260 replies to this topic

[tbiM20]

I've read lots and lots of product recommendations, scattered all over the place, so I thought It'd be a good idea to consolidate them into one, concise thread. Below is a list of some commonly recommended/popular products, along with information about each product, like description, price, and pros/cons.

The next step would be for users to provide an in-depth review of a product of their choice. Simply put, it'll be a nice long but organized post in this thread and I'll link to it in the quick-reference list. Links, pictures and videos would be great!

Click HERE if you are interested in doing a review.

Please note:
This is a list of products that are generally safe to use. There are always going to be personal preferences, and some products have "disclaimers" attached (such as the CritterTrail cages), but otherwise they are approved for use. If a product you see has a safety concern, please bring it up.
This list does not include foods, treats, medicines, or medical supplies. For those items, please visit the appropriate forum.
Some products are not easily found outside of certain countries. I will make my best effort to label these appropriately, though there is always the possibility of finding it elsewhere.
If you have more accurate or more thorough information on a product than what is written, please let the reviewer know, or let me know if there isn't yet an in-depth review.
If you know of a place that provides an item for a good price, let me know.
This list will be a never-ending work in progress. If you don't see a certain product, again let me know.


Lastly, we have a Wall of Shame for common products or categories that are widely available or similar to products in the Quick-Ref Guide, but are generally recommended against. Specific items or categories will also get their own reviews as to why they are not suitable for hamster use. Members who review these items should try to collect as much data (especially scientific studies) as possible to demonstrate that the concerns are not just based upon opinion. Click HERE for an example.


Not what you were looking for? Try one of these important topics:
Beginner's Guide to Hamster Basics
Hamster First Aid Kit
A-Z Guide on Common Hamster Ailments and Illnesses
Crash Course on Accidental Pregnancies
Master List of Commercial Foods and List of Safe Fresh Foods
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Cages and Setups

(due to the overwhelming availability and variety, some will be grouped by brand or product line)

Commercial Cages

Alaska (UK) -

Starting price: Currently £37.90 (RRP £49.90)

Availability: only available at Zooplus.co.uk

Pros: very large (tall enough for 12" wheel, deep base for bedding); sturdy; good price for size; easy to clean

Cons: may require 2 person assembly; quite tall which can be dangerous for climbing hamsters; not easy to add on to

 

Ferret Kit Cage (FER100KIT) by A&E Cage Co. -
(Due to 1/2" bar spacing, for Syrians only)
Needing reviewed

 

Duna Fun Large by Ferplast -

 

OVO by Habitrail (US, UK, CA) -

Used as an add-on only

Starting price: variable

Availability: online and in stores; options include Studio or Maze, Loft, Den, Transport Unit, and Mini Maze

Pros: imitates burrow system; easy to disassemble; large tubes; colorful

Cons: expensive; too small as stand-alone cages; prone to cracking; poor ventilation

Play City by Hartz -
Used as an add-on only
Starting price: $25 each
Availability: common in Wal-Mart Tubes can be found on amazon.com
Pros: comes with a home, water bottle and a wheel; tubes are bigger that CritterTrail so average sized Syrians can fit; cheaper than a CritterTrail.
Cons: tubes are hard to find; the wheel is too small for a Syrian; Cheap Plastic; hard to put together and take apart; does not attach to any other brand of tubes

 

Fantasy by Imac (UK) -

Minimum required: 1 setup + 1 additional level

Starting Price: £30

Availability: Online and in stores in the UK

Pros: looks nice; stackable; easy to assemble/disassemble and clean

Cons: really only for dwarfs; small doors; low bedding level; pricey

 

Guinea Pig Home by Kaytee (US) -

Note that this cage requires hardware cloth because of large bar spacing

Starting price: $49.99

Availability: online and in stores

Pros: very spacious; easy to see inside; holds lots of bedding; easy to attach things to sides

Cons: requires hardware mesh on sides, which takes time and can be difficult; a 12" wheel can't fit through the door.

