Bernard

[Maz]

Well for £60 the maxi duna would be cheaper and no panels to buy. The Grosvenor XL has a bit more floor space at 54cm deep and has a shelf, but the Maxi Duna is a good size too and no tweaking - apart from setting up.

 

[Member ID2]

I have just ordered the XL Grosvenor for Bernard. I do prefer a barred cage because it gives me more scope and i like shelves.
I can get perspex panels if i want to but could also use mats to keep it cozy in the winter or attach thin plywood panels on the outside painted or wallpapered with the front as bars only. I like a hamster to be able to sniff out.
It was on offer at Robert Dyas for £66.99 with free delivery on Wednesday. I have a feeling that this cage is going to go up in price because there aren't many 100cm dwarf hamster cages available.

 

[elusive]

If you just want it for insulation hemp mat works pretty well, the thicker ones do anyway.

 

[Member ID2]

Never thought of hemp mats but good idea, thanks.

 

[Jain]

On subject of extra warmth in winter is there any disadvantage to covering 3/4 of the cage with a thick throw during the time the central heating goes off throughout the night this is what I was thinking of doing

 

[elusive]

There’s always a risk of chewing if you cover the cage with any kind of fabric so it’s better not to.

 

[Jain]

Thank you probably not put fleece throw directly onto barred area maybe make a card cover first so it can't be got at through the bars I say Pete doesn't appear to chew things but there's always a first time for everything so err on caution

 

[Zara]

Thank you probably not put fleece throw directly onto barred area maybe make a card cover first so it can't be got at through the bars I say Pete doesn't appear to chew things but there's always a first time for everything so err on caution

This is what I did last year. I was lucky enough to come across a box that Hams whole cage could sit in and with the sides at one end up, it meant I could pop a cover over that wasn't reachable, but made me feel like no drafts could get near him and made his sleeping end more cosy. It worked really well.

 

[Zara]

The picture of you holding Bernard is just tooooo cute. I'm sure he'll love his new XL grosvenor cage

 

[Member ID2]

I ordered the grey one this time which works better in the lounge.

 

[Maz]

At least you won't get the hamsters mixed up If they're in different coloured Grosvenor XL's!

 

[Member ID2]

I've just been to Wickes and they sell an acrylic panel for £26 that should do the job. According to instructions it can be half cut with a stanley knife and the rest broken off.
I know that it's easy to drill holes into acrylic because i've done it. It's important to put a piece of wood underneath it and not apply too much pressure.

A sheet of plywood is cheap at £9 and could look nice wallpapered. Strong cardboard could also be used or the thick hemp mats or the seagrass mats i already have.

Lots of options to draft proof for the winter and to keep substrate in.

 

[Member ID2]

I haven't even decided on the colour for the big shelf yet. Probably green. Wished Bernard could talk.....

 

[Maz]

Green would look nice with the grey cage. Or maybe that dark red colour?

 

[RainbowBrite]

Bernard: Make sure you choose a colour that matches my lovely fur!

 

[Member ID2]

Green or red are the two colours i'm considering.

 

[Frida]

Green

 

[Member ID2]

Green it is.

 

[Member ID2]

Bernard's new cage is already arriving tomorrow morning!

 

[RainbowBrite]

That is so exciting! I am looking forward to seeing how you set it up.