What kind of wood is safe?

BrainGirl · 05-08-2010, 07:30 AM

I've discovered that Brownie likes to climb rather than dig and I think I want to build her a sort of gymnasium setup, with bridges and things to climb on. Trouble is I can't really afford the expensive pre-made wooden toys in the pet shop, at least not in the numbers I want them!

Does anyone have recommendations for kinds of wood that are suitable/safe for hamsters to chew on? I got the bright idea to use broom because it's invasive and readily available but a little research showed that the stuff is toxic! I could go for maple or willow but I'm wondering if there are any reasons not to use those either.

Has anyone built their own wooden toys?

**Hope** · 05-10-2010, 04:10 AM

No I haven't built my own toys - I'm not that creative unfortunately!

But I have heard on here somewhere that fruit wood is best, but it needs to be 'baked' in the oven to kill off all the nasty bugs and things beofre giving to your ham.

Katty_Sheldon · 05-10-2010, 05:34 AM

Apple tree is sold in shops here for hamsters to bite on. But its specially for hamsters. Good luck.

BrainGirl · 05-10-2010, 06:38 AM

I put an ad up on our local classified site and I got a response! I've been offered unsprayed apple and pear twigs. Thanks for the tip about baking them in the oven Hope, I'll definitely do that before I give them to her

**Hope** · 05-10-2010, 06:43 AM

No probs hun, I hope that Brownie likes them

BrainGirl · 05-10-2010, 07:22 AM

Well, I'm hoping to weave them together or something so that they'll do double duty as playgym equipment and as chew toys. I'm sure they will at least give her something to explore, she's a very curious (I would say intelligent!) hamster