Gwens tank needs an upgrade.

SnuggleHam · 08-27-2006, 08:13 AM

I cant help but feel that Gwens tank could use a bit more excitement. Shes definitely a hamster who likes to explore, and I think stimulation is lacking here. She needs more space to explore so I have decided to build an upper level out of wood covering a bit over half the length of the 29-gallon tank. Of course Ill need some help from the father in-law.. Im waiting to see if he has extra wood and the time to help. Either way Im determined.. even if I need to make it out of cardboard!

I think another area will bring more enrichment to her home, more exercise to!! I took a "before" picture of her tank now.. Ill post another once the idea is complete and in place.

(it looks so blah in there! *cringes*)

racinghamster · 08-27-2006, 10:17 AM

Hi SnuggleHam! What I done with my gerbil tanks was this:

Get a strip of pine (or safe wood) and measure it to fit along the back of your tank.

Then, take two blocks of wood (or flat builders bricks) and place these in each corner of your tank.

Sit the long piece of wood onto the blocks and even put a few flat headed nails through the ends of the wood and into the blocks to stabalize it if you wish, but this is`nt necessary.

You could also saw a rectangular piece of wood to fit into the corner to have a mezanine level for hamster to sit on? Or a square piece of wood to fit the width of the tank also?

My gerbils love their extra level and hop on and off this! You could have a ramp fitted with very small hooks (underneath the shelf so the hamster does`nt get a foot caught) for safety.

Hows that for a wee tip?

You could also use a small fiddlestix bridge for access to the level if you can`t make a ramp?

SnuggleHam · 08-27-2006, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the suggestion racinghamster. I already had it planned out in my mind how I wanted to go about constructing it, I just needed some help, but it seems we were on the same track! My father in-law has been responsible for the construction of all my bin cages and little rodent projects, since he’s the carpenter around the house and all the tools id need are his lol.

My idea was to make a platform with legs much like a table so that I could still see underneath the platform. Its worked out really well. You can see what we did in the picture below.

As you can see the platform allowed me to switch water bottles so I didn’t have to tape that other one to the side of the tank. We have a bit of a guard rail to encourage Gwen to use the ramp we made for her. My father in law had the good idea of putting wood behind an old ladder, so there is no danger of her feet getting stuck but so that she can climb easily.

She seems to love it!

**jayne** · 08-27-2006, 05:17 PM

Wow Snuggleham!! You've done a great job there, Gwen looks like she's havin fun up there on her 1st floor, hehehe

I would love to make a bin cage to my own specification, i'm very arty you see :P

I'm sure Gwen loves you for her new 'Palace' and she'll have fun looking out from her new top level!!

SnuggleHam · 08-27-2006, 06:24 PM

Thank so much for the compliment Jayne! It was my idea but it was the father in-law who made it happen hehe. Bin cages are awesome! I recommend them to everyone. I really don’t like most of the store bought cages out there, Im just never convinced there is enough space, and floor space is more important in my opinion..

If your an “diy” person I recommend trying it. Its so satisfying making a custom cage, and it can always be changed and altered. Im an artsy person to, art is what I do, so if you’re the same way im sure youll get allot of satisfaction out of it.

racinghamster · 08-28-2006, 12:43 AM

That is a brilliant design SnuggleHam! I love that! My gerbils would love it too no doubt!

You`ve given me food for thought now!

Can I ask, how are the metal ladders attached to the long wooden ladder? And is the wooden level put together with small nails, or nails and glue?

I really do like what you`ve done and no doubt, your father in law could get rich taking orders!

souffle · 08-28-2006, 03:55 AM

Wow that is fantastic and gives her so much more room and fun things to climb on. Great design there. I am sure she loves it. She certainly looks very happy and has found her way up no trouble

SnuggleHam · 08-28-2006, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racinghamster

That is a brilliant design SnuggleHam! I love that! My gerbils would love it too no doubt!

You`ve given me food for thought now!

Can I ask, how are the metal ladders attached to the long wooden ladder? And is the wooden level put together with small nails, or nails and glue?

I really do like what you`ve done and no doubt, your father in law could get rich taking orders!

Thanks again racinghamster! My gerbils would love the same thing as well, but they are all in custom bin cages already, and they aren’t tall enough to add another level.

The ladder was from an old wire cage I had. My father in law bent it flat and used a washer nut and bolt to secure it to the wood. He seems to have cut the excess part of the bolt and sanded it down so it can’t injure the ham.

The wooden level is put together with screws. Any part of a screw that was exposed was covered with a plastic cap. I’m no tool expect so I’m not sure what they are called lol.

The whole second level is removable so I can easily clean the cage and such.

I think its great! Gwen zips up and down that ladder, shes fearless, and it didnt take her long to figure it out. Im going to train her to come up there for treats. If shes already awake she comes up on her own, shes a smart cookie, she knows its close to the top, and more likley Ill take her out from there.

**pophammy** · 08-28-2006, 08:55 AM

Wow! That is great! I'm sure she'll love it!