Home Furniture Sizes For Custom Cage, Acrylic Sheet Safe?

[mlwinters]

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

[CMB]

Floor space is ok over specific dimensions. Acrylic is fine for hamsters to touch. The ledges can either be unguarded or guarded. If unguarded, having deep substrate near/underneath in case of falls/jumping off the ledge.

Not having a high up ledge might be better, as it would give the hamster access to the lid. The hamster may chew and could climb upside down on the lid and fall, hurting itself.

[Cinnamon Bear]

I see how a hamster could potentially try to chew the wire top. You cage looks beautiful though

[mlwinters]

Hey guys, first off let me say I am really sorry for not replying soon, computer, family and personal issues have, for the most part, kept me offline. Please accept my apologies for not getting back sooner.

Since posting my first post, I decided that the size of my old computer desk, 90cm x 48cm with just over the minimum floor space, was just too small for my liking. It has also had many years on constant use and thus not the safest, both hygienically and structurally. I have therefore built a bigger floor cage with inside dimensions of 1470mm by 507mm. This gives a floor space of 7434.09 ²cm when taking into account the two vertical supports. Inside height is 533mm.
The two supports reinforce two shelves and also holds the acrylic panels upright and against a wooden strip along the bottom front edge. The acrylic panels are joined with a PVC joiner thing, this allow the two panels to be easily and quickly removed. To remove both panels only takes a few seconds.

I see what you mean about using wire mesh on the lid/roof. Having not seen your replies until today, I did use mesh on the roof and it is accessible. I can change this to acrylic sheets if it becomes an issue. Both front doors have wire mesh so ventilation is not an issue. Should I discourage any hamster from climbing on the mesh just as a matter of principle?

I will post some proper cage pictures but I’ll do that in another post as there is a bit of details to go with it.
Edit: HERE is a link to the topic in the DIY section.

Thanks for your time and sorry I took so long to get back to you.
Morgan