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Old 03-22-2022, 01:23 PM   #1
5ylvi3
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Join Date: Mar 2022
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Exclamation Ventilation when using a Kallax

Hi all,
I am new here and I’ve joined to become better informed.
I an currently converting the top 2 rows of an IKEA Kallax into a winter white hamster house.
My question is about ventilation of course. How much is needed? I have drilled out 10 2inch holes per row that I’ve inserted vents into. At the front I will have Glass doors in rails so the only ventilation is the crack between the two doors. Should I be getting holes drilled into my glass doors (or attempt it myself…..if anyone has any advice on drilling holes in glass I would greatly appreciate it!!!!!!!).

Thanks in advance 🙃🙃🙃
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Old 03-23-2022, 04:59 PM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: Ventilation when using a Kallax

Hello and welcome to HC!

I wouldn't attempt to drill holes into glass. I think i've seen metal grid vents added on top of glass doors.
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Old 03-23-2022, 06:18 PM   #3
5ylvi3
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Default Re: Ventilation when using a Kallax

Box.png

Kallax.png

Hmmm I'm not sure what you mean by vents on top of glass doors.

Here's my Kallax with the vents in the back. The doors at the front will go into those white rails at the front and the bin that I have added a photo of will have a glass at the front as well. I was planning to add more little holes at the back of the bin (like the 1 row of little holes at the top in the back (the 9 bigger holes have a plexiglass over them in the back).
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Old 03-23-2022, 08:00 PM   #4
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: Ventilation when using a Kallax

You'll need a lot more ventilation than just a few vents. The entire top of the cage at least should be fully ventilated, preferably at least a top and a side with actual wire mesh of some sort - drilled holes do not add towards proper ventilation and aren't remotely adequate for hamsters.
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Old 03-24-2022, 01:38 AM   #5
cloudy
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Default Re: Ventilation when using a Kallax

Hello 5ylvi3 and welcome to the forum.
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Old 03-25-2022, 09:38 AM   #6
Chesterspal
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Default Re: Ventilation when using a Kallax

I would think this would be quite hot and stifling for the hamster... especially in the warmer months.

The reason I chose to use 1/4" steel mesh for the sides and top of my enclosure.



This is an earlier picture, before I added several features.
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Old 03-25-2022, 10:11 AM   #7
Ria P
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Default Re: Ventilation when using a Kallax

I think the only way you could make this design work for a hamster is by making sliding door frames and meshing them instead of using glass.

Holes alone don't give enough ventilation.
Not only would the hamster probably get hot and uncomfortable in the summer but lack of ventilation, heat and moisture from hamster's pee create an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can lead to a number of health issues for your hamster.

I have seen these meshed vent strips somewhere but forgot where. I doubt that they would give sufficient ventilation though.
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Old 03-25-2022, 02:42 PM   #8
Chesterspal
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Default Re: Ventilation when using a Kallax

I see a lot of people using these "bookcases" as hamster enclosures. Even the Youtube guru's.

Frankly, I think it's a bad idea because of the ventilation and humidity issues. There's also the potential for mold growth which will kill these little creatures.

It costs very little to make something similar to what I've done. Surely you can find a local carpenter to do it if you're not able to.

If anyone wants the measurements and a list of materials, I will be happy to supply them. Any home improvement store will have them.

Your hamster will be happier, IMHO.
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Old 03-25-2022, 05:53 PM   #9
5ylvi3
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Default Re: Ventilation when using a Kallax

Thanks for everyone’s input.
Chesterpal, everything is possible with a little creativity 😉
I’ve decided to cut into the top to put mesh and cut into both ends to do the same for the bottom level 🙂
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Old 03-26-2022, 01:25 AM   #10
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Ventilation when using a Kallax

Quote:
Originally Posted by 5ylvi3 View Post
Thanks for everyone’s input.
Chesterpal, everything is possible with a little creativity 😉
I’ve decided to cut into the top to put mesh and cut into both ends to do the same for the bottom level 🙂
That sounds likeca grest idea
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