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Old 09-03-2019, 04:18 PM   #1
rudegyaltam
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 4
Default do cages need a transparent side?

I'm considering getting an ikea cabinet (linked at the bottom), flipping it onto it's back and using it as a cage. It would have roughly 740 sq inches of floor space and would be about 14 inches deep so it would be able to hold a 6 inch wheel (will be getting a robo) and 6 inches of bedding all around and I would probably also make other sections of the cage even deeper.
However seeing as I have no DIY skills or power tools I'm wondering if i would need to replace one of the sides of the enclosure with a clear plastic side or if i could just leave it as is, with 4 solid sides. Would this have any effect on the hamster? Or is the reason most cages have a clear side for the benefit of the owner (being able to see the pet etc.)? Light would still be able to get into the cage, as the lid would be mesh. The cage will probably reside on the floor or a low table so access to the hamster would not be restricted in any way.
Would this be an acceptable enclosure? Any advice/information would be appreciated.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/metod-w...hite-30205528/
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Old 09-04-2019, 03:15 AM   #2
Wisper
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Posts: 189
Default Re: do cages need a transparent side?

I don't see why this wouldn't be ok with a secure lid, clear panels on the sides are mostly there so you can see your hamster more easily. I think the only issue would be that your hamster might not be as aware of where people are around the cage and that could case them to be scared when people suddenly appear above them.
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Old 09-04-2019, 03:42 AM   #3
RJS
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Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 96
Default Re: do cages need a transparent side?

Hi

I have Theodore (dwarf hybrid) in a 748 sq inch by 12' sides box that I made out of kiln dried pine. He's perfectly happy in his own little world. I have a full size screened top where I've been picking him up from day one and he shows no stress being picked up this way as its the only way he knows. As a matter of fact, he knows the sound of the hinges when I open the top and if awake, he'll run up to the highest point because he knows there could be a treat coming!
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Old 09-04-2019, 05:37 AM   #4
Dalis_mum
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 369
Default Re: do cages need a transparent side?

I'd be concerned that the back/bottom would become soiled and disintegrate/smell. I've never made a cage from wood so maybe there is some special sealant I'm unawares of.
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cage, inches, side, hamster, sides, floor, cages, clear, enclosure, effect, leave, plastic, solid, benefit, reason, light, restricted, access, table, appreciated, advice/information, acceptable, low, reside, pet

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