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Old 08-18-2020, 07:28 AM   #1
Vierville
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Default Safe glue

I have been thinking of making a maze or tube network for my hamsters, and have saved all the toilet and kitchen roll cores and cardboard boxes I've come across for a few weeks now. I also have some icecream sticks that I may use too.

Being cardboard or wood, they will need to be stuck together with glue and I was wondering which type of glue would be safest? I'm assuming wood glue/white glue? Many glues I've looked at say 'non toxic' but I assume that is non toxic to humans, not necessarily hamsters.

Thanks!
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Old 08-18-2020, 08:03 AM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: Safe glue

I read that the PVC glue used by children is safe for hamsters. I'm looking forward to see a video of Baldrick reassembling a maze to his liking.
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Old 08-18-2020, 08:09 AM   #3
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Safe glue

Is it for free roaming or to be put in their cage?

If outside the cage I have used a white wood glue, and a hot glue gun in the past.

You are right what is non toxic for humans doesn't necessarily translate to hamsters, which is why I only use the items I made for free roaming.
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Old 08-18-2020, 08:09 AM   #4
Vierville
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Default Re: Safe glue

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
I read that the PVC glue used by children is safe for hamsters. I'm looking forward to see a video of Baldrick reassembling a maze to his liking.
Hahaha I wouldn't put anything past Baldrick!

Thanks Ria P, I'll get some PVC childtens' glue.
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Old 08-18-2020, 09:38 AM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Safe glue

Elmers school glue is one often recommended
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Old 08-19-2020, 09:58 AM   #6
Vierville
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Default Re: Safe glue

Thanks everyone. It would be to put in his cage, so I would not be able to supervise him all the time when he's around it.

We don't get Elmer's glues here but I think I will check the ingredients of Elmer's and see if there is a local equivalent that matches.
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Old 08-19-2020, 10:31 AM   #7
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Safe glue

Elmers glue is just PVA glue, hopefully you should be able to find PVA glue.
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Old 08-19-2020, 04:54 PM   #8
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: Safe glue

Elmer's glue won't necessarily give ingredients out. What I can remember of that particular glue is that it does contain synthetic petroleum though - something you do not want hamsters or any animal for that matter ingesting.

Many, if not the overwhelming majority, of glues are going to contain some form of plastic. We should all know by now that ingestion of plastic is not safe, so I would proceed with very serious caution.

Using toys made with glue outside the cage is what I would stick with. At the very least you can supervise and eliminate the risk of any hamster(s) ingesting the glues involved while still being able to make nice things for the hamster(s) involved.

Cardboard and wood are two materials that cannot be fully and safely sterilized. For the safety of any hamsters involved for multiple reasons, these kinds of toys that simply cannot be sterilized should only be used one toy per hamster.

Another option for out of cage toys would be using plastic. Plastic inside the cage isn't a very good idea and really should be avoided(with obvious exceptions for the wheel and water bottle if a plastic bottle is required for whatever reason), but outside the cage you'd have an excellent toy material as long as supervision is used to avoid any plastic ingestion and such. This alternative would be far more durable without necessarily being that expensive - plus it can be sterilized properly between hamsters and as such can be a more convenient and long lasting solution for hamster owners with multiple hamsters(or to use for future hamsters)!

There are also the alternatives of glass and ceramic. These would be great for some people, but they can both get decently heavy and aren't going to be as easy and convenient to move around as plastic. They're durable, yes, but also somewhat fragile if handled poorly. If you're going to use ceramic or glass toys and such, they'll inherently need more careful handling and storage. Not everyone will view this as a major problem but it is something to consider.

Obviously sticking to one material isn't required and they all have their places. As an example for a disposable travel playpen toy, cardboard really shines. You could make sets for each hamster you have which would be much more convenient than having to wash lots of plastic/glass/ceramic when staying in a hotel.
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Old 08-20-2020, 02:54 AM   #9
MaryRobinson
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Default Re: Safe glue

The other glue to consider in the future for ham-safe projects is flour and water paste, if the material allows (might make cardboard soggy!) It's good if you are sticking anything you think they might nibble!
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