Easter Egg boxes for Hamsters - safe?

[Van Diemen]

Hi all!

I was just wondering if boxes that are glossy and have designs on them are safe for hamsters? I have a ton of Easter Egg boxes of varying sizes I think would look really cute in Teddy's cage.

My main concern is the ink, I know he wouldn't have these boxes for ever because he'll chew them and what not - but they would make great play things and hiding places if I cut them up a bit. I'm just unsure if the ink in them would be toxic to him?

What do you think?

[Mona's Humans]

I always assume that any inks used for food packaging is fine. my two loved their easter egg boxes, and have used cereal boxes etc, so i'd use them, but you may wish to wait for others to confirm before you go ahead

[Van Diemen]

Thanks for the speedy reply

Yea I was thinking they are probably fine - my cat chews boxes ALL the time and she's never gotten sick so I was hoping the same would apply to hamsters haha. He's not likely to actually eat them is he? Just chew, so nothing would get into his system?

[Mona's Humans]

I don't think he'd eat enough to harm him, but i know mine both go nuts with it, and i imagine some small parts get ingested

[Van Diemen]

I'm sure he'll be fine then

I'm sure you are WAY more experienced than I am and if you've used Easter Egg boxes with no bad outcomes that's good enough for me lol.

I'll just keep an eye on him to start with and make sure he doesn't actually eat them haha.

[Michelle89]

Mines love jaffa cake boxes and its never harmed them I'm sure it will be fine for a wee play xxx

[Van Diemen]

Ahaha jaffa cake boxes - that's a great idea! I think i'll do that too sometimes because he hasn't got any tubes or anything. I didn't want anything he'd get stuck in or that would get really gross and be difficult to clean so jaffa cake boxes would be perfect instead!

Thanks

[Mona's Humans]

hehe we once used the metre long jaffa cake box for play time Hubby loved eating them, and mona loved playing with the box, WIN WIN

[Queen Of The High Teas]

all my hamsters and gerbils get cardboard of all types (as long as there is no actual biro/ pen ink on them). Never had a problem with anything. I'd imagine that food packs have to be made with safe coloring anyway, in case they somehow contact the food inside or little kids try eating them!

[louisbs]

Ive stopped buying toys!
I just rally my friends / workmates to bring me there cereal boxes & loo roll tubes. My lot get bored with store bought toys quickly, but a box is much more exciting!