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Old 09-14-2019, 06:56 AM   #1
alexedad
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Question hamster tubes

i currently have NO hamster but getting one today. i have a 65 gallon acrylic aquarium i am going to be setting up for his new home. and i have a few questions.
the dimension of my enclosure is 14. 5 inches from front to back X 19.5 inches tall X 35.5 inches long.

1. i want to make a tube that goes from bottom of tank up to top through a hole and into a small lookout port?? then back into the tank so i know what i need and was wondering is there a website where i can order JUST the tubes i need?

2. i would also like to know is there a cad type program for hamster tubes so i can sort of design a tunnel system that fits inside my enclosure and have a list of parts needed ( i.e. the example above i know i needs 4 elbows 6 10 inch tubes a t joint and a small den)

3. since this will be my 11 year old sons FIRST hamster what are some training tips?

4. because of depth (19.5 inches) will the hamster on its own climb to the top OR should i put food in top thing to encourage this?

5. any help or ideas would be nice thanks. as a kid i had guinea pigs and loved raising them but always fed fresh vegis is that also ok for hamsters?

Last edited by souffle; 09-15-2019 at 12:55 AM.
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Old 09-15-2019, 04:57 PM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: hamster tubes

Hi and welcome, what kind of hamster did you get?
It's so exciting to get a hamster.

Hamsters who burrow and not all do, are quite capable to create their own tunnel system as long as they have enough suitable substrate and some hay available to them. That's what most hamsters enjoy doing, its a hamster thing.

My Syrian hamster doesn't burrow, he likes to sit on top of shelves but my Robo does. I watch his tail disappear down a tunnel when he goes to bed.

I don't use plastic tubes because i find them unhygienic and hard to clean should a hamster pee in it which they would. Ventilation or the lack of it could be an issue and plastic tubes inside an acrylic tank could cause consensation, mould and who knows what.

I'm not trying to put you off your idea because the choice is yours and i'm only voicing an opinion.

It also takes a while to get to know your hamster, to see what the hamster likes to do because they are all so different with their own personalities. I'd stick to the basics for a start, plenty of substrate so the hamster can burrow if he wants to, a species appropriate wheel, a house large enough to make a big nest in and plenty of hidey places like bendy bridges, a platform to sit under, a coconut hide etc and a sandbath.

Hamsters are lovely little creatures and a joy to have as a pet.
Must go, my Robo woke up and is running around his sandpit....
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Old 09-15-2019, 06:53 PM   #3
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: hamster tubes

I'd definitely agree with Ria. While PVC pipe can be a great playpen/play bin/etc toy, it isn't good in the main habitat as any and all plastic(including ones with holes in them) traps moisture. Plastic also holds odors and doesn't breathe, all of which combined can lead to a much smellier cage at best or a hamster with a respiratory infection at worst.
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Old 09-16-2019, 05:20 AM   #4
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: hamster tubes

I'm not quite sure what you are looking for, but a lot of people use these type of bendy/expandable tunnels https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/produc...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have no problem with hamster pee in them, so it may depend on your hamster. They are wide enough for any hamster. I puncture 2 holes in either end and hang them from the top of my cage with hamster safe jute string. One end is normally quite low down, if not on the base of the cage and the other end is normally up by one of the top shelves I have in the cage.

you can feed fresh veggies to your hamster, but they only need little bits, you could try a little bit every other day once he/she is settled in a bit more. Just keep an eye on the poo, it will give you an idea if you are feeding too much fresh veg. For example, my Syrians love Kale but it is quite rich and can make their poos a bit wetter than normal so they don;t get a lot of it or that often. I also feed mine cauliflower/broccoli, beetroot leaves, spinach leaves every other day and a tiny bit of carrot or a pea every now an then.
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Old 09-16-2019, 06:10 AM   #5
Ria P
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Default Re: hamster tubes

Quote:
Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1 View Post
I'm not quite sure what you are looking for, but a lot of people use these type of bendy/expandable tunnels https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/produc...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have no problem with hamster pee in them, so it may depend on your hamster. They are wide enough for any hamster. I puncture 2 holes in either end and hang them from the top of my cage with hamster safe jute string. One end is normally quite low down, if not on the base of the cage and the other end is normally up by one of the top shelves I have in the cage.
Oh yes, in that sense i use tubes too. Syrian Henry has a suspended wicker tunnel/tube and Robo Gordon runs through a toilet roll tube.
My understanding from Alexedad's post is that he's planning on a whole tubing system from bottom of tank to top and back via a look out. Bit like the Hamster Heaven cage set up but inside an acrylic tank.
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Old 09-16-2019, 06:18 AM   #6
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: hamster tubes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
Oh yes, in that sense i use tubes too. Syrian Henry has a suspended wicker tunnel/tube and Robo Gordon runs through a toilet roll tube.
My understanding from Alexedad's post is that he's planning on a whole tubing system from bottom of tank to top and back via a look out. Bit like the Hamster Heaven cage set up but inside an acrylic tank.
Yes I wasn't quite sure if he had 2 intentions or 1 with the tubes.I get what you mean with the Hamster Heaven. I also have a wicker tunnel suspended in Stars cage and she is in and out of that thing all the time.
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Old 09-16-2019, 02:37 PM   #7
alexedad
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Default Re: hamster tubes

THANKS to all
yes we got a dwarf carmel colored hamster NO tubes yet BUT he has a wheel thing food water and adding MORE substrate right now its only about 4 inches thick he does burrow alot and so far sleeps alot in the day BUT have seen him active about 9 pm or so. the hamster heaven thing is maybe a NO go as most seem to NOT like the tubes i still need to get him a hideout any thoughts on cardboard tubes as hideout?
so far so good he isnt too skittish seem curious about people and even lets son hold him ( i only allow it for a short time for now)
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Old 09-17-2019, 01:21 AM   #8
Ria P
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Default Re: hamster tubes

Congrats to your new hamster!
What's his name?

Cardboard tubes are fine, they like running through them and some chew them.

Have a look at the thread "Let's see your cages" under Housing in the Forum for ideas.

Lots of stuff available you can add. My dwarf likes the wood log with the holes to pop in and out, the long Trixie bendy bridges are great and so versitile, a clay pot on its side is good for wearing down claws, egg boxes are good hides and swings and you can make things from cardboard, there are youtube videos online.

I'd keep away from toys with chains attached like the hanging ones because tiny paws can get caught in them.

I tried different things with my hamsters and replaced a few items with something else if they didn't use it after a couple of weeks or so.

You can always post a photo of your setup so people can bounce a few ideas and suggestions about and a photo of your hamster would be great.
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Old 09-18-2019, 11:03 AM   #9
Ria P
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Default Re: hamster tubes

Hiya Dan, i saw your hamster and tank on the other thread. Can't see your ham too well because he's asleep but are tou sure he's a Robo? Robos look like old men with white bushy eyebrows . Here's a pic of mine.

Your tank will be fine just needs more stuff like an upright wheel, a sand bath is a must and aforementioned things.

Some people use washed, sieved and baked kiddies sand but i use the Tiny Friends Farm Bathing Sand straight from the tub and available at Pets@Home for £3.

What kind of ventilation do you have? Is it a meshed lid?

Sounds like you are as involved as your son which is great.
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Old 09-18-2019, 11:28 AM   #10
Ria P
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Default Re: hamster tubes

Forgot the pic. Does your hamster have eyebrows like that? If yes, he's a Robo.
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hamster, inches, tubes, top, back, small, tank, enclosure, tips, training, depth, climb, joint, inch, den, year, sons, food, loved, raising, pigs, guinea, hamsters, vegis, fresh

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