Rotastak=Rustastak?

[Bunsey]

Originally Posted by Maisydae

I must be the only one but I actually enjoyed every single minute of cleaning my hamster's rotastak.

when i just had poppy and lily i used to clean the cage more often than i needed to just because i enjoyed it and i changed their toys around and bought new toys every week. now i hate ham cage cleaning!

[arlev]

Originally Posted by Ness

has anyone ever had one of the mazes? I can't figure got what they are like by the pictures?

It's been previously described - all I'll add is that it's a two layer insert and is the most impossible and time-consuming unit to clean.

After Rotastak was created, it was bought out and sold 'as was' with the same presses and format. They initially tried to improve the units with additional ideas like the mazes before moving on to some fresh designs (like the pods).

If used sensibly, Rotastak is a very good layout - but you need an almost bottomless money bag to be able to achieve a decent compound 'as new'.

It's the tubes that are way over priced, imo. They're almost a quid a tube!

[Holly]

I love your wheel idea, Arlev - the inability to attach any
wheel suitable for a Syrian is why I eventually gave up on Rotastak - it's just so dumb of them to market a product at hamsters that ddoesn't do the biz.

I have two Rotastak combos (attached to other cages) still in use:



They've been in use for nearly 2 years and no sign of any rust - I use them still becasue the two hams living in them seem happy there and I don't want to unsettle them with a move.

[arlev]

Originally Posted by Holly

I have two Rotastak combos (attached to other cages) still in use:

Now, you see, that's how to use Rotastak, Holly! You've got it in one - the cages we put hamsters in need to double as both nest compartments and exercise/hunting areas and you've got it off perfectly.

Nice use of IKEA, too

[agatecrystal]

Originally Posted by Nicolapompicola

honestly?

I hate it with a passion. IMO it's totally unsuitable for any thing, there's no where to put an 8" wheel for syrians, and pairs of dwarfs can become territorial in it. Not only that, but it looks incredibly difficult to clean, and like expensive tat.

I totally agree with you Nicolapompicola.
Arlev, although I agree that is a very good idea and design you have done, Thatd take longer to clean out and put back together than it would to clean out my 4.
It's a really good set-up you have got, but for just 2 dwarves, some of \us simply don't have the room, or the money, for a double cage set-up like that.

[arlev]

Originally Posted by agatecrystal

Arlev, although I agree that is a very good idea and design you have done, Thatd take longer to clean out and put back together than it would to clean out my 4.

Actually, the pods were very easy to clean - just shake the shavings out. The tubes don't need cleaning unless they do things in them. It certainly would take a little longer than a standard cage *but* not as long as you may think. But, certainly, the maze was a pig to clean.

Originally Posted by agatecrystal

It's a really good set-up you have got, but for just 2 dwarves, some of \us simply don't have the room, or the money, for a double cage set-up like that.

Room and money - yes, I agree. I mentioned money above (somewhere). I forgot about the floor space - I have a very understanding wife, though, so we took up one side of the living room.