*DANGER* Willow Stick Shelf

[StarlightSerenity]

Some of you may have seen a shelf I made for Sofia using a Knuff magazine holder and willow sticks. Whatever you do DO NOT MAKE IT.

I went into see the hams a few minutes ago to find Sofia hanging from her back leg that was stuck between two willow sticks - she was scrabbling at her leg trying to get free but I had to break one of the willow sticks off to get her free.

She shot under the shelf then vanished under the substrate or into her house. I took the shelf out straight away and will be going back to watch her to see if she's OK. I hope to the gods that her leg isn't broken

The willow sticks I have will be going straight into the bin, if you have made a similar shelf, used willow sticks for something similar, please, please remove them

This is the shelf I had made -

[Artsy Hammy]

Scary! I hope your hammy's alright.

[xStephC]

Oh no! that must've been such a fright for both of you. It's a good thing you caught it in time. Although I must say the decoration looks so great and it would look perfect in a outdoorsy themed cage, the risk is far too high to put one in. Perhaps you can try using wood and cover it with that special paint that people use to prevent it from getting wet? (I can't remember the name of it now..) I really hope Sofia is alright, please keep us posted!

[icklemunch]

Oh no! That must of been so scary. Poor Sofia.

I have a feeling Wilbur lost her leg on something similar..one of the Bendy bridges that all my 6 have at least 3 each of in their cages.

Is she ok?

[JBH316]

Poor girl and what a scare for you both

I hope she hasn't injured herself

[Dotty]

Oh no, sorry to hear that, it was such a brilliant idea but glad you found in her in time, please let us know how she is getting on.

I decided to not use my willow sticks and threw them away as they just smelt too strongly, I'm glad I did now! I hope little Sofia is OK x

[humfry]

I made some little fences from those sticks, but I stuck them onto a backing plate of plywood, with just the tips protruding slightly at the top. I will check for even the tiniest gap now & fill them with something (sealant or papier mache perhaps). Thanks for the warning & so sorry this happened & fingers crossed Sofia will be OK. My new hammy should be arriving next week so now I am going to check everything I prepared with a fine tooth comb.

[racinghamster]

Just seen this Starlight and hope Sofia is none the worse for having her leg caught. It`s so easily done and recently we have all been discussing the perils of gaps in wheels and bendy log bridges. It`s not always obvious that a problem like this can happen until it happens. Pate on Sophia when she (and you) have had time to de-stress, poor love. x

[SinNyx]

Oh no

I had a similar situation with a Syrian and one of her toys - the wood puzzle pieces? She was trying the climb up the bars to see me and fell and caught her leg in it - we both panicked and she screamed, but luckily she got herself free.

[kyrilliondaemon]

Poor Sofia! I really hope she's ok