 

Kevin 82 by Marchioro (US, UK) -

Marketed as "Igor" in UK

Starting price: $116 at Amazon.com

Availability: Amazon.com, ThePetPlace.com

Pros: good ventilation; great size; bar spacing good for any species; fits large wheels, stock wheel is good for dwarfs

Cons: shelves can't really be rearranged; tiny food dishes; expensive

 

Hamster Cages by Savic (UK) -
(Hamster Heaven, Cambridge, Mickey, etc.)
Needing reviewed
 

CritterTrail by Super Pet (US, UK, CA) -
No single cages approved
Minimum required: 2 Large Discovery Deluxes (180 sq. inches each)
Starting price: most are $30 to $50
Availability: common in most pet stores, easily available online
Pros: easily available; some make OK carriers or travel cages
Cons: expensive; way too small; cheap plastic

 

My First Home by Super Pet -
Note that this cage requires hardware cloth because of large bar spacing
Minimum required: 1 My First Home for Rabbits
Starting price: $40
Availability: online **Common in pet stores?
Pros: plenty of floor space; plastic base for easy cleaning
Cons: requires hardware mesh, multi-level versions contain partial levels
Needing reviewed... for now, see this review for a similar cage by Kaytee

Tamburino (US) -
Needing reviewed

Zoozone (UK) -
Needing reviewed

 

 

Aquariums and Bins

40 Gallon Breeder Tank by Aqueon -
Minimum required: 20 Gallon Long size
Starting price: $120 retail for 40 Gallon Breeder; $40 during the $1/gallon Petco sale
Availability: many different sizes; sold at Petco; used
Pros: clear visibility; chew-proof; easy to clean; looks nice
Cons: heavy; may require additional purchase of a lid

Rubbermaid bins -
Needing reviewed

SAMLA bins by Ikea -
Needing reviewed – minimum size?

Sterilite bins -
Minimum required: 105 qt bin or 30 gallon tote
Starting price: $9
Availability: popular large US retail stores like Walmart and Target
Pros: variety of sizes; very common; inexpensive
Cons: prone to cracking

 

Hacks, etc.

Detolf by Ikea -
Description: glass display cabinet laid sideways (w/o lid)
Starting price: $65 US; $80 Canada; £40 UK
Availability: Ikea retail stores
Pros: large floor space, low cost for size, simple setup, sturdy, looks nice
Cons: takes up lots of room, heavy, not mobile
Suggestions: build a lid; don't let it "hover" using the ends as feet, as the glass can break.

Other brands of cages, aquariums, bins, or easily-converted products (Ikea BILLY, etc.)

Edited by tbiM20, 15 September 2013 - 04:43 AM.

[tbiM20]

Bedding/Litter, Sand, and other Substrate

Paper-based Beddings

Carefresh (Basic Blend, Natural, Crinkles, Colors, and Ultra) by Absorption Corp. (US, UK, CA) -
Description: shredded paper-based bedding product (crinkles is folded paper strips)
Starting price: $8 for 14 liters
Availability: online, in most large pet stores and farm supply stores
Pros: widely available, very absorbent, low odor
Cons: fairly pricey

 

Clean and Cozy by Kaytee -
Description: shredded paper-based bedding product
Starting price: $9 for 4 liters
Availability: online, Petsmart and Petco, some other retailers
Pros: expands a LOT; bouncy; doubles as nesting material; lightweight
Cons: sticks to fabric and fur; absorbent but can't manage large spills

Fitch Bedding (UK) -
Needing reviewed

 

Megazorb (UK, CA) -

Needing reviewed

 

Boxo Comfort by Pestell (US, CA) -

Description: brown shredded paper-based bedding product

Starting price: $12.99 Canadian for 51L

Availability: 26L, 51L, and 184L bags; online and some local stores

Pros: less expensive than other paper beddings; soft for nesting; holds tunnels; very absorbent

Cons: dusty; hard to find

 

ECO Bedding by Vitakraft -
Description: crinkled paper bedding. Available in brown, blue, and purple.
Starting price: varies significantly depending on location. Typically cheaper than Carefresh.
Availability: most major pet retailers
Pros: great burrow substrate; reasonable price
Cons: moderate dust levels; not good for warmth; poor absorbency

Fresh World Bedding by Vitakraft -

Description: 100% recycled paper-based crumbled bedding. Grey only.

Starting price: $14 for 975 cubic inches; $19 for 2130 cubic inches

Availability: Petsmart; in 975 and 2130 cubic inch packages

Pros: excellent absorbency; superior odor control; 100% recycled

Cons: poor for burrowing; dusty; does not "catch" debris; heavy

Suggestions: Petco offers a comparable product, Planet Petco Crumbled Paper Bedding, in more sizes and price options.

