Detolf door

EJoy123 · 08-20-2017, 10:43 AM

Hey guys!
So I've just got a new hamster, a male Syrian named Toby, and will be using a detolf cage. From what I've seen, everyone who has the cage removes the glass door that the cabinet comes with. My mum thinks that it will be fine to keep the glass door until we can make one with mesh, but I've heard that it doesn't allow enough circulation of air in the cage. Is is actually dangerous to Toby's life to keep the heavy glass door, or just not ideal?

Jennie F · 08-20-2017, 11:35 AM

I would strongly advise against it. You are effectively putting him in a glass box with little, if any, air supply and ventilation.

I would reccommended holding off moving him in until you can make a lid. Wth Syrians you will definately need a lid as they will find a way to get out

AmityvilleHams · 08-20-2017, 11:49 AM

It would ultimately be detrimental to his health to keep a glass lid and not provide adequate ventilation.This can include respiratory illnesses and even death,so it is definitely not okay to just leave the lid

EJoy123 · 08-20-2017, 12:23 PM

Ok, looking like I'll use the other cage for now then. Also wondering about the metal bit that is used to hold the glass shelves. Is it safe to leave in the detolf? Is that what most people do, or is there a danger of the hamster getting stuck between the metal and the glass?

Hekomi · 08-21-2017, 06:20 AM

I believe most people leave the metal bins inside the detolf.

Maybe temporarily while you make his mesh lid, you could use a bin cage?

Jennie F · 08-21-2017, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EJoy123

Ok, looking like I'll use the other cage for now then. Also wondering about the metal bit that is used to hold the glass shelves. Is it safe to leave in the detolf? Is that what most people do, or is there a danger of the hamster getting stuck between the metal and the glass?

Khali is in a detolf and I left the metal bars in and she doesnt bother with them at all. She uses the metal bar that the lid rests on to pull herself up and out when I open the lid (I have something underneath for her to stand on so she can reach).

Be aware that there is a small hole in one end of the wood, where the wire of a light would go if used for a display cabinet. I would reccommended blocking it off straight away to avoid your hammy seeing it and trying to chew through. Khali made a start on the hole, but I have a bolt through it, covered it with thick cardboard and out her wheel against it, so she cant get to it.