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Old 11-02-2021, 06:20 AM   #1
csengaaaa
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Post Detolf alternatives

Hello, so I am currently on the verge of tears aha - I have been trying to find a used detolf for the past two weeks as big enough fish tanks are extremely expensive and my hammie (Barbara, a Syrian) has been making her way through the plastic bottom of her cage. This is the second time a seller has flaked on me and I am losing hope. I currently don’t have a lot of money and there isn’t an IKEA near me so getting it delivered for £40 when the unit itself is £60, is just not feasible. I am stressing out a lot - is there any alternatives to the detolf anyone could recommend? She’s a chewer (and yes, her cage is big enough, I give her plenty of digging space, she has a lot of toys and chew things, she’s got a wheel, she’s taken out daily etc etc. In fact the last time she made a hole, I caught her trying to get into her ball for a roam around, and another time she just sat in her cage eating like it was job well done - I don’t think she actually wants to escape.
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Old 11-04-2021, 02:11 AM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: Detolf alternatives

A dedicated chewer needs a glass tank so i don't think that there are any other options but wait for a second hand detolf, fishtank or vivarium to come up.

In the meantime i'd give her lots of cardboard to chew. I had a female foster Syrian who shredded cardboard like there was no tomorrow.

Plenty of out of cage time should calm her down too but balls are no good. Toes can get trapped, not enough ventilation and the hamster can't smell anything. Hamsters like to explore, sniff and scent when out of their cage so i'd look into a secure playarea to run around in.

You could also post a photo of your set up to see if there's anything that could be adjusted to make her more content in her home.
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Old 11-04-2021, 06:14 AM   #3
Lilafernim
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Default Re: Detolf alternatives

Don’t get upset! No matter what something will work out. I’ve been getting worked up the past couple of weeks, people will tell you most recently I’ve been having a meltdown over a rabbit enclosure and I have no clue what I’m doing! 😂

I also have a cage for my Syrian that’s 70x50, at the time I needed one I couldn’t find an 80x50 and now there’s a few near me. But im waiting for 100x50 to come along and nothings come up, thinking of getting it as a Christmas present for myself 🎄🎅 my point is whenever you need one they don’t seem to come about 😂

Just don’t stress about things because your hammie will love you and you’re doing your best. Like csenga said try cardboard, I have whimzees dog chews, I wouldn’t say mines a ‘chewer’ but my previous hamster took a month to nibble its knees, this hamster has nearly destroyed both chews in a month 😂 so they help.

Also if they are chewing bars for now you could put cardboard on the inside of the cage corners and zip tie it for now to not allow them to harm themselves.

I look on Facebook marketplace mostly and if you collect anything take someone with you to be safe. There’s also gumtree and sometimes eBay have bids for ones going cheap as long as they’re near you.

Just don’t give up hope, it will work out ❤️
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Old 11-04-2021, 10:55 AM   #4
csengaaaa
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Default Re: Detolf alternatives

Crisis averted guys!!!! I managed to pick up a detolf for £10 and I’m so happy about it’s Barbs already seems happier exploring and eating (she loves foraging and digging). If you are interested here’s the new set up!! Side note, I understand that wood shavings aren’t great for them but my budget has been a little tight due to rent this month so I’ve opted to mix carefresh and so far it seems to be working fine. I will slowly rotate the shavings out over the next couple of weeks until her entire enclosure is carefresh. I’m also waiting on a proper wheel to be delivered so that’ll be here soon

The sand is dust free and hamster safe also and I will be adding more sprays, hamster safe moss and waiting on some cocofibre to dry currently so she can have a bit of variety in terrain.



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Old 11-04-2021, 11:02 AM   #5
csengaaaa
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Default Re: Detolf alternatives

I’m trying to add pictures but idk how it’s going to let me
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Old 11-04-2021, 05:25 PM   #6
Lilafernim
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Default Re: Detolf alternatives

Wow! That’s amazing, I’m glad something came through 😊 this is what I meant when I said there’s never one when you need it but something will come up! Glad to see a happy hammie and a happy owner 🐹
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Old 11-08-2021, 08:26 AM   #7
csengaaaa
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Default Re: Detolf alternatives

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lilafernim View Post
Wow! That’s amazing, I’m glad something came through 😊 this is what I meant when I said there’s never one when you need it but something will come up! Glad to see a happy hammie and a happy owner 🐹
Thanks so much!!! She’s currently enjoying digging around in the cocofibre!!!
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