 

Wood-based Beddings

Aspen Shavings by Grreat Choice -

Description: Shredded aspen bedding; available in 19.6, 52.4, and 113.2 liter packages

Starting Price: $13.50 for the 113 L package

Availability: Petsmart stores
Pros: cheaper than paper beddings

Cons: Contains dust, sticks, and general low quality

 

Native Earth Shredded Aspen by Harlan Teklad -
Description: Laboratory grade low dust shredded aspen bedding
Starting Price: $9.30 per 4.38 cubic ft (124L), expandable to 13 cubic ft (368L)
Availability: Pet360.com
Pros: Economical, low dust, low odor, absorbant
Cons: Need large storage space, some people might be allergic

 

Soft Granule Bedding by Kaytee -

Description: pelleted litter-style bedding made of reclaimed wood pulp (cedar and pine free)
Starting price: ~ $5, average price $15 for 27.5 liters
Availability: online, Petsmart, Petco, other retailers
Pros: lightweight; dust free; very odor absorbent
Cons: easily tossed out of cage; hard to get out of carpet; not ideal for nesting

 

 

Sand

Chinchilla Bath Sand by Super Pet -
Description: fine bath sand
Starting price: $7.50 for 1.75 pounds
Availability: online and major pet stores
Pros: wide availability; clean; uniform consistency
Cons: sometimes dusty; not nearly as coarse as quartz sand; expensive for the size

ReptiSand by Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc. -
Description: fine reptile terranium sand
Starting price: $4.99 for the 5-pound bag
Availability: In 3 colors (Desert White, Natural Red, Midnight Black); in 5-pound, 10-pound, or 25-pound packages; available online and in major pet stores
Pros: clean, low dust, fine, nice looking, clumps when wet
Cons: colors in red or black can stain when wet

 

Other Substrates

Auboise Hemp Bedding (UK) -
Needing reviewed

Eco Earth by Zoo Med -
Description: shredded coconut burrowing substrate (NOT a bedding)
Starting price: $4 for 7 liters
Availability: online, Petco, other stores
Pros: safe; great digging/burrowing substrate
Cons: sometimes requires drying if packaged moist; not very absorbent

Needing reviewed

Edited by tbiM20, 10 September 2013 - 11:02 PM.

[tbiM20]

Water/Food Accessories, Hamster Wheels, and other "Required" Items


Water and Food Accessories

(Due to the overwhelming availability, these will be grouped by type rather than brand)

Bell Bottle by Oasis -
*Includes 5 year manufacturer guarantee!
Needing reviewed

Glass Water Bottles -
Starting price: $4
Availability: several different brands, various capacities, generally only the “standard” water bottle shape
Pros: chew proof, durable, long-lasting, can easily monitor water intake
Cons: more expensive than plastic, heavier, can break when dropped

Plastic Water Bottles -
Starting price: $2
Availability: many different brands, colors, various capacities and shapes.
Pros: very cheap, very common, easy to use, can withstand rough handling
Cons: easily chewed through; must be BPA and toxin free
Notes on toxins: plastics are identified by the "recycling symbol" chasing arrows with a number. Avoid bottles stamped #3 or #7, or unstamped bottles (unless confirmed safe); bottles stamped #1 or #6 should not be washed in hot water or placed in a hot environment; bottles stamped #2, #4, or #5 are considered safe, stable plastics.
List of bottles:

Spoiler

Type 1: SuperPet Clear;
Type 2:
Type 3: All Living Things brand; Petco brand;
Type 4:
Type 5:
Type 6: Oasis Bell Bottle;
Type 7:
Unlabeled or Unknown: SuperPet Critter Canteen;

Glass and Ceramic Food Dishes -
Starting price: $1.50
Availability: many brands, sizes, colors, and shapes.
Pros: fairly cheap, some unique options, heavy (can’t be turned over), can’t be chewed
Cons: sometimes pricey

Plastic Food Dishes -
Starting price: $1
Availability: many brands, sizes, shapes, and colors
Pros: cheap, very common
Cons: can be chewed up, certain shapes and sizes can be easily overturned due to light weight


Hamster Wheels

 

