Detolf temporary lid fix? Hamster escaped

PurpleKat · 08-08-2019, 01:33 PM

So we brought a defolf yesterday and built it then.
Today we came in from shopping and she greeted us at the door.
Don't think she was out long but still not good.
We pushed lots of bedding to the back, and used a large plank of wood in the centre.
She escaped, used the wood to climb vertically.

Now we have this setup for overnight.
Will it work? And is there enough ventilation?

LunaTheHamster1 · 08-09-2019, 02:29 AM

I can't really see what you have done, so can't really comment re the ventilation. Also, I guess it's too late now as night has been an d gone

I would say that she may be escaping via the water bottle and/or the wheel, if she can get behind them, hamsters are very good at wedging themselves in between things and then climbing up.

I guess you didn't have a lid on it when you built it? I hope you manage to get it sorted soon.
That must have been a shock having her welcoming you back home

PurpleKat · 08-09-2019, 04:32 PM

We had to build the glass lid afterwards and used thick multi-layered cardboard, to support the glass lid up in three places.
We going to finish up the lid with wire on top in the morning. The stapler broke, was old.

Found out our B&Q doesn't cut wood

So we found 3 picture frames, pet safe wood from a charity shop (all same size very lucky) . They fit on top very well together.
Removed pictures, cleaned them up today and sanded down.
Was fun day hunting for them all day.

Pebbles82 · 08-12-2019, 03:19 AM

So she escaped before you finished making the mesh lid is that right? I wouldn't think cardboard would stop her - she'd chew through it. Best temporary option would be to put a large piece of mesh over the whole detolf, folded down at the edges and some books in strategic places to hold it down. Mesh isn't expensive so even if you have to buy more than you need it would keep her safe until the lid is finished.

alpacassei · 08-12-2019, 10:05 AM

I’ve also seen people place the glass detolf shelves over areas where they can climb like the wheel and water bottle which seems to work quite well as a temporary measure.