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Old 02-07-2019, 04:04 PM   #1
Fishgod123
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 2
Default Homemade Wooden Cage

Hi, I'd like to build a wooden cage for a dwarf hamster if possible. Can they chew through a wood cage? Could it be prevented by clearcoating or puting a thin fibre glass layer on it? And what type of wood is suitable.
Thanks!
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Old 02-11-2019, 11:56 PM   #2
mlwinters
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Cornwall, UK
Posts: 39
Default Re: Homemade Wooden Cage

I built my cage with melamine boards, its chipboard with a plastic coating which makes the cage water resistant and easy to clean (see here). If your cage doesn't have any edges that a hamster can chew into, a hamster shouldn't be able to chew through the wood, a hamster's teeth can't grip (and therefore crew into) a flat surface. I wouldn't use any type fiber board such as MDF board as its made from wood dust, it tends to bow easily and will swell if wet. You also cannot guarantee that the glue used is non-toxic. When using any kind of paint/varnish you have to make sure that it is a non-toxic, its best to use paint/varnish that is suitable for childrens toys. I personally use fiber glass anywhere near a pet cage. The fiber glass is, by definition, made from glass fiber which can get into the lungs and cause issues. The resin is also is also toxic and an irritent, the resin pretty nasty stuff.
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Old 02-13-2019, 09:17 PM   #3
Fishgod123
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 2
Default Re: Homemade Wooden Cage

Thanks a lot. I think I'll go with melamine than and make sure everything is non toxic. That info helps a lot
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Old 02-14-2019, 02:29 AM   #4
mlwinters
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Cornwall, UK
Posts: 39
Default Re: Homemade Wooden Cage

Your welcome, glad it helps
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Old 02-14-2019, 04:40 AM   #5
Pebbles82
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 23,533
Default Re: Homemade Wooden Cage

Melamine is better Some hamsters will chew through wood in no time. Others won't bother - but it's a hassle if they do. Incidentally, although you can buy melamine in diy stores, a lot of people use things from Ikea (eg a melamine table top) for a diy cage. It means the melamine edges are already finished for the size. The Linmon is popular I think.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/...-spr-29932181/

Here is a tutorial for a Linmon cage

DIY Ikea Linnmon Cage

I also think this is a good option as it gives you sides and a top or bottom

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/...-art-30128629/

If you turn the stuva upside down you have a wipe clean base and sides, can mesh the back and front and make a lid out of wood strips and mesh.

If you want a cage on legs, some people have used two Lack tables. Without the middle shelf. You put on on top of the other and fix them together securely.

The top of one gives a base, and the top of the other one gives a top. Then you fill in between the legs with mesh or perspex - but it would mean needing sliding doors probably.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/...-art-80111339/

Here's an example. There is a Link on this page to a Hamster Central post with details of how it was made, but unfortunately the photos no longer show on the post due to photobucket becoming defunct. However there is also a video you can click on on this page.

https://hammyhappenings.wordpress.co...amster-caging/
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