Carolina Storm Wheel by Carolina Storm Hedgehogs (US) -

Description: custom made solid-track plastic wheel on PVC pipe base

Starting price: $20 + shipping

Availability: two sizes (10.5" and 12"), variety of colors, with a litter pan option

Pros: very silent; easy to clean; adjustable height and tilt

Cons: somewhat expensive; takes up a lot of cage space

 

Wonderland Bogie Wheel by Karlie (UK) -
Needing reviewed (shop here)

 

Comfort Wheel by Super Pet (US, CA) -
Description: plastic wheel on wire base
Starting price: $8
Availability: three sizes (5", 8.5", and 12"), and a variety of colors
Pros: inexpensive; easy to find; easy to clean; cage-mountable
Cons: very loud w/o DIY to fix noise; takes up a lot of room
Suggestions: how to silence the wheel; weight the base to prevent tipping

 

Silent Spinner by Super Pet -
Description: two-toned plastic wheel on wire base
Starting price: $12
Availability: many different sizes and colors, commonly carried by major pet stores
Pros: durable, common, available in many sizes
Cons: somewhat pricey, hard plastic makes rattling food very loud
Suggestions: tighten connection, lubricate bearings with vegetable oil, Syrians can only use a 12"

Wodent Wheel by Transoniq -
Description: Enclosed wheel with mix ‘n’ match panels and track
Starting price: $15
Availability: Many colors, 3 sizes, best found online
Pros: great sizes, enclosed space encourages running, very ergonomic, nail track available
Cons: squeaky, a little pricey, nail track requires short use and supervision
Suggestions: use pliers to install/remove pin, lubricate rubbing points with coconut oil

 

Flying Saucer by Ware -
Description: angled saucer "wheel" available in multiple colors
Starting price: $5.99 US; £3.99 UK
Availability: online, some major retailers
Pros: very safe, very quiet, easy to clean
Cons: the Small is too small period, and the Large won't fit in most cages; should be introduced with a wheel, not as a replacement
Suggestions: medium for dwarfs/chinese, large for Syrians

Edited by tbiM20, 25 March 2014 - 02:23 AM.

[tbiM20]

Hamster Toys, Furniture, and Cage Accessories (including plastic, wood, ceramic, and chewable/edible)
 

 

Jumbo Kritter Krawler by Lee's -

Description: 10-inch exercise ball

Starting price: $8.44 at Pet Mountain

Availability: one size, in clear or a variety of colors

Pros: very roomy so won't arch back; can be used with larger rodents like rats; hamster can't climb out when ball is held and open with hole at top

Cons: heavy for hamsters to move; door can open easily; can't be stopped quickly by hamster; difficult to clean

 

Habitrail OVO tubes and connectors by Hagen, Inc. -

Included in OVO cage review

Description: tinted tubes with interior texture and locking connector rings
Starting price: variable for type of tube
Availability: individual tubes of varying lengths or shapes, including 10" straight, U-bends, and cubes; various colors.
Pros: easy to connect; lots of shapes; secure connectors; big enough for Syrians
Cons: limited ventilation; standard size is difficult for dwarfs to climb vertically

Living World Cage Accessories by Hagen, Inc. -
Needing reviewed

Planet PETCO product line by PETCO -
Description: undyed wood-based toys, hideaways, and cage accessories
Starting price: $2 for the Wood Dumbbells
Availability: various chewable items; PETCO stores
Pros: safe to chew; sturdy; looks nice; good prices
Cons: not all designed for hamsters, so safety is an issue for some products; may not be chewed on

 

CritterTrail Fun-Nels by Super Pet -
Description: colorful "bubble" tubes with plastic connector rings
Starting price: $3 for individual tubes, $10 if in a Value Pack or Expansion Kit
Availability: individual tubes of varying lengths or shapes
Pros: colorful, easy to snap together, easily climbable
Cons: tend to be too small for full-grown Syrians; ring connectors tend to wear out; limited ventilation

CritterTrail Activity Accessory Kit by Super Pet -
 

 

Tropical Fiddle Sticks by Super Pet -
Description: bendable bridge made with colorful wooden bars on wire
Starting price: 
Availability: single bridges in small, medium, or large
Pros: chewable; bendable
Cons: may be difficult to bend; metal wire may stick out

 

Igloo Hide-Out by Super Pet -

Description: sparkly, colorful plastic igloo-shaped hideouts

Starting price: $4 for the 4" Itty Bitty Igloo

Availability: four sizes in a variety of colors; most pet stores and other stores with pet supplies

