggies to sit/sleep on/near but what could I do to cool down the hamsters if they get hot??

cypher · 06-24-2016, 10:24 PM

I wouldn't give your hams chilled foods emma, you can just put a mug or something ceramic like a tile in the fridge for a while & put that in the cage, as long as you can keep the room at a cool enough temperature, use a fan if you need to but not directed at the cage, they should be fine.

Gemma_xo · 06-25-2016, 12:07 PM

I got the one Serendipity linked, it arrived today. It's very accurate for such a small thermometer (I took it from room to room and in and out of drawers and small spaces that I knew would be different temperatures to see how quick it changed for accuracy).

Now it's fixed onto the wall in the middle of each cage for an overall reading but from time to time when they're asleep I'll pop it in front of their houses or near so I can make sure inside is an okay temperature..

Thanks for the link, Serendipity!

Alsoooo-
What temperature is okay for hamster cages?
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