Samla XL vs Zoozone 2?

Dalis_mum · 04-18-2015, 08:53 AM

I decided that the critters choice would be too small for my little spoilt princess since most of her toys are rat sized and she wouldn't have any of her beloved digging space. So now I am trying decide between a huge double bin cage, and a zoozone 2(the 100 x 51cm).

Were I to use a bin cage I plan to use 2 samla bins and a samla bin lid. One bin would be turned upside down on top of the other with the lid in between with a space cut in it to allow access between the two whilst providing a shelf. The bottom would have lots of substrate for digging and a few light toys on the surface, then on the lid projecting upwards into the upturned bin would be her wheel and such. (i hope this makes sense)

My problem with this idea is that, as she is a prolific bar chewer when given the chance, would there be enough ventilation if I only grilled/meshed the top of the cage (originally the bottom of the upturned bin)?

Also, what would be the easiest way to provide myself with access for handling? and further access for cleaning out?

Finally, any wise ideas as to how I could attach the 2 bin cages together?

My other option is a zoozone...

I believe this would not give her the digging space she loves, and she is such a trouble maker I suspect she would find a way to chew the bars on the roof... I know the large space wouldn't distract her from her desire to do either as her current tank is even bigger with the digging ability and she still paddles to get out at times...

Any advice greatly appreciated. Caging has changed so much between my last hamster and Dali, and when it comes to anything but a large tank I feel completely out of my depth... Also open to other suggestions...

Pebbles82 · 04-18-2015, 08:59 AM

I know the problem! I think the Zoozone 2 is great, but it would limit substrate depth if that is what Dali is used to. They do sell spare parts for it though and I did wonder, if you left the bar top off it and put another top on top of that (it would need sticking on with aquarium sealant I think) you could fill the Zoozone much higher and the second top would give the extra height. Then I thought it didn't sound like a good idea!

What about the Living World Eco Habitat - even the small size (80cm) has good floor space and height (they're a good width and 49cm high) - but it would need meshing on top I reckon if it had deep substrate in. Apparently the vent holes on the side start 25cm up but you could pile the substrate up at the back.

And it's on wheels! Not cheap but might be a good option.

Dalis_mum · 04-18-2015, 09:17 AM

The reason I moved her to a tank was to allow the digging, now not only because of us probably moving house but because I cant manage the heavy glass any more, I need a lighter solution.

Your zoozone idea sounds bananas, though that may be partly from having one of those days myself where i feel my brain has turned to mush. Lol.

I don't know what it is about the eco habitat, It just makes me feel uneasy...

I just wish I could design the perfect hamster cage for Dali and have it made without it bankrupting me in the process. I have never known a hamster be such hard work!

**kyrilliondaemon** · 04-18-2015, 03:52 PM

I don't think I'd be happy with the ventilation in your bin cage idea I'm afraid

I'd go for the zoozone just because it at least has decent ventilation. Either that or maybe you could do your double bin cage idea without the lid inside as a shelf?

RubyDG · 04-18-2015, 04:27 PM

Try looking into places that make fishtanks. Most places also make tanks from acrylic which is a million times lighter than glass. If you explain what you need it for, basically just 4 sheets stuck together (not needing to withstand water pressure etc etc) you should get it much cheaper, especially if you find a local place. If you or a friend are at all handy there are plenty online places you can order acrylic sheets pre-cut to size and stick them together yourself. Its worth looking into at least, an acrylic tank would solve your issue with the weight of a glass tank.

Dalis_mum · 04-18-2015, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyrilliondaemon

I don't think I'd be happy with the ventilation in your bin cage idea I'm afraid

I'd go for the zoozone just because it at least has decent ventilation. Either that or maybe you could do your double bin cage idea without the lid inside as a shelf?

I don't see how the lid ad a shelf would affect the ventilation, I was planning on the area cut out of it being quite sizable, not just a small hole for her to pop through. I was more concerned that the ventilation would be lacking as I wouldn't be meshing the sides like most other people do...

