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Old 11-18-2019, 05:08 PM   #11
sushi_78
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Default Re: Customised adaptions to cage

Mixing any bedding with hay helps with tunnel stability (if your hamster turns out to like burrowing). I do layers of wood shavings alternating with layers of hay.
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Old 11-19-2019, 02:23 PM   #12
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Default Re: Customised adaptions to cage

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Mixing any bedding with hay helps with tunnel stability (if your hamster turns out to like burrowing). I do layers of wood shavings alternating with layers of hay.
That's a very good suggestion, it should help any burrow or tunnels from collapsing. If I remember correctly the softest hay I used to give my bun was Timothy hay. Is this alright or is there something softer on the market?
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Old 11-19-2019, 03:50 PM   #13
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Default Re: Customised adaptions to cage

Timothy hay is fine, you might get the occasional sharper piece but that’s true with any type of hay and can easily be picked out.
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Old 11-20-2019, 11:20 AM   #14
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Timothy hay is fine, you might get the occasional sharper piece but that’s true with any type of hay and can easily be picked out.
Beautiful! Thank you!
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Old 11-20-2019, 03:56 PM   #15
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Default Re: Customised adaptions to cage

I received my zooplus order today and the cork log is covered with a mint green colour. While I love green is this safe? It feels hard and brittle so it's not mould but it covers more than half the log.
I also ordered a willow tunnel as it can provide a natural ramp from one level to another, but considering what others have said about the bendy bridge I will line the interior with a flax mat cutout. I don't want to tie it with string in case it is chewed and ingested. Is plant wire a safe alternative? Not the plastic covered type but a google search revealed galvanised garden wire and stainless steel.
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Old 11-20-2019, 05:03 PM   #16
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Default Re: Customised adaptions to cage

I wouldn't risk metal wires. Anything creating any sort of loops or small gaps can be dangerous too if they can't be safely chewed for a hamster to free themselves, which can lead to serious injury or even death.

I can understand being nervous about string, but a safe digestible natural fiber option will be far safer than any plastic or metal option. Definitely don't use any kind of cotton fibers or coated, treated, or otherwise dyed strings. These can have numerous toxins or in the case of synthetic fiber string/rope and cotton rope are indigestible and therefore could cause blockages and even death.

I would even be concerned with stainless steel, since seemingly smooth metal can still potentially cause injuries. Metal bottle holders are one example, but it doesn't just stop at those.
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Old 11-20-2019, 05:06 PM   #17
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Customised adaptions to cage

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Originally Posted by Otaku View Post
I received my zooplus order today and the cork log is covered with a mint green colour. While I love green is this safe? It feels hard and brittle so it's not mould but it covers more than half the log.
I also ordered a willow tunnel as it can provide a natural ramp from one level to another, but considering what others have said about the bendy bridge I will line the interior with a flax mat cutout. I don't want to tie it with string in case it is chewed and ingested. Is plant wire a safe alternative? Not the plastic covered type but a google search revealed galvanised garden wire and stainless steel.
If it is jute or sisal string it will be fine. Personally I would prefer to use that than a wire . That is what I always use and I have never had a problem. I have a feeling one of my cork tunnels had something like that and I was worried but I kept my eye on it and everything was fine and I think overtime it's actually changed colour.
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Old 11-20-2019, 05:58 PM   #18
Otaku
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Default Re: Customised adaptions to cage

Thank you for the advice. I should have realised that wire would carry the same risks as the tiny gaps in the willow tunnel.

Luna, thank you for recommendations, that's really helpful! I'll have a look and purchase either jute or sisal. (^_^)
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Old 11-20-2019, 10:41 PM   #19
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Default Re: Customised adaptions to cage

Do you mean the cork itself is green or that there is moss/lichen on it? If it’s the latter, don’t worry thats normal and completely safe!
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Old 11-21-2019, 12:06 PM   #20
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Do you mean the cork itself is green or that there is moss/lichen on it? If it’s the latter, don’t worry thats normal and completely safe!
I have attached a photo of the log (after resizing it according to the forum guidelines). Is this ok?
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File Type: jpg Cork Log.jpg (118.8 KB, 25 views)
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