Socks: Mouseworks Dynamic Cardboard Redesign and Basic Tunneling

[Socks' Mum]

It's one and a half cm, about the length of he bolt stem. You could cut off the bolt, but that would need more heavy duty tools

 

[Maz]

Ah that’s ok . I was just thinking he might decide to squeeze down there - they do daft things like that - but the 1.5 cm is not too small a gap. If the gap was smaller he could get stuck. It’s a bit uncertain if he could get stuck actually. I’ve had them try and squeeze under a gap under the door about that size and only get part way through (but the hamster could withdraw backwards again).

I think I’d be slightly concerned about the gap - sorry!

 

[Socks' Mum]

The dilemma is whether to move left with bolts sticking out or to put something into the space to prevent climbing through the gap. I don't think Socks will try to squeeze through. Perhaps I should trim it and sandpaper it. Of course the cage does come with a large platform, but it makes it more difficult to access the hamster quickly if you need to.

 

[Maz]

Would it stay secure if just screwed to one side, further along (left?)? So there’s a bigger gap? Cutting a small corner off is quite a quick job - unless you don’t have a small saw!

 

[Socks' Mum]

Ah that’s ok . I was just thinking he might decide to squeeze down there - they do daft things like that - but the 1.5 cm is not too small a gap. If the gap was smaller he could get stuck. It’s a bit uncertain if he could get stuck actually. I’ve had them try and squeeze under a gap under the door about that size and only get part way through (but the hamster could withdraw backwards again).

I think I’d be slightly concerned about the gap - sorry!

Yes, I think you are right. I am worried about Socks doing something rash. There is a youtube video of a hamster going under a door, scary. I keep Socks in his playpen for that. I think I will remove the shelf to be on the safe side!

 

[Maz]

It’s probably best for now. Sometimes diy places like B&B will cut wood for you but that’s usually if you’re buying it from them!

 

[Socks' Mum]

Would it stay secure if just screwed to one side, further along (left?)? So there’s a bigger gap? Cutting a small corner off is quite a quick job - unless you don’t have a small saw!

Yes, it is strong enough to stay on when fastened on one side. I might just move it along

 

[Socks' Mum]

It’s probably best for now. Sometimes diy places like B&B will cut wood for you but that’s usually if you’re buying it from them!

Yes, I can always get another shelf! It is a bit of an eye hazard

 

[Socks' Mum]

A saw could be a handy thing to have!

 

[Socks' Mum]

I've put his old carrot cottage in its place. Not as nice, but OK and much safer!

 

[Maz]

I just used a little saw like this . £6

Draper Saw

 

[Socks' Mum]

Oh, that's a nice one. I think I'll get it! Thank you

 

[Maz]

It depends what’s easier! But maybe cheaper than getting a different shelf. Or you could just move the shelf further to left as you said.

If you get the saw, I just draw a pencil line across the corner with a ruler- it doesn’t have to be exact - just a bit of corner cut off. Then saw approximately to the pencil line. Then sand. I never had sandpaper until I had a hamster

 

[Maz]

You start off with the saw level on the pencil line until it makes a bit of a groove to get you started. Then you can either carry on sawing level or saw at an angle from one edge.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Excellent advice, I'm learning new skills! I think everyone who owns a hamster should have some basic tools, you never know what could be around the corner!

 

[Socks' Mum]

It depends what’s easier! But maybe cheaper than getting a different shelf. Or you could just move the shelf further to left as you said.

If you get the saw, I just draw a pencil line across the corner with a ruler- it doesn’t have to be exact - just a bit of corner cut off. Then saw approximately to the pencil line. Then sand. I never had sandpaper until I had a hamster

I would worry about the bolts catching Socks in the eye if they were exposed on one side.

 

[Maz]

Good point.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I opened a pack of Little One last night. Some of it is quite tasty and it smells very nice. Socks has tucked into it enthusiastically and filled up on supplies this morning as well as eating on the spot. I give him human grade crushed hemp seeds and linseed (canary seed) and he seems to enjoy those very much. We share sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds as well. I think he is missing his small platform, but he made the best of things, nibbling on the carrot cottage. He had a drink of water while I had some tea and then it was off to bed for the day, for Socks at least!

 

[RainbowBrite]

Your post sounds like you tasted a bit of Little One yourself.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Your post sounds like you tasted a bit of Little One yourself.

Yes, I confess! There is an ingredient in it that looks a bit like dates but is not very sweet. It tastes nice though. Sort of dark brown. I want to see what the grains of puffed cereal in it taste like. I tried a bit of Rollini (for hamsters) once, but could not eat it . Socks seemed to quite like it though!