Pros: popular; easy to clean; durable; small ones are inexpensive

Cons: not good to chew; can get warm in summer; large ones are pricey

 

Puzzle Playgrounds by Super Pet -

Description: small snap-together square or triangular panels
Starting price: $5 for the 42-piece set
Availability: 42-piece or 60-piece sets
Pros: versatile, colorful, expandable
Cons: sometimes difficult to snap together; Syrians can pop out panels

Needing reviewed

 

Natural Living product line by Trixie -
Needing reviewed

 

Natural Toys product line by Ware -
Description: undyed wood-based products
Starting price: $4 for the Willow Nutty Stick
Availability: various chewable items
Needing reviewed
 

All Living Things brand -
(Petsmart store brand?)
Needing reviewed

Aquarium decor by Top Fin -
Needing reviewed

Cork or Grapewood -
100% safe, but needing reviewed

Reptile Decor by Zilla, ZooMed, or Mac's -
Needing reviewed

Driftwood or Mopani wood -

Suggestion: generally safe, but needs soaked for several weeks with frequent water changes to leach out the tannins

Glimma, Magasin, Mixtur, Forhoja, etc. by Ikea -
Needing reviewed

 

 

 

Edible Chews and Toys

(no item in this list is meant as a main source of nutrition)

 

Ediblelogz by Wild Harvest (US) -

Description: molded "log" tunnel made from alfalfa and honey

Starting price: about $4-$6 at Walmart stores only

Availability: small (for dwarfs) or large (for Syrians)

Pros: visually appealing; versatile; much cheaper than similar products

Cons: available only in Walmart stores; hamster may not chew it; collects dust

 

Whimzees -

Description: potato-starch based dog chews, also known as Paragon chews or Antos chews

Starting price: about $3 for a trial bag at Petco

Availability: a variety of sizes and shapes in different-sized and mixed bundles

Pros: appealing to hamsters; lots of fun shapes; inexpensive; all-natural ingredients

Cons: hamsters may overindulge; can be pouched if chewed too small; can start to smell when wet

 

Cheesy Chews

 

Greenies

 

Snak Shack Logs

 

Dried Pasta

Edited by tbiM20, 05 December 2013 - 07:31 AM.

[tbiM20]

So you want to write a review?

Speak up! Please follow these guidelines:

1. Check the list. If the listing is already linked to a review, or has text indicating that someone is going to write a review, then it is not available.   However, if it is either available or not listed at all, it's free for you to claim!   

2. Send me a PM.   That way I can put your claim on the product. If you don't send me a PM and instead post in this thread, but someone else does PM me, it's possible that I will see their PM first and give them the review.   Everyone is welcome to do as many reviews as they want, but I can only reserve one review for you at a time.

3. Once I respond and give you the go-ahead, start on your review! Take a peek at some of the reviews already posted. You can use text, pictures, videos, links to product listings or other threads, and whatever else you can scrounge up.   Remember that your review should be longer and more detailed than the snippet in the Guide. You will have 3 weeks from the date you get my go-ahead to post your review. This is to prevent the thread from stagnating, and it's OK if later you can't make the 3 week deadline (we all have lives outside of the internet   )... the product will simply be re-opened to other users after the deadline (see step 4). 

4. If you have finished your review by your deadline, post it in the thread. Please put a heading at the top, #18 font or larger, in bold. That way your review is easily identifiable. All done!

** If you have finished after your deadline, check with me that someone else hasn't claimed the product.   If they haven't, post it! If they have, then you have to wait until after their deadline, and if they haven't posted theirs, message me again and I'll let you know that you can post yours. I think this makes it as fair as possible to everyone.   

 

 

 

 

Wall of Shame Reviews

 

I've gotten lots of interest recently for WoS products, so I wanted to write the guidelines on here. First of all, steps 1, 2 and 4 above still apply (read those!)   Secondly, there is not really a time limit, there is simply a general rule that you keep me updated on your progress...but that doesn't mean it's easier...   

