I got these items from ikea...

Golden_Syrian_Hammmies · 08-01-2016, 07:19 AM

Today I went to ikea and bought a few hamster things. I bought these two items and was wondering if they would be OK to put in the cage or if any of you have used them? They are cardboard boxes, the blue one I want to make into his sleep house and the others for hidey boxes or miniature platforms. Fudge isn't really a chewer but just wondering if he did happen to chew would it be ok?

TJENA Box with lid, light blue - 13x26x10 cm - IKEA

HEJSAN Pen cup, set of 3, brown - IKEA

I just thought they would be cool but if not I can use them for something else!

POLAR WHITES · 08-01-2016, 08:59 AM

I would be concerned about ink poisoning not only from chewing but from wee accidents making the dye wet then being trasfered onto fur and feet. But I'm not 100 percent sure. I do like the pen pots.

Golden_Syrian_Hammmies · 08-01-2016, 09:41 AM

Yeah that's what I was worried about. That's a shame. I'm trying to make just a plain cardboard house. Something that is easy spot cleaned and doesn't cost too much. Tried to make one with no success. Too fiddly!

POLAR WHITES · 08-01-2016, 09:54 AM

Could you use a large cup or a plastic plant pot ?

Golden_Syrian_Hammmies · 08-01-2016, 10:07 AM

Those kinds of things sweat, there's no air circulation and get damp which isn't good for hamsters and their food hoards. I had a plastic house one time and it was awful. Thanks for suggestion though

Amethyst_ice · 08-01-2016, 02:16 PM

I wouldn't be bothered about the cardboard boxes tbh, they will be fine

If you want a cheap plastic house I used to get cheap large ice cream tubs, cut an enterance hole and file it with a nail file and punch a few air holes in the top

AmityvilleHams · 08-01-2016, 03:42 PM

Another cheap house would be a clay/terracotta flower pot!They're very easy to find even in Syrian sizes,very cheap,easy to clean,and great for warmer weather as well.

Golden_Syrian_Hammmies · 08-01-2016, 11:22 PM

Amethyst ice - so you think the cardboard would be ok? Was thinking that we would put other boxes in with them eg tissue boxes or cereal boxes and they have ink on them and are fine.

That's a good idea amityvillehams, you would need quite a large one though but I like the idea and it's natural theme. I'm planning on making a bin cage and the theme will be all homemade or alternative items that can be used for enrichment.