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Old 10-28-2021, 10:52 PM   #1
Cloudyham23
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
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Exclamation Melamine Not Safe?

Hello, a little less than a year ago I built a 2x4 foot cage for my hamster. I used melamine coated wood. However, it has recently been brought to my attention that melamine may be toxic for small animals in the US and Canada. I’m wondering if I cover the melamine with waterproof paper if it will prevent toxicity, or if I have to rebuild it using different materials. Thanks!
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Old 10-29-2021, 05:00 PM   #2
Lilafernim
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Default Re: Melamine Not Safe?

So I only looked this up since you’ve mentioned it, I hadn’t heard of this before but it definitely can be toxic to hamsters if chewed.

This was a study done on rats:
Repeat oral dose toxicity studies of melamine in rats and monkeys - PubMed

“ Oral administration of melamine at 700 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days in rats produced compound-related clinical signs (red urine), decreased body weights, and changes in clinical pathology (increased serum urea nitrogen and creatinine) and anatomical pathology (renal tubular cell debris, crystal deposition, and hyperactive regeneration of renal tubular epithelium). ”

That being said this study is a direct high dosage of its pure form. If what you have made is flat surfaced and unchewable then being around it does not have the same effect, it’s only if ingested. I have read online even some cages do use it but unbranded ones or unverified etc

If it’s not being chewed it up to your discretion but if the risk is there and there is availability to make in a safer material I’d recommend it.

Also I know some waterproof papers are biodegradable and can be made naturally but as it’s easier to chew you may indirectly cause other digestive issues so it may be a double edged sword.
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Old 12-28-2021, 05:26 PM   #3
Charlie Ping
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Default Re: Melamine Not Safe?

Yeah, it's worrying and what puts me off making an ikea enclosure. I've also seen melamine from like bowls leaking into food and giving poisoning, not to mention when it killed pets after contaminating food. Only what I've seen, don't trust to much haha.
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Old 12-29-2021, 07:51 AM   #4
Ria P
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Default Re: Melamine Not Safe?

Hemp mats may be an option as a liner. I think they sell in sheets or rolls. Boredom breaker mats could be another possibility or thick cardboard.
How long they would last would depend on whether your hamster is a chewer or not.

In fact, Melamine wouldn't be an issue for a hamster who is not a chewer i would have thought.

I'm a bit puzzled now because detolfs and other Ikea conversions are widely used nowadays. Aren't they melamine?
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Old 12-29-2021, 08:44 AM   #5
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Melamine Not Safe?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
I'm a bit puzzled now because detolfs and other Ikea conversions are widely used nowadays. Aren't they melamine?
Ria I think it is to do with how different countries make melamine products, I believe the UK and Europe have higher standards than the USA
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Old 12-29-2021, 09:02 AM   #6
Lilafernim
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Default Re: Melamine Not Safe?

Also, from the study I found, exposure alone won’t harm them. Only ingestion. So I think if it’s a flat surface it’s hard for their teeth to grip so that’s how they can get away with making the cages out of it. Very bizarre how it’s acceptable though especially since there is the possibility of harm.
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Old 12-29-2021, 09:13 AM   #7
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: Melamine Not Safe?

Melamine can be a concerning product regardless of country, but it's not really something I would say is 100% safe or 100% unsafe. It can still be a really good enclosure material for some pets.

Other than potential toxicity there is the risk with improperly sealed melamine and any other wood material for that matter potentially rotting and generally falling apart due to exposure to moisture. Even small holes lead to exposed wood(in this case melamine in general having more of a particle board type interior) which can lead to the whole rot issue, mold, etc.

Cages can certainly be made from alternative materials but they're all going to have various potential risk factors. Glass for example can easily crack or shatter in some situations. Also if you use aquarium sealant or any equivalent silicon product to seal things indoors that will release fumes during the curing process, so that's another thing to always keep in mind - along with remembering that it won't bond to acrylic so if you need to attach acrylic you'll have to do other things to securely attach it otherwise the acrylic will inevitably come off. After curing it's completely safe though!

I personally wouldn't bother with melamine bowls and such as there are much better quality options for that purpose, for example stainless steel or a high quality ceramic. Even certain other plastics would be better in a pinch. Glass is really nice too if you enjoy the clear look.
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Old 12-29-2021, 09:57 AM   #8
sushi_78
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Default Re: Melamine Not Safe?

A lot of Ikea products actually use a different type of plastic veneer (e.g polypropylene) instead of melamine. It's always worth checking the materials list to see.

I think if a hamster is chewing through their DIY cage, it's a potential risk whether or not it's made of melamine, because shards of plastic can be sharp and could perforate pouches or damage mouths, the glues used in the panel filling may not be safe if swallowed etc, plus the risks of escaping in itself. Most hamsters won't chew a flat surface in a cage but those who do, need a different type of cage such as a tank because there is always a risk when they start chewing things they shouldn't.
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