Hamster Tubes for a Nekkid Ham?

Amaranth · 02-22-2019, 03:19 AM

Being hairless, I understand my child can't use standard hamster tunnels, as the plastic could hurt his skin and/or bruise him. But, since my fiance has recently bought a long haired ham and is going to buy him tubes, I was feeling a bit sad for Hamilton. Can he safely use cardboard tubes (like paper towel rolls and toilet paper rolls)? I'm sure he'd love it!

Pebbles82 · 02-22-2019, 03:35 AM

I am not an expert on this, but I think you're along the right lines in trying to think of something that won't cause skin damage. Rosewood boredom breaker tubes are very thick cardboard and smooth inside and should be fun

The rat sized one is best for a Syrian. They do need to be level and not at an angle though, as they are so smooth they can't get a foothold!

I think the main thing with a hairless hamster is to avoid them getting too cold - I did read about that, and they need a lot of substrate and bedding and a good sized house to build a really cosy nest in. As much enrichment as you can give in a cage, while avoiding anything with sharp bits (even bendy stick bridges can have knobbly rough bits). A platform or shelf in the cage would be good as well as a good sized house.

I can link a few items that could be suitable - also can you post a picture of his cage set up? May be able to make some suggestions for him

And would love to see photos of him too - he sounds a bit special.

This is the rat sized boredom breaker tube. It can sit on the substrate at floor level or you can tie it to the bars using sisal string.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rosewood-Bo...+breaker+tubes

These rat sized hanging sputniks are great for hamsters. They are round and smooth inside and a place to go. I used to put a treat in it to tempt the hamster in there. They work best hung next to a shelf, so they can climb in easily. You can also put bedding or substrate in them to make them cosy. They double up as something to sit under as well. Hamsters seem to feel more secure with things overhead that they can sit under.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Savic-Sputn...ds=rat+sputnik

Is he a chewer? Normally fleece hammocks are seen as a bit of a chew risk, but not all hamsters chew them and some people do use fleece hammocks. Fuzzbutts make some well made ones without wadding - a cosy hammock may go down well

Some of these are fleece on both sides, some have cotton on one side. I wouldn't use cotton, but fleece on both sides should be fine. If he started to chew it though you'd need to remove it. They also need to be hung safely so they can't get a leg or paw caught up. Very thick sisal string would do it. You make a big knot at the end of the sisal string so the knot is nder the corner hole and blocks the hole.

http://www.fuzzbutt.co.uk/12x17/

Assume you use nice soft paper based substrate

Strips of plain white toilet paper are good and safe for nesting material as well.

Amaranth · 02-22-2019, 03:49 AM

He has plenty of bedding, tho I only had wood shavings on hand. I bought some paper bedding for him this time. Hamilton hasn't been injured by the wood, but paper would make it so I don't have to constantly inspect him.
He's in a glass tank (from my previous pet rats) so i can't really hang anything 😔.
As for the tubes, I was going to remodify a storage bin so he could have levels connected through little wooden ladders.
As of right now, he has a wheel, a peanut hut, and a chew log with treats inside. He seems happy, but I don't want him getting bored.
He has a very skeptical look in all the pictures I take of him!

Pebbles82 · 02-22-2019, 04:15 AM

Aw he is adorable! The tank looks a good size but I would definitely put a lot more things in - which is enrichment - so he has some variety and things to do. And would use paper bedding, it'll be softer on his skin. Are you in the US? (Boxo is cheap and can be bought in bulk and Kaytee Clean & Cosy is very soft and can be bought in large packs).

His hut and wheel look nice, but I'd add some cardboard tubes, more hidey places and some kind of platform in a corner. Some people make platforms out of ikea knuff magazine racks - the wood ones - will link some photos.

They do enjoy being able to sit under a plaform and climb onto one for somewhere to go and it's a good place to put a food bowl. You can you tissue boxes etc as extra hides.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=kn...w=1252&bih=554

Also (are you in Europe or US?) Getzoo make some nice smooth wood platforms.

https://www.getzoo.de/getzoo-ecketag...-21-links.html

Amaranth · 02-22-2019, 04:23 AM

I'm in the US. I went out two nights ago and bought a bulk size paper bedding, and I'm cleaning his tank once the sun comes up. Also going to run to the pet store to see if I can find some more toys! As for the platforms, I'm sure I can put something together. If I sand it down around the edges, would plywood work? I can get a lot of that no problem thanks to my fiance.

Pebbles82 · 02-22-2019, 04:23 AM

Was he born with no hair?

Amaranth · 02-22-2019, 04:26 AM

As far as I know he's been nekkid since birth. That's how he and his three other cage mates were when in the pet store.

Pebbles82 · 02-22-2019, 04:27 AM

I am sure he would love some more things

They like using all of the cage when they have other places to go

Maybe get some sandpaper too! I keep some handy and check any wood items for splinters. A bit of sand paper can smooth it in seconds. Plywood should be fine - it you can find plywood that's non toxic it helps - there is a thought that the glue in plywood can give off fumes but I have a plywood shelf and never had any issues - just get the best grade of plywood you can. Or you can just use a piece of plain pine wood - pine is ok when in solid pieces - it is the wood shavings that can be unsafe (unless they are kiln dried).

It's a rare genetic condition I think

Glad he found you!

Amaranth · 02-22-2019, 04:35 AM

I think I can get pine wood sheets for cheap at Home Depot or Lowe's. Any suggestions on how I can hang stuff? I was thinking suction cups, but Hamilton is pretty strong. He might pull it down.

Pebbles82 · 02-22-2019, 04:36 AM

Just had a look on Amazon US - there is a cardboard tube almost identical to the one I linked - same size. However it comes filled with "fluff" - don't use the fluff - bin it - it's dangerous for all hamsters - caused a lot of internal and external injuries (if you get the tube).

https://www.amazon.com/Ware-Manufact...FMF6BW763FM1VA

If buying any hamster toys, then rat size is better sometimes. A lot of products made for hamsters are far too small and only suitable for dwarf hamsters. Anything with an entrance hole, the hole needs to be at least 6cm diameter really or they can get wedged in it.