Hi, I am looking into getting a hamster and I have a couple of questions I was hoping someone could answer for me before I commit to doing or buying anything or any hamster.
I have been watching loads of videos as part of my research. As a result, I loved to get 2 Roborovski hamsters but as a newbe, Ill be getting a Syrian to begin with.
My main question is, I plan on converting an old computer desk into a cage. However, being a piece of shop bought furniture (argos I think), it follows standard furniture sizing and not anything logical. Everyone seems to state that the minimum size is 80 x 50 cm (area of 4000cm²). The desk I have is 90 x 48 cm (area of 4320cm²). Does the minimum width mean a minimum of 50cm, end of story, or is it ok if the width is 2cm less if the length is 10 cm more than the mimimum giving a greater total floorspace? Being pedantic, which would technically override which, floorspace (area) or size?
Strictly speaking, there is nothing stopping me from adding that 2cm to the width if it's a must but it would add to the cost (I would need to replace the top board).
Please forgive me if this is a stupid question, but these stupid details bug me unless I know.
Also, I found this cage design on google (please forgive my image insertion if this is your image) that I like. As far as a stuctural design point of view goes. Not the toys, sandpit ect (although I will get the same wheel) I want to create a natural/rainforest theme, would that be suitable for a Syrian? Is the any Rotastak scale issues with it? Exact details yet to be worked out, but can you see anything in this I should not do or do differently? Are the high semi-unguarded ledges ok?
Image Here
(to big to embed)
Lastly, on the bottom part of that image you can see either glass or a form plastic glass. I would like to do something similer on my cage. For the purpose of what you see on that image and maybe others, is acrylic sheet safe for hamsters to touch and thus use or would proper safety glass be better? Is it any more likey to get injested and then cause health issues (see note)? I do like working with acrylic plus it's cheap, comes is loads of colours, transparent and opaque and if its safe I would like to use it in other places too. It says on the person's website they used perspex, its the same as acrylic, but I was to double check with someone else weather acrylic is ok.
(Note, everything can be dangerous in the wrong conditions or quantity, the question above refers to the risk of harm of acrylic when compared to other types plastics used by hamsters everyday)
I do have another question but I feel it requires a seperate thread as its complex and needs a proper explanation (sorry...maths are involved). Ill post this later today or tomorrow.
Sorry for the long question.
Thanks so much for your time and any help.
Have a great day.
Morgan