houses and toys made of wood

indie · 10-01-2008, 02:34 PM

hello!
I've been thinking about buying a wooden house for one of my hamsters. The problem is that he's not like some of the hamsters I've read about on this forum and elsewhere who find a spot to use as a toilet and that's it. His cage is his toilet, especially his house. (Of course, he sweeps it regularly, making a pile just under the entrance...)
I've been wondering - is it possible to clean a wooden house thoroughly? The same goes for wooden toys. I'd appreciate your experiences.

**Spuds Mum** · 10-02-2008, 02:27 AM

I think that if you buy wooden toys for a hamster who is a little 'muck pup' about their toilet, then you have to be prepared to replace them regularly. I have heard of people scrubbing them and then drying them thoroughly, but to be honest I've found it almost impossible to get rid of the smell that soaks into the wood

souffle · 10-02-2008, 03:43 AM

I agree with spuds mum here. We bought Lola a wooden cabin at around £10 and all she did was pile all her shavings in it and use it as a loo. It soon got the wood wet and stank to high heavens so we have ended up throwing it away. Plastic is much easier to clean or old cardboard boxes are disposable!

happysaz133 · 10-02-2008, 07:35 AM

Yes, I too think that is you have a messy hamster, then it could be pointless buying wooden toys, because once urine has soaked into the wood, its very difficult to get off. You'd probably be best buying plastic toys.

Or you could try to litter train him, then he'd only use the tray, and should be clean on the wooden toys.

Nicolapompicola · 10-02-2008, 03:33 PM

You could always paint the wood with a waterproof covering, such as Plastikote, as this in theory should stop the wee soaking in, and is supposedly animal safe.

indie · 10-03-2008, 01:59 AM

I figured as much, although I wished I could provide him with a more natural enviroment... something that at least smells like wood.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicolapompicola

You could always paint the wood with a waterproof covering, such as Plastikote, as this in theory should stop the wee soaking in, and is supposedly animal safe.

That sounds good, but if I paint the wood, that's not really natural...although it comes closer than plastic... I'll investigate a little if there's such animal safe paint to be bought here.

indie · 10-03-2008, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by souffle

...or old cardboard boxes are disposable!...

How didn't I think of that? I'll try it out. I think I have one just the right size...

Thanks everyone!

ellisyellis · 10-04-2008, 11:13 AM

my hammy has a wooden house. he is a clean ham so that helps but he has one from pets at home that has no bottom so it stays clean. i love the idea of wooden stuff as it seems more natural. it even has a little chimney!

liam4mail · 10-04-2008, 03:35 PM

I am going with wood. I love the look and I am willing to replace it regularly.

Can we presume that all wood has been treated for mites, etc.?