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Old 07-22-2020, 04:54 AM   #1
Izzye
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Join Date: Jul 2020
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Default DIY platform help!

Hi
New forum member here! I've recently*adopted a little dwarf*hamster (Tim) who's in a 100cm x 50cm enclosure. I want to try and build a DIY platform to hold his water and food dishes so I can free up a bit more floor space for deeper substrate (I'm scared to put things directly on top of the deep substrate just in case!). Can anyone recommend*the best type of wood?*
There are a few places in the UK that will cut to size in-store or I can always order online but I'm just a bit unsure on which woods are safe (seems to be lots of conflicting information). I plan to treat anything with plastikote or similar after constructing.*
Would something like either of these be safe?*

https://www.woodshopdirect.co.uk/cut...ing/birch-ply/
https://www.woodshopdirect.co.uk/pla...-beech-timber/

Thanks very much in advance!
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Old 07-23-2020, 12:39 PM   #2
Otaku
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Default Re: DIY platform help!

It really depends on whether your hamster is a chewer or not. My boy isn't so I have been able to use plywood for shelves coated with Ronseal Garden Paint, a pet safe paint.

If your hamster does enjoy nibbling wood then you can't use treated woods or those with adhesives (the latter eliminating plywood from your options) BUT I have seen lots of DIY projects that have used the IKEA Knuff magazine holders to create shelves and/or platforms.

So, I think a lot of people would recommend untreated pine but I have seen a lot of others use plywood (the Knuff).

I think get to know your tiny Tim a bit more and learn if he can be trusted with plywood or not, but regardless ensure he has plenty of chew toys (i.e. Whimzees) to keep him happy and healthy. xo
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Old 07-23-2020, 12:57 PM   #3
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: DIY platform help!

I was looking into this the other day but in the end I ended up buying one of these platforms:

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/produc...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It might not be your thing or you might find cheaper, just thought I would mention it.
I had to chop a bit off the legs for what I wanted to use it for.

p.s Tim is very cute
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Last edited by LunaTheHamster1; 07-23-2020 at 01:06 PM.
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Old 07-23-2020, 03:05 PM   #4
Ria P
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Default Re: DIY platform help!

Quote:
Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1 View Post
I was looking into this the other day but in the end I ended up buying one of these platforms:

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/produc...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It might not be your thing or you might find cheaper, just thought I would mention it.
I had to chop a bit off the legs for what I wanted to use it for.

p.s Tim is very cute
Ha! I was looking for one of those for Rory's cage and will order one now. Thanks again.

Agree, Tim is a cute little hamster.
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Old 07-24-2020, 02:51 AM   #5
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: DIY platform help!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
Ha! I was looking for one of those for Rory's cage and will order one now.
Oh well if it didn't help Izzye at least i helped you Ria
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Old 07-24-2020, 05:41 AM   #6
Maker
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Default Re: DIY platform help!

Untreated pine is fine as wood for construction
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Old 07-24-2020, 10:17 AM   #7
empar_iv
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Default Re: DIY platform help!

I usually use melamine since it's water resistant and its really easy to clean if the hamster pees on it, also it's pretty cheap

I made this platform with a 1mm board and some dowels: https://i.ibb.co/3krxSvC/Whats-App-I...t-18-03-15.jpg
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Old 07-25-2020, 10:42 AM   #8
Ria P
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Default Re: DIY platform help!

I bought the platform Luna mentioned for £8 something off Amazon and put it in my foster ham's Samla. I'm well happy with it and its very sturdy.
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Old 08-10-2020, 11:44 PM   #9
Izzye
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Default Re: DIY platform help!

Quote:
Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1 View Post
I was looking into this the other day but in the end I ended up buying one of these platforms:

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/produc...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It might not be your thing or you might find cheaper, just thought I would mention it.
I had to chop a bit off the legs for what I wanted to use it for.

p.s Tim is very cute
Thanks everyone! I went with LunaTheHamster's suggestion and it's exactly what I was looking for (the little fluffball seems to approve too)
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File Type: jpg IMG_20200811_072844.jpg (1.94 MB, 19 views)
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Old 08-11-2020, 04:56 AM   #10
Ria P
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Default Re: DIY platform help!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Izzye View Post
Thanks everyone! I went with LunaTheHamster's suggestion and it's exactly what I was looking for (the little fluffball seems to approve too)
That looks fab! I like the way you've set it up and Tim looks well happy. He's so cute!
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bit, substrate, platform, diy, unsure, places, woods, safe, cut, size, in-store, online, order, conflicting, safe?, advance, constructing., plan, information, lots, treat, similar, plastikote, deep, enclosure

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