Would a dig box be too much for this cage layout?

[Pastacat]

Yesterday, I added more bedding to Topaç's cage. Now, he has 30cm bedding at the highest point and still about 10cm at the lowest point(the wheel corner). Anyway, it looks like this now. I used spruce woodshavings and brown paper bedding.

I want to put a dig box with beech chips in front of the sand bath, but would it take too much space? He used to have a dig box before, but I took it out after the bug infestation. He liked digging in it for treats a lot. I also want to add some hay in his cage. Would that be a more suitable option for the area? When he was younger, he didnt care for hay all that much tbh.

 

[Socks' Mum]

The dig box should be OK. Perhaps add it and see if Topaç uses it and is enjoying it. I think they are a good form of enrichment. I would avoid hay at the moment as it can have hay mites in it, and then you would have to start the decontamination process all over again. Hamsters don't need hay and often aren't really interested in it.

 

[Maz]

I agree with Socks Mum - I wouldn't bother with the hay - hamsters don't really need it and it can have hay mites. Having said that, freezing hay for a week before use seems to work for people. I wonder if he will dig more in his cage now, now he has deeper bedding. I can see the space in front of the sand bath for a dig box but can't imagine how big it would be - or how access to it would be needed.

 

[Pastacat]

I agree with Socks Mum - I wouldn't bother with the hay - hamsters don't really need it and it can have hay mites. Having said that, freezing hay for a week before use seems to work for people. I wonder if he will dig more in his cage now, now he has deeper bedding. I can see the space in front of the sand bath for a dig box but can't imagine how big it would be - or how access to it would be needed.

The dig box is around the same size as the sand bath. It's a small plastic container.

 

[Pastacat]

I agree with Socks Mum - I wouldn't bother with the hay - hamsters don't really need it and it can have hay mites. Having said that, freezing hay for a week before use seems to work for people. I wonder if he will dig more in his cage now, now he has deeper bedding. I can see the space in front of the sand bath for a dig box but can't imagine how big it would be - or how access to it would be needed.

Update: I used my birds' old stainless steel bowl after washing it

 

[Maz]

I think he'll enjoy that Or you could have a cardboard one pushed down unto the substrate so he can dig a bit deeper? I wonder if he will just knock the stainless steel one off the shelf

 

[Pastacat]

I think he'll enjoy that Or you could have a cardboard one pushed down unto the substrate so he can dig a bit deeper? I wonder if he will just knock the stainless steel one off the shelf

Well, he's enjoying it so far

 

[Maz]

Aw lovely Has he settled in again ok since his big cage clean?

 

[Pastacat]

Aw lovely Has he settled in again ok since his big cage clean?

He still acts a bit stressed. On some nights, he bites the bars at night. Though he didn't bar-bite today or last night. It's usually on days I am too tired to take the time to give him treats or interact with him. So, I thought he might like some new enrichment.

 

[Maz]

It sounds like he's saying I want to come out and have some interaction I think once they enjoy coming out, they like a daily routine of it. It can be difficult but even a 15 minute outing can keep them happy