I honestly don't think she would be happy in a zoozone and would spend all night chewing the bars which would mean getting rid of her due to the living situation I am probably moving to.

I doubt I could afford to have an acrylic tank made, and I definitely am not savvy enough to be able to make one myself.

So, now I don't know what I am going to do. To avoid stereotypic behaviours she needs dig space and no bars and enough space for Syrian sized accessories. I need it to be light enough to lift and easy to manoeuvre and on a budget as moving myself house isn't going to be cheap so moving her house at the same time needs to be affordable...

RubyDG · 04-18-2015, 10:22 PM

If it has to be a bin cage then get really tall ones and mesh a thin strip right near the top of the bottom one for the ventilation. Maybe do all 4 sides and put whatever you are using for Her to get to the top bin in the middle. Hopefully then she won't be able to reach the little mesh windows to chew but will still get decent ventilation. You're going to have to think about her toys and make sure they wont be high enough for her to reach the mesh, same for the top bin. Hopefully then you can still give her some decent substrate depth on the bottom bin. You could even consider a 3rd level if you have to reduce the size/length from what she currently has.

I really hope it all works out. I'll be holding thumbs for you guys!

Dalis_mum · 04-19-2015, 04:02 AM

That wouldn't work. She gets 20-30cm deep substrate, the tallest bin of a practical size is the large samla bins at ikea at 43 cm so she would still be able to get to the mesh at the top of the bottom bin.

I know some of you probably think I am not caring about her welfare by avoiding mesh on the sides but when she was in a barred cage she would chew all night, for hours without even breaking for sustenance. Now she runs in her wheel and digs in her shavings and forages for treats in her bedding and does what hamsters should and I am reluctant to give her the opportunity to revert back to old habbits, especially when it means I would have to rehome her, probably to someone who didnt know or care about the stereotypy as it seems that is the only option i have left.

Pebbles82 · 04-19-2015, 04:33 AM

Lol - yes some of my ideas are a bit bananas - it was basically a similar idea to two samla cages, one without the lid, but would be more expensive - and actually wouldn't work anyway, now I think about it.

I am having the same problem - finding something deep enough for digging that doesn't mean a lot of diy, isn't extortionately expensive etc.

Would the Kerry Terrarium be too small? It's not cheap I know. They do a 100cm version of it now, that looks identical except the side parts are wood instead of glass. There are two versions. The Marrakesch which is on Zooplus and is fully meshed with fine mesh instead of bars, and a newer one which has a top like the Kerry Terrarium. That one is available on Amazon.de here. It's called the Skyline Agadir. The euro conversion works out at £103 so it's a bit expensive, but Amazon deliver it to the Uk, and it works out cheaper than the meshed Marrakesch version on Zooplus which is about £139 I think. It's actually the same dimensions as the Zoozone but straight sides so slightly bigger floor area and you can put deep substrate in, although inside the height is about 35cm so you'd be limited to how much you could put in it and still leave some headroom! (I posted a question on Amazon.de to ask what the internal height was and some answers said 35cm, some said 36cm so I'm going with the lower one). But you'd get 20cm in or even 25cm in some areas. I was quite tempted with it but think it could do to be a bit taller. Internal measurements are 92.5cm x 47cm x 35cm high. Bar spacing on the lid is 8cm. The base, front and back are glass and the sides are wood. I'd think it would be lighter than a full glass tank and a bit easier to move.

http://www.amazon.de/Skyline-2044-Na...Skyline+Agadir

Dalis_mum · 04-19-2015, 04:36 AM

I think I just had an epic brain fart!

I think I could possibly use one or 2 of these...

9" x 6" White Plastic Adjustable Air Vent Grille with Flyscreen Cover | eBay

I have seen them in shops before and she wouldn't be able to get her nose through the gaps to chew the squares and if I placed them on the sides, not front and back, it wouldn't restrict my visibility...

What do we think?