just wondering what people do to encourage that natural burrowing instinct :)
I've just been trying to think of more ways to give Sid some entertainment and by watching him I've figured out that he loves to burrow. So far I've made his bedding deeper because he likes to dig a tunnel through it and pop up on the other side of the cage with his face covered in shavings . I've also covered a cardboard box in sawdust so it is buried except for the entrance hole (it looks a bit like a burrow i suppose)
Anyway I was wondering if anybody has any ideas for anything else he might enjoy (he has a sand bath aswell) and if anybody does other things to encourage their hamsters to dig
Re: just wondering what people do to encourage that natural burrowing instinct :)
Unfortunately, my hamster is a lazy one and doesn't seem to show any inclination to do anything, but I also have gerbils whose sole ambition in life seems to be to dig! I was looking at some online UK pet supply shops (and drooling over the selection they have!) and I noticed a burrowing tower for hamsters. It's basically a box made out of wood with what seems to be a glass side so you can watch them dig. The top is open with a ladder leading up to it and there is a hole at the bottom so they can get out. I keep my gerbils in aquariums so I can put a greater depth of bedding in for their burrowing pleasure
Re: just wondering what people do to encourage that natural burrowing instinct :)
I have just ordered one of these towers as Boris loves to dig - even in the bath where there is nothing to dig - mad fool! I will let you know how he gets on with it
Re: just wondering what people do to encourage that natural burrowing instinct :)
I normally bury the 'chubes' from PAH so they can dig for them and make tunnels etc. you could also hide jam jars,boxes and normal tubes under the bedding for him to dig and find
Re: just wondering what people do to encourage that natural burrowing instinct :)
Buried tubes are good, my gerbils absolutely LOVE when I bury stuff for them I also build up because they like to climb and jump. I found 4 identical wire CD holders in a 2nd hand shop so I put a pair on end in each of my 2 gerbil tanks. Then I cut strips of cardboard, put holes big enough for a gerbil to fit through and slotted the cardboard into the CD slots. Now they can climb up the levels by going through the alternating holes. It's added an extra dimension to their play and the seem to love it! Also, I found that by putting their food dish on top it keeps their bedding out.
Re: just wondering what people do to encourage that natural burrowing instinct :)
I have one of those small glass hamster tanks you get from the petshop and I fill it up with Carefresh/wood chips etc and stick Jenga in there to watch her burrow!
Re: just wondering what people do to encourage that natural burrowing instinct :)
buring treats or food in a sand tray/box normally gives them some entertainment and encourages digging
I have the digging tower, mice sized, but have yet to use it!
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Love from Mel and the ham hams xxx
just wondering what people do to encourage that natural burrowing instinct :)
. I've also covered a cardboard box in sawdust so it is buried except for the entrance hole (it looks a bit like a burrow i suppose)
Re: just wondering what people do to encourage that natural burrowing instinct :)
mebe the meercats can give us some ideas as to what our hammies might like 
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