Help me get rescued syrians in better cages! Need advice! - Page 4

Pebbles82 · 12-31-2021, 04:50 AM

The bin cage design sounds fantastic - looking forward to seeing those! If they’ve just moved to temporary bins, probably best to give them two or three weeks before moving them again anyway.

Lilafernim · 12-31-2021, 06:30 AM

To be honest I’m happy to hear you changed your mind with the cages. I saw them and thought depth as well but after all you’d been through and said you’d ordered them, they are the correct size and with meshing and cardboard up the sides to increase the depth it would’ve worked. But as you say, the effort of it all!

I too know the struggles of a small apartment and a partner who says no �� mine doesn’t sound as lucky as yours though, your cages will be massive! They’ll love their lives. Really looking forward to seeing it all come together, hope your hammies recover from the shock of their scuffle too! Bless them they’re very lucky they ended up with yourself.

Pebbles82 · 12-31-2021, 07:40 AM

It’s surprising how attached our partners can become to the hamsters as well

. My OH made an almighty fuss about the first one, and space- but he was the one worrying when the hamster had a turn of shaking (after I lacked knowledge and moved him to a bigger cage cold Turkey). And he enjoyed the hamster sitting next to him on the sofa (he always sat on OH’s side - didn’t point out that it was probably because it was a darker area because OH was bigger!). And he got really attached to our first Robo (after I was away and OH was in charge of feeding).

cherryfox22 · 12-31-2021, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

The bin cage design sounds fantastic - looking forward to seeing those! If they’ve just moved to temporary bins, probably best to give them two or three weeks before moving them again anyway.

Okay, that gives me plenty of time to get their new cages set up so that works.

I think I may have to mesh the lids of the current bins then, they are tall enough where it doesn't seem like they can escape, but it would be nice for peace of mind.

Is it okay if I do dump out all of their pine shavings today, just keep the shredded toilet paper nest, so I can switch them to the safe bedding?

AmityvilleHams · 12-31-2021, 08:22 AM

I would dump the pine shavings out early for health & safety reasons. Getting them on a safe substrate is very important.

I don't think Oxbow Pure Comfort or Small Pet Select paper bedding were mentioned in this thread at all. Those are actually the best options in the US, and some people(myself included) have even found Kaytee Clean and Cozy to be fairly dusty as well as some people have found concerning hard pieces and such in various batches. The quality control just isn't great with Kaytee unfortunately - some batches may be great while others are potentially even unsafe. Carefresh is something I'd avoid entirely - generally dusty, frequently something hamsters have allergic reactions to, and honestly overpriced in general.

cherryfox22 · 12-31-2021, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilafernim

To be honest I’m happy to hear you changed your mind with the cages. I saw them and thought depth as well but after all you’d been through and said you’d ordered them, they are the correct size and with meshing and cardboard up the sides to increase the depth it would’ve worked. But as you say, the effort of it all!

I too know the struggles of a small apartment and a partner who says no �� mine doesn’t sound as lucky as yours though, your cages will be massive! They’ll love their lives. Really looking forward to seeing it all come together, hope your hammies recover from the shock of their scuffle too! Bless them they’re very lucky they ended up with yourself.

Me too! It would have been a ton of work to make it decent for a hamster. When I realized either way I would have to buy mesh, then the cost of it all didn't make sense. I explained to my partner that the bins may seem huge at first, but hamsters need more space then you would think, that if I got a smaller cage initially, very good chance I would need to upgrade in the future, and it ultimately would be a lot cheaper.

They seem to be doing okay despite everything. Poor little guys have been through a lot!

I'm sure you took amazing care of your little friend and they are lucky to have such a caring guardian.

cherryfox22 · 12-31-2021, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

I would dump the pine shavings out early for health & safety reasons.

Yay! I can do that tonight then once they are awake. Thank you!

cherryfox22 · 12-31-2021, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

I would dump the pine shavings out early for health & safety reasons. Getting them on a safe substrate is very important.

I don't think Oxbow Pure Comfort or Small Pet Select paper bedding were mentioned in this thread at all. Those are actually the best options in the US, and some people(myself included) have even found Kaytee Clean and Cozy to be fairly dusty as well as some people have found concerning hard pieces and such in various batches. The quality control just isn't great with Kaytee unfortunately - some batches may be great while others are potentially even unsafe. Carefresh is something I'd avoid entirely - generally dusty, frequently something hamsters have allergic reactions to, and honestly overpriced in general.

They were not, and that is good to know. I will get those for the big cage, they both seemed cheaper too. I almost got the small pet select, but seemed more people said kaytee c&c, so got that. Thank you for that information! Carefresh always smelled weird to me so that works for me!

Ria P · 12-31-2021, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherryfox22

Instead, I got 2 xmas tree bins from Target, ~57"x20"x15" I am making a domed mesh lid to allow space for a wheel, and using critter trail playpen panels for none sharp end windows near the top on the sides. I'm cutting apart my crittertrail cage (no one can take it of the dumpster and use it, which is nice for my peace of mind since no critter can be kept in them) to get the doors to add to the front of my bin cages.

I'm really looking forward to see your bin cages. The domed meshed lid sounds intrigueing because i've never seen one before on a bin cage.
Like you, i also use panels from cages or playpens to add to a bin cage, mainly for the purpose of attaching a wheel but have never attempted a door.
I always attach the mesh on the outside with cable ties through the drilled holes on top of the decorative tape so there are no sharp ends for a hamster to get to. Lid, windows and vents.
A Dremel is my favourite tool and i'm mighty miffed that i didn't get a cordless one for Christmas.

Lilafernim · 12-31-2021, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

It’s surprising how attached our partners can become to the hamsters as well

. My OH made an almighty fuss about the first one, and space- but he was the one worrying when the hamster had a turn of shaking (after I lacked knowledge and moved him to a bigger cage cold Turkey). And he enjoyed the hamster sitting next to him on the sofa (he always sat on OH’s side - didn’t point out that it was probably because it was a darker area because OH was bigger!). And he got really attached to our first Robo (after I was away and OH was in charge of feeding).

I’ve had a similar experience, it took a long time to persuade my partner to allow me to get my first hamster and in the end he was so jealous she was mine! Even Mitzi my current hamster my partner felt it was too soon for another hamster, now he constantly kisses her and wants her in his room. We both struggle to sleep without the little pitta-patta of feet on the wheel, I know people hate the sound of a wheel but there’s something so soothing about it for us!

They definitely become part of the family, they’re amazing little creatures and have so much personality for something so tiny.