New Construction

[Chesterspal]

Made some needed updates to the enclosure today.

I knew there was no good time to move him out that would work for the both of us. He sleeps until 8PM and I'm ready for bed at that time.

So, had to do the unthinkable around noon today. Got up on his hind legs and showed me his teeth. He was not a happy camper.

Hopefully, now that he is in his new set up.... all is forgiven



First, covered the mesh screen on the floor with a piece of 1/4" Lauan.



Did not secure it down so it can be easily removed and cleaned at the six month full cleaning interval.

Also made some improvements to the hideaways.

He was using a piece of 3" OD (outer dimension) PVC connector as an entrance to a burrow he made under the paper bedding. He was not interested in the three room condo I had built at the far right.



However, I noticed last evening... after he stuffed his face with food... he had all he could do to get down the pipe. Since I assume he will only get bigger, the pipe needed to be larger.

I needed to find a way to solve both issues.

So, today I switched out that narrow section with a 3" ID (internal dimension) section of PVC electrical conduit.



The 3" size appears ideal for these guys and should allow plenty of room to maneuver.... with a full mouth.



I added a 3" side hole so he has the option of burrowing under the bedding, as before, or he can now continue straight on and into the condo area.



Here, with the cover in place.



Added back the bedding and other items.





Will give this whirl for a week or so.

[Ria P]

Haha, i had the toothy "don't mess with me" look from a Syrian before when i woke him up by mistake.

Like that tube idea with the hole in the side. What tool did you use for that?

I'd make a little half roof for the sandbath. He'll like that and i'd love to see what you'd come up with.

[Stanza]

Looks really good , I’m sure he’ll settle back in quickly. Like the tube idea fabulous!

[Chesterspal]

Originally Posted by Ria P

Like that tube idea with the hole in the side. What tool did you use for that?

I used a drill press and a 3" hole saw. Basically, a large diameter drill bit with teeth like a saw blade. They come in all different sizes.

[Chesterspal]

He seems to be getting use to his new "digs".

Saw him coming out of the PVC pipe in one of the event videos from the infrared camera last night.

[Ria P]

I must invest in some of those. I sometimes add a hole to the top of a platform or corner of a house to sink a one portion jam jar into it as a water bowl but it's such a palaver drilling holes and then cutting and filing with a Dremel.

[Chesterspal]

You need to be extremely careful using these especially "freehand" and not with a drill press.

The part you're drilling can easily get away from you and spin around at high speed. It must be securely clamped so this cannot happen.

[Chesterspal]

Originally Posted by Ria P

I'd make a little half roof for the sandbath. He'll like that and I'd love to see what you'd come up with.

Found this folding "bridge" at the pet store this morning. Was going to set it up someplace else but will try it as a cover for now.



Plenty high enough for him to root around under there.

[Ria P]

That's a really well made bendy bridge. The ones we get over here often have gaps.

[Ria P]

Something every hamster needs is a coconut hide. They're like hobbits, they like round things.