Hamster Tubes for Robo

SmolHam · 08-18-2016, 07:37 AM

I've recently bought a second hand bundle of Rotastak cages in hopes of a spare/getting another hamster in the future it was fairly cheap so not a huge deal of wasting money.

At the moment I'm thinking of just extending the medium cage i got from p@h into two of the Rotastak bins for deeper burrowing and such, The bundle came with a lot of tubes especially the curly ones. However due to Robo's size I was wondering if anyone has had experience with them climbing up tubes as Cookie seemed to have some trouble with climbing up the plastic slope in her cage when i got her, she's grown quite a bit the last two weeks (not sure if this is normal or if she's pregnant?) and can manage to climb up spaces quite easily now.

I guess I just need some ideas on how to place the tubes really

CMB · 08-18-2016, 07:46 AM

YoUr robo may have trouble climbing he tubes. You can get mouse ladders for the rotostak tubes (for vertical tubes only). You may be able to use the curly tubes in a gentle slope.

AmityvilleHams · 08-18-2016, 07:47 AM

Rotastak cages aren't suitable for any species

Even the tubes can't really be reused safely,as they can lead to respiratory problems if urinated in since they're not breathable(all plastic is not breathable).

Gimleyand Meeko · 08-18-2016, 07:52 AM

Rotastak cages are not suitable, sadly you will need to find a big cage. You have got a Robo and they love space so you could by the Detolf cage

DETOLF Glass-door cabinet - black-brown - IKEA

CMB · 08-18-2016, 07:56 AM

SmolHam is using the rotastak parts to extend the main cage NOT as a cage.

Yes hamsters may pee,store food or nest in the tubes which is not healthy, but if the tubes are just used to get from the main cage to a second cage then they can be OK.

Rotastak cages are too small as a main cage.

Gimleyand Meeko · 08-18-2016, 08:04 AM

I just wouldn't recommend using tubes. They can get too hot and a hamster can suffocate in a tube or get heat stress. Also the hamster can build a nest and pee in there so it smells and they can't get out.

I would get a different cage. Long tube systems only simulate the burrowing part of a natural habitat a large floor space is more important, especially for a Robo.

Hope I helped

freyashamsters · 08-18-2016, 09:46 AM

GimleyandMeeko I think the poster meant that they already had a suitable sized cage but wanted to give the Robo more burrowing space.

If you are going to put tubes in a Robos cage, I'd only use the Crittertrail bubble tubes. They are large enough for a Robo and have ridges so are easier for them to climb

Gimleyand Meeko · 08-18-2016, 09:50 AM

Ah that makes sense now, Sorry all. :P
The medium sized cage too small though.
Thanks everyone for clearing that up

Pygmypuff · 08-18-2016, 09:52 AM

Freyashamsters,

The cage that the hamster is currently in is a medium pets at home cage, which unfortunately is not big enough! Even with the added floor space of the tubes and new cages etc, it still probably won't be big enough and is not a very suitable home for a hamster anyway.

SmolHam, the minimum cage size for any hamster is 80x50 but regarding the fact that Roborovski's require extra space to run around and play in as they are very active, it is best you get a suitable cage/tank!

Saying that however, if the floor space with the main cage and extra cages adds to 80x50 or more that could be okay, but is not ideal!

AmityvilleHams · 08-18-2016, 09:57 AM

Actually the whole cage has to be at least the minimum.Adding modular units doesn't change the initial floor space,so for example having a 60 x 30 cage and then adding a 40 x 20 cage doesn't make it a 100 x 50 cage,it just makes it one small cage and one tiny cage.