 

In general, a WoS is going to be a lot more work than a typical review. Why? Well, the WoS is a list of products that we decide are really no good. But anyone can say anything is bad!   That's a bunch of opinion. Therefore what a WoS review needs is a lot of evidence. That means research, scientific data, testimonials, and professional opinions.    Otherwise, the review really isn't anything more than just another opinion floating in this wonderful thing we call the internet.  So if you want to do a WoS review, it will be more work than a typical product review... but it will also be a lot more solid, a lot more interesting to do, and a lot more personally rewarding.   

 

Remember with any review, you are of course welcome (and encouraged) to ask for help or talk to someone who may have experience that's useful to you.    So don't be afraid to collaborate with other members. There is one big rule on WoS reviews: you need to send it to me before you post it. Why? Well, in school, college, and the professional world   when you write a scientific paper or a report (which is kinda what we're doing here!) you normally have someone read it and check your work. Maybe you forgot to cite a source, or made an assumption where there needs to be proof. Maybe there's a spot that can use some extra info, or a detail that should be made more important. A proofreader can catch things that the original writer may have missed. So that's why I ask that you send it to me first - so we can make the research rock solid and 100% awesome!    

 

Interested?   Remember, the first step is to PM me! 

Edited by tbiM20, 05 December 2013 - 11:54 PM.

[tbiM20]

Wall of Shame

In progress... Please let me know if you know of a product that should be added!

Cages and Setups

See here about minimum cage size and here about how to measure your cage.

Plastic cages with interior corners provide a spot for your hamster to chew through and escape.

What other reasons would make a certain cage a bad purchase? Examples?


Bedding/Litter, Sand, and other Substrates

Any Pine or Cedar-based Bedding -
Description: wood-based bedding in shavings or pelleted form; listed as pine, cedar, fir, spruce, or softwood
Issue: hamsters cannot tolerate the natural compounds within these woods; prolonged use causes kidney/liver damage, a lowered immune system, dermatitis, eye irritation, lung scarring, asthma, and possible death.
Symptoms: itchiness, inflamed skin, and fur loss; respiratory/sinus issues
Products Examples: Kaytee Cedar Pet Bedding; Premier Pet Natural Pine Bedding; Grreat Choice Cedar Bedding

Calcium Carbonate Sand -
Description: typically a reptile sand made using calcium carbonate, listed as such or as containing calcium
Issue: causes liver and kidney issues when ingested
Symptoms: excessive drinking and urination
Product Examples: RepTerra Sand; ZooMed Vita Sand; Petco Reptile Sand (any color)

Chinchilla "Dust" -
Description: very very fine bathing product
Issue: so fine it can get tossed up and inhaled easily; generally creates a mess
Symptoms: respiratory issues
Product Examples: Kaytee Chinchilla Dust; Lixit Blue Cloud Dust; Super Pet Critter Bath Powder; Planet Petco Blue Cloud Small Animal Dust

Artificially Scented Products -
Description: any bedding, nesting material, or bathing sand that contains added scents (even if listed as "natural")
Issue: hamsters are sensitive to strong smells and these may cause respiratory issues
Symptoms: irritated respiratory system; excessive scent marking
Product Examples: Kaytee Scented Bedding; Pet Scentsations Chinchilla Bath

Cotton or "Fluff" Nesting Material -
Description: soft nesting material that comes loose in the bag or in small pads
Issue: hamsters can get tangled and cause limb dislocations or amputations; impacted cheek pouches; choking or impacted bowels if swallowed
Symptoms: injured limbs; [symptoms of impactions]; choking; death
Product Examples: All Living Things Cotton Nesting Material; Miracle Care Cotton Fluff-a-Bed; Safebed Fluff; Cozy Nest; Habitrail Midnight Blanket

 

Corncob bedding - 

Description: bedding made up of corncobs

Issue: lumpy and very uncomfortable as a bedding; usually contains fungal spores which can be a huge health hazard

Symptoms: a very unhappy hamster; unsanitary cage; possible respiratory issues, infections, other problems from fungi

Product Examples: Hartz Corn Cob Bedding; eCOTRITION Corn Cob Bedding; Kaytee Kay-Kob Bedding

 

Gravels -
Description: common reptile or aquarium terrarium substrate
Issue: pinches feet; small rocks are dangerous when pouched; pointless
Symptoms: damaged teeth
Product Examples: any general gravel

Water/Food Accessories, Wheels, and other "Required" Items

Any Wire or Mesh Wheel -
Description: metal wheels commonly sold in stores
Issue: stressful for feet; allows feet to fall through; cross bars create pinch points
Symptoms: broken limbs, bumblefoot, other injuries

Plastic Water Bottles -
Issue: Certain additives in plastic are known carcinogens or endocrine disruptors, like BPA, or lead found in PVC plastics.

