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Old 06-02-2017, 08:14 AM   #1
AprilPearl
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Question DIY Cage Platforms

So... I just bought Mushu a new cage - the Savic hamster Plaza!!

I couldn't resist, as it was the only large cage besides the Alaska (which he is currently in) I could find with a big front opening door. I like that it is more robust than the Alaska which easily comes apart at the edges, and it is also bigger.

The only problem is, I don't like the shelf which is already in it. Ideally, I'd like to at least put a shelf along most of the back wall (leaving the remainder of that space for his silent Runner) and another platform along the right hand side of the cage. It would also be great to have a platform on the left hand side, and possibly even platforms at the front on either side of the door... I guess I have this vision of him being able to run around pretty much the entire perimeter of his cage. I'd also put some hammocks and things hanging from the middle. Sorry if what I've said has made no sense!

Problem with all my plans is, I am rubbish at DIY! But, I am willing to try. If anyone has some tips they would be very welcome. Especially regarding safe materials and glue. Or better, if you could suggest any pre made platforms of about the right size.

The dimensions are 100cm X 50cm X 50cm

https://www.zoobio.de/savic/22085-ha...own-unmontiert

EDIT: Here is a diagram of what I mean... Is it a good idea? Any improvements? He will obviously also have his toys, and there will be ramps so he can get up to the platforms.

(Please excuse my God awful handwriting and drawing skills)


Last edited by AprilPearl; 06-02-2017 at 08:28 AM.
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Old 06-02-2017, 08:20 AM   #2
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Default Re: DIY Cage Platforms

You can quite easily make a platform with just a piece of wood (kiln dried pine is safest & you should be able to get it in most DIY stores like B&Q) & some dowels for legs simply glued on, you can get various size & length dowels on ebay if you have a look.
You do need a good strong non toxic glue though, I use Ponal but that's really expensive, PVA glue might work but I'm not sure if it's strong enough.
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Old 06-02-2017, 08:21 AM   #3
Hamsterita
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Default Re: DIY Cage Platforms

You could make him an ikea knuff shelve with this KNUFF Revistero, juego de 2 - IKEA

You need 0 skills, as the only thing you need to do is to pull apart one of the sides. I also filed the edges a bit, but it is as easy as it sounds... There are a lot of tutorials to make it look more fancy, but if you want something basic that's the only thing that needs to be done

EDIT: like this one Project IKEA - Platform/Level

You would also need to paint it with plastikote to waterproof it.

EDIT: And wow! Mushu is a lucky ham!! Now that you have a spare cage maybe he could get a brother
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Old 06-02-2017, 08:29 AM   #4
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Default Re: DIY Cage Platforms

I have always just used kiln dried pine/poplar from hardware stores. You'll need to ensure it's not treated obviously, but other wise it should be just fine. I make chinchilla shelves often so making ham shelving is quite easy for me- especially in barred cages. Do you want the shelf to be free standing or attached to the bars with some form of ramp leading up to it? Ramps are simple and can be a bendy bridge bent and leading up.

Here's a website that explains how to make chinchilla shelves, but the same concept applies to hamsters. Just make sure you don't have any gap between the bars and the wood
Shelf/Ledge Instructions

Here's one that has step by step pics
https://pethelpful.com/exotic-pets/H...-Wooden-Ledges

Good luck!
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Old 06-02-2017, 08:31 AM   #5
AprilPearl
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Default Re: DIY Cage Platforms

Thanks Cypher and Hamsterita. So, I could use kiln dried pine or the Ikea shelves and I'd need to platikote it. Sounds as though finding a strong non toxic glue may be a struggle. Any suggestions for how to attach the shelves to the side of the cage? And also how to make ramps?
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Old 06-02-2017, 08:32 AM   #6
AprilPearl
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Default Re: DIY Cage Platforms

Drago just seen your post. Thanks so much, will look through the instructions!

EDIT: The second link with the pictures was particularly helpful, so thank you very very much! Just one thing... How do I attach ramps to the platforms?
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Old 06-02-2017, 09:09 AM   #7
Hamsterita
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Default Re: DIY Cage Platforms

I used PVA/Elmer's Glue (cola blanca where I live) and it works just fine. You could also try hot glue.

For the ramps, you could use bendy bridges or this on a homemade ramp (making a hole in the shelve, and putting the thingy screwed into the wood)

How do you call them? I couldn't find a translation, we call them alcayatas.

A lot of brand new bendy bridges and ham accessories use them.
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Old 06-02-2017, 09:13 AM   #8
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Default Re: DIY Cage Platforms

Elmer's glue would be the ideal storebought glue option,and is available in the UK as far as I'm aware!

I would just stick ramps on directly rather than risking metal attachments,since metal hardware attachments could be at least a bit risky.They can be made out of popsicle sticks(not the predyed kind as these are not safe)or safe untreated(or kiln dried)wood.Bendable bridges as mentioned would work as well,and don't require any sort of attachment.
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Old 06-02-2017, 09:19 AM   #9
AprilPearl
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Default Re: DIY Cage Platforms

Thanks Hamsterita. I actually don't know what those are called either, but I certainly know what you mean. And by the looks of it those should attach a ramp well! I forget, does Blacky have ramps? If so, how did you attach them? Did you use that metal attachment, or glue?

Amity thank you Elmers glue is going on my 'shopping list'! So, I could just stick the ramp directly on with glue then?

At the moment I think I will be making the ramps out of untreated or kiln dried wood. However, I worry that the surface would be too slippery to walk up. Anything I can do about that?

Also, are there any metals which are toxic to hamsters that I should avoid if I am buying the hooks?

Last edited by AprilPearl; 06-02-2017 at 10:23 AM.
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Old 06-02-2017, 09:25 AM   #10
Hamsterita
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Default Re: DIY Cage Platforms

You could use popsicle sticks, or something like that, and glue them horizontally on top of the ramp to help Mushu to grip, making like bump-steps.... I feel that I'm explaining it terribly. Anyway if it isn't too sloped you shouldn't have any problems as untreated wood isn't smooth and slippery
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cage, side, platforms, put, shelf, problem, 50cm, made, hand, diy, platform, alaska, front, door, mushu, sense, rubbish, bought, plans, things, hanging, hammocks, savic, perimeter, middle

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