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Old 12-28-2018, 03:13 PM   #1
HamsterLad
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Default Cage layout

What are everyone's thoughts on this basic layout? Is there anything that needs to be added apart from a few chew toys? It will only be like this temporarily.
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Old 12-28-2018, 08:20 PM   #2
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Cage layout

It looks good - maybe needs a bit less open space in the middle and another couple of inches of substrate - that encourages normal behaviours like burying things, digging etc (it doesn't cost more in the long run as you need to clean out a lot less with more substrate, especially if the hamster uses a litter tray).

I would have one concern and that is the chains attached to the hanging toys on the sides - hamsters climb bars and can get a toe or foot caught in chains and there are many stories ofa hamster hanging by a broken leg. Easiest thing would be to remove the chains and hang them up with sisal string or sometimes I use plastic cable ties (ie just leave the one metal loop attached at either end and put a cable tie through that). Or attach them so the chains are outside the bars and not inside.

Also an idea is to not put the nesting material inside the house - but put it in a heap somewhere in the cage - then the hamster forages for it (they may pouch the paper nesting material) and carries it to where they want to make a nest and it will probably be in the nice corner house you have. But they like to do it themselves!

Is it for a syrian or dwarf hamster? Not sure what size wheel it is.
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Old 12-28-2018, 10:24 PM   #3
cypher
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Default Re: Cage layout

I agree with Serendipity about the substrate & chains. I'm not sure if you would need to section of an area for the wheel if it's too tall for deep substrate? if need be you can do that with bendy bridges then fill the base completely with substrate, the house should be on a layer of substrate, as deep as you can. I always put some nest material/toilet tissue in the house but also leave some around the cage for them to collect more when they want.
I'm not really sure about those hanging chew toy things tbh, they're too . high up with so little substrate & apart from the chain issue not sure they offer much benefit.
For chews they enjoy I would stick with things like whimzee dog chews & hazel or apple sticks.
You still have quite a bit of open space there so you could use something like a cork tunnel or bendy bridges to make more things that double as little hideouts & something to climb on.
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Old 12-29-2018, 12:15 AM   #4
alpacassei
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Default Re: Cage layout

I agree about the chains, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! If you haven’t already, I also recommend removing the bells on the wooden toys in the bottom left corner.

I’d add deeper substrate for burrowing, more hides (cardboard boxes, bendy bridges, coconut houses), and a sandbath. I’m not sure if this setup’s for a dwarf, chinese, or Syrian but I recommend moving the hanging chews so they can be reached without having to climb to the top of the cage. Most hamsters are terrible at climbing back down and just drop, and a lot of hamsters just won’t bother climbing to the chews.

Most hamsters prefer to chew on natural wood over shaped and painted chews. My hamsters’ favourites are the natural chews by Woodlands http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pe...age_Toys-Chews
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Old 12-29-2018, 04:39 AM   #5
lydiaaa
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Default Re: Cage layout

Agreeing with what everyone else has said, I don't think the hanging toys would have much benefit to your hamster. An easy alternative to add more toy is just toilet paper tubes. If your ham is a Syrian though be sure to make a slit down the side so if they are too big for the tube they will not get stuck. I don't think the tubes leading into the houses are necessary. You can also use toilet paper tubes to create treat toys where they have to work to get the treats or food inside.Fold in each end of the tube with some food inside and poke holes in it. The hamster can then try to open either end to get to the food or roll it about so it falls out of the holes. These really stimulate hamsters and can prevent a lot of boredom or stress which leads to negative unwanted behaviours.
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