Advice: Check the bottle for the chasing arrow symbol (like the recycling symbol) with a number in the middle. Check that number against the spoiler below.
Additional Info:

Spoiler

All plastics have a recycling code stamped on them (or should.) Here's a guide -
#1 PET/PETE - 2 liter soda bottles, peanut butter jars. PET can leach antimony, but at levels significantly lower than EPA standards (source) unless heated. Generally assumed to be safe. Do NOT expose to high temperatures (stored in garage) and do NOT microwave.
#2 HDPE - milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent bottles. Safe.*
#3 PVC - pipes, shrink wrap, water bottles. Added softeners, phthalates, are endocrine disruptors and can leach out over time. Can also contain other harmful chemicals. (source1 and source2)
#4 LDPE - plastic bags, squeezable bottles. Safe.*
#5 Polypropylene - yogurt cups, medicine bottles, ketchup bottles, straws. Safe.*
#6 Styrene/Polystyrene - styrofoam cups and packing peanuts. Some concerns about styrene leaching into hot liquids (source.) Do NOT expose to high temperatures and do NOT microwave.
#7 Miscellaneous - food containers, Tupperware, bottles. The most common category for containing BPA. Some BPA alternatives, BPS and BPF, are still under scrutiny. It's best to simply avoid this category.
#9 ABS - Legos, auto bodies, tattoo inks. The safety of food/water contact with this product is unknown, though it is a polymerized form of styrene (#6.)
Unlabeled hard plastics - likely #7.
PLA - Polylactic acid resins made from corn. Biodegradable under intense heat (commercial processes.) Too little info to determine safety.


* Please remember that though an item may be designated as safe, it is never a good idea to allow a hamster to ingest significant amounts of any type of plastic. If your hamster chews a lot on plastic, consider switching to ceramic or glass.

List of bottles:

Spoiler

Type 1: SuperPet Clear;
Type 2:
Type 3: All Living Things brand; Petco brand;
Type 4:
Type 5:
Type 6: Oasis Bell Bottle;
Type 7:
Unlabeled or Unknown: SuperPet Critter Canteen;

Hamster Toys, Furniture, and Cage Accessories

Fabric Toys -
Description: products made of knitted, woven, or felted material
Issue: can cause tangles or impactions when chewed

Spoiler

Some users use fabric toys under supervision - during play time only, and not as a permanent cage fixture. Also note that different fabrics have differing levels of danger. A knit is more hazardous than a felt material because of the higher potential for tangling. However the success of individual users, the general consensus is to avoid the hazard completely by recommending against using fabric at all.

Heavy Toys -
Issue: The toys themselves are not bad, but require precaution. Heavy items should have supports all the way to the cage floor, so they don't crush a burrowing hamster.
Product Examples: items made of heavier materials like solid wood, ceramic, or glass; physically large objects

 

Milkbones -

Poor quality nutrition, questionable ingredients.

Edited by tbiM20, 14 December 2013 - 03:03 AM.

[tinypixie]

Kaytee Clean & Cozy Review





Review of:
Kaytee Clean & Cozy bedding- white.


Description:

company website

Kayee Clean & Cozy is a shredded paper-based bedding that is white in color and comes in tight plastic packaging. The product boasts expanding up to 3 times the volume of the packaging, and being tested as safe for most pets.

Comes in the following sizes:

250 cubic inches (4 liters)
500 cubic inches (8 liters)
1000 cubic inches (16 liters)


Availability & Price:
Available online at Petsmart and Petco (currently on sale). May also be available in stores (I can confirm it is available in stores near me).

Smallest size starts around $9.00, largest size around $19.00

Click on links for $, US:

Petsmart

Petco

Pros:
Expansion, up to 3 times, saves costs.
Available; well priced.
Meets FDA standards for paper to come into contact with food.
Encourages burrowing, holds shape well.
Provides exercise (Wubble).
Doubles as nesting material- no more tissue or TP to be offered!
White color shows when product needs to be changed.
Disposal convenient as product is light-weight and compactable.
Catches debