HIs it safe to put this materials in my ham´s cage?

Boophamham · 02-01-2019, 10:05 AM

Hi, so, recently I upgraded my hm to a 923 square inch cage and I´d love to do something similar to those German styled cages. Im currently using Clean and Cozy with a mix of Carefresh, I want to add Aspen sometime soon, but I want to start getting more natural supplies. So here are the links to some of the things to see if they are safe:

1. https://www.amazon.com.mx/Flukers-51...9039973&sr=1-2
2. https://www.amazon.com.mx/Exo-Terra-...9&sr=1-32&th=1
3. https://www.amazon.com.mx/Zilla-Rept...040249&sr=1-41

Some things like that? Also: Is it safe to add soil? Or should I just stick with Aspen?

Thanks

mangoandmimi · 02-01-2019, 05:36 PM

I wouldn’t bother with the vines as they’re artificial, it’s best to avoid things that can’t be chewed. Plenty of ways to brighten a cage up using natural items, reptile moss is ok (double check which types) and you can add things like dried leaves (birch, hazelnut) that are also for reptiles.
The hide is ok, hard to tell how large the opening is so probably make sure it’s big enough for a Syrian. As far as I am aware Malaysian driftwood is safe to use too but hopefully someone else will know. Grapevine & java wood is good if you can find any.
I think you’d be better off adding sand instead of soil if you haven’t already. Otherwise eco earth might be better as it is coconut fibre, if you can get something similar

Pebbles82 · 02-01-2019, 08:05 PM

Agree about the plastic vines - they could be chewed so wouldn't use those. Sandblasted vine branches are safe to use. I am not sure if all driftwood is safe. It would depend on the wood being a safe wood and then it may need baking to sterilise it.

I wouldn't use any soil or moss. Items like that for reptiles are to increase humidity and you don't want that in a hamster cage or it can lead to mould and mould spores - they are damp type substrates.

I would stick with the subtrate you have and chinchilla bathing sand. Many people make natural looking cages with very safe items. You can get sprays of millet, which when stuck in the substrate look like little trees or grasses and are safe to eat.

I also like the large cork logs you can get in reptile stores. These are natural and make great tunnels, and interesting texture to climb over etc. They sometimes need a rinse and then leaving to dry out before using as they've often been stored loose and are dusty.

I also use cork bark pieces (not cork bark substrate, but whole large-ish pieces - about 6" square). They can be used as ramps or to raise the level of the substrate as little steps for example.

You can also create an area with large stones - if you clean the stones and bake or boil them to sterilise them first.

The resin reptile hides are fine.

alpacassei · 02-01-2019, 08:08 PM

Definitely leave the fake vines out incase they’re chewed. Driftwood is generally safe as far as I’m aware but I think we have a safe wood list somewhere if you google it. The hide is good but the opening is quite small so its best for a dwarf hamster.

Natural set ups are my favourite! Some basics are bathing sand (not dust!), soft hay, cork tunnels, bendy bridges, millet sprays, dried flower mixes (nake sure thry’re safe) and either poly-resin or real rocks

alpacassei · 02-01-2019, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

I wouldn't use any soil or moss. Items like that for reptiles are to increase humidity and you don't want that in a hamster cage or it can lead to mould and mould spores - they are damp type

I think there’s a dried moss that’s safe to use?

I know sone people do use soil in their setups but it needs to be separate from the main substrate, in a well ventilated area of the cage, and regularly replaced. Tbh i dont think its worth it though, hamsters dont like getting dirty and you can use brown paper bedding for a similar look.

mangoandmimi · 02-01-2019, 08:17 PM

Yes moss is fine - dried moss, they use it for nesting and it’s a different texture which is good. Obviously remove any damp bits but it’s generally not a problem. Not sure about the different types since the one I get is from rodipet.
Agree that soil can become an issue especially if they decide to make a toilet out of it!

cypher · 02-01-2019, 10:15 PM

I'm not sure about the driftwood, hard to know what it actually is, those resin hides are fine if they are big enough but you do need to check for any sharp edges & sand them down if there are any, plastic leaves are definitely a no as the others said.

Boophamham · 02-02-2019, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mangoandmimi

I wouldn’t bother with the vines as they’re artificial, it’s best to avoid things that can’t be chewed. Plenty of ways to brighten a cage up using natural items, reptile moss is ok (double check which types) and you can add things like dried leaves (birch, hazelnut) that are also for reptiles.
The hide is ok, hard to tell how large the opening is so probably make sure it’s big enough for a Syrian. As far as I am aware Malaysian driftwood is safe to use too but hopefully someone else will know. Grapevine & java wood is good if you can find any.
I think you’d be better off adding sand instead of soil if you haven’t already. Otherwise eco earth might be better as it is coconut fibre, if you can get something similar

Okay! Thank you so much, and no, I haven´t added anything new since he has just been introduced to his new cage and don´t wanna mess a lot with it.

Will definitely make sure its large enough, thanks!

Boophamham · 02-02-2019, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Agree about the plastic vines - they could be chewed so wouldn't use those. Sandblasted vine branches are safe to use. I am not sure if all driftwood is safe. It would depend on the wood being a safe wood and then it may need baking to sterilise it.

I wouldn't use any soil or moss. Items like that for reptiles are to increase humidity and you don't want that in a hamster cage or it can lead to mould and mould spores - they are damp type substrates.

I would stick with the subtrate you have and chinchilla bathing sand. Many people make natural looking cages with very safe items. You can get sprays of millet, which when stuck in the substrate look like little trees or grasses and are safe to eat.

I also like the large cork logs you can get in reptile stores. These are natural and make great tunnels, and interesting texture to climb over etc. They sometimes need a rinse and then leaving to dry out before using as they've often been stored loose and are dusty.

I also use cork bark pieces (not cork bark substrate, but whole large-ish pieces - about 6" square). They can be used as ramps or to raise the level of the substrate as little steps for example.

You can also create an area with large stones - if you clean the stones and bake or boil them to sterilise them first.

The resin reptile hides are fine.

Okay! No plastic vines will be included

. And oh! Thanks for telling me that, his cage is wood so I don´t want humidity. For him and for me.

Thank you so much!

Boophamham · 02-02-2019, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpacassei

Definitely leave the fake vines out incase they’re chewed. Driftwood is generally safe as far as I’m aware but I think we have a safe wood list somewhere if you google it. The hide is good but the opening is quite small so its best for a dwarf hamster.

Natural set ups are my favourite! Some basics are bathing sand (not dust!), soft hay, cork tunnels, bendy bridges, millet sprays, dried flower mixes (nake sure thry’re safe) and either poly-resin or real rocks

Thank you so much! Ill be looking into this!