Chubbs' cage makeover

[Maz]

I can't really tell from the photo - it might be open - but it kind of looks like a reflection as if there is glass on top, which wouldn't be good. Maybe you can ask them. If there's no lid, could you make one? There are quite a few tutorials online for making detolf lids.

 

[jendanger]

Thank you so much for posting the Moose photo! A detolf is a reasonable upgrade - if they've made a lid. If they're just using it open or with the glass door for a lid then it either wouldn't be secure or it wouldn't have enough ventilation. It's annoying Ikea have stopped selling them as you could have got a new one cheaper. I don't know what it's like in Canada, but in the US there are sometimes dollar per gallon sales so a tank can work out cheaper.

So I haven't heard back about the Detolf but I've been scrolling around and I am seriously considering the PawHut wooden cage on amazon. The reviews are mostly decent aside from some are saying it's a bit flimsy but I'm skilled enough to add some braces etc if needed. The measurements are quite big and I'm hoping it's an acceptable size for a Syrian. Chubbs' isn't a chewer and he does his business in his sand bath every night so I don't see a huge problem with using wood. I like the levels as well, it would be great to fill the entire bottom level with bedding. I read some other posts about some people removing some shelves to prevent falls etc. I really like the cage and it looks so interesting and room for all his accessories. He's burrowing like crazy now! I had a hard time finding him last night! He also let me hold him and get him some veggie treats. He's a good natured little soul

 

[jendanger]

Yes I think I'm headed in a different direction. I'm considering a wooden cage now instead of another aquarium at this point.

Wow, a moose!

I personally would not buy a Detolf because its narrow and short and it will be difficult to fit a Syrian size wheel in. A 75 gallon tank, Ikea plasa or ikea pax would be more suitab

 

[Socks' Mum]

You could take out the top shelf so that he can't monkey bar on the lid mesh, although if he has deep bedding and enrichment, the roof climbing shouldn't go on for long.

 

[Socks' Mum]

You could take out the top shelf so that he can't monkey bar on the lid mesh, although if he has deep bedding and enrichment, the roof climbing shouldn't go on for long.

It would also create more room for his wheel.

 

[Doodleham]

Chubbs is gorgeous. Looking forward to seeing more pics of him.

 

[RainbowBrite]

Pawhuts work if all the levels are removed to ensure there is no fall risk. If you treat it like a tank its great. The rectangle one works better then the hexagon shape as it is easier to arrange things.

You will be able to have lovely deep bedding.

You will need to seal the wood to prevent urine damage.

Chubs is going to love it.

 

[Maz]

Yes best to treat it like a tank and leave all the shelves out Although some people leave the top shelf in rather than buy platforms - but then you need very deep bedding so there isn't too far to fall from the top shelf. Hence easier to leave all the shelves out and have the bedding exactly as deep as you would like. If you're handy with diy you could easily make a couple of platforms on legs (maybe repurposing the shelves?).

If you get that particular pawhut, it's possible to swap the front panel around when constructing it, so the door is at the top instead of the bottom. The door is useless at the bottom as it would be covered by bedding. But very useful at the top so the hamster can have front access - that can be good for interaction with the hamster or them coming out easier

Depending on the hamster (if they chew much or not) you might need to reinforce the floor or corners - Pawhuts are notorious for being chewed out of as the floor panel is quite thin apparently. But not all hamsters will try and chew their way out! If they do, what some people do is tile the floor and reinforce the corners.

 

[Jain]

Chubs is going to really love all the enrichment you have added. Coco fibre is so much fun for hamsters to dig in. With the bendy bridge divider, if there are any gaps it is best to glue bedding into them just to avoid a tiny nail being caught. Just thought I would mention that.

Good point about the bridge we glued very thin dowling to the gaps it looks quite nice and makes it easy to climb