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Old 04-22-2018, 08:18 AM   #1
mlwinters
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Default Pringles Tubes As Rodipet Enterrado Tunnel System?

I was browsing the interweb at German style cages a few days ago and came across the Rodipet Enterrado tunnel system. I love the idea of having a tunnel system under the substrate. However when I looked to see what the price was, it was WAY over priced, at least for my liking (see here (Amazon UK)), (demo video (YouTube)).
This got me thinking, being almost addicted to Pringles and having collected a load (around 25) for another project, I wondered if using Pringles tubes would be an option. After looking around to see if Pringles tubes were safe for hamsters, I found this thread on Hamster Central about them. The thread was last posted on in 2012 but the from what I can see, the general consensus seems to be that they are safe provided one removes the metel foil from the inside and cleaned/sanitized (as with any toy).

Would you say (over 5 years later) that this still accurate information?
Also what are your thoughts on the Rodipet Enterrado like tunnel system underground as shown in the linked demo video?

I did cut a couple up to test the geometry of the 90° bends with the T-pieces so I know its technically possible, I just wanted to check with you first before I comit the time, glue and tubes so I dont build something unsafe. Interesting point, the Rodipet tunnels are around 60mm in diameter, I make Pringles tubes 73mm in diameter, I asume the bigger diameter would be an useful advantage, please correct me if wrong on that though. I also like the cheapness and ease of replacement if/when a tube gets damaged, pee'd on ect.

Here's a picture in case you don't want to click on links, hope its not too big.


Please let me know your thoughts on this and if you think using Pringles tube for the above tunnel system is safe. Thanks for any advice,
Morgan
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Old 04-22-2018, 08:25 AM   #2
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Pringles Tubes As Rodipet Enterrado Tunnel System?

I think it's possible, but I don't think the tunnel system is necessary really or maybe even a good idea for a pet hamster or a) you'd never see them b) they could end up nesting in the tunnels which would be hard to clean out.

I also looked at this and thought what a great idea (apart from the cost!) but actually hamsters like digging their own tunnels and digging is part of normal behaviour for them. I do have one of the pieces of this system - the round house bit with the holes in, which I like. Our Syrian likes to sit on top of it Because it's flat. He doesn't chew it or eat the hay and he stuffs the holes full of bedding for some reason.

What I do think is good is the labyrinth houses Rodipet do - that gives them a dark area to nest and different areas for toiletting and nesting, but you can lift the roof off to check on them. Someone on here actually made a labyrinth house out of cardboard boxes so that might be an idea.

I think if they had an underground tunnel system enclosed like that, taming could regress or be difficult to achieve.

My view is it's a balance between giving them great things and enrichment, and having them accessible for human bonding, which is also important to their wellbeing, and giving them the opportunity to dig. But giving them a good house is important too, to retreat to without blocking themselves in totally.
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Old 04-22-2018, 09:48 AM   #3
cypher
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Default Re: Pringles Tubes As Rodipet Enterrado Tunnel System?

I remember when Rodipet first began doing that system I thought it looked like a nice idea but with a bit of thought came to pretty much the same conclusions as Serendipity, I think in the cage it's best to just let them build their own tunnels when & where they like.
Could be fun to make a system for them to explore in a playpen though.
Pringles tubes are safe anyway, lots of people use them in cages just on top of the substrate not below.
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Old 04-28-2018, 01:47 PM   #4
mlwinters
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Default Re: Pringles Tubes As Rodipet Enterrado Tunnel System?

Thanks for your replys. I should have pointed out that I hadn't planned on doing a tunnel system anywhere near as big as the Rodipet pictured, I might go nuts one day for playtime (as cypher mentioned) but nothing this extensive for the main cage. More just the principle. I was thinking of making a nest box with a tunnel going to it, for example, an F-shape tunnel system with the nest box at the bottom. This would still leave the rest of the cage for a hammy to make their own tunnels if they wanted and for other toys, wheel ect. If you just have the nestbox and say 3 tunnels sections underground and everything else above ground, would that be ok?

I don't think cleaning them out would be needed, when a tube starts to get dirty, just bin it and replace it with a new one.

I looked at the labyrinth nestboxes that Serendipity said about which I do quite like. If I did what I mentioned above, if you think that idea is ok, would changing my plan from a basic nestbox into making one of these labyrinth nests be acceptable?
Sorry Im a little persistent with this but I really like the idea providing some kind of tunnel system leading to a nest as they might in the wild. Seperate "rooms" in the nest, as with the labyrinth nestboxes, would be ever better. Please do educate if Im getting this wrong.

Thanks again for your help
Morgan
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Old 04-28-2018, 02:52 PM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Pringles Tubes As Rodipet Enterrado Tunnel System?

I'm sure a hammy would appreciate that I've often put a bendy bridge over a house entrance to make a tunnel entrance.
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Old 04-28-2018, 06:46 PM   #6
Drago
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Default Re: Pringles Tubes As Rodipet Enterrado Tunnel System?

A few tunnels as a hideout in the cage would be a pretty cool addition IMO The idea you have would work fine as well!

I use pringles tubes for playtime, and all my rodents have loved them. Though do be warned, a Syrian will not move very well in them. My robo enjoyed them immensely, as did my mice and gerbs. Best of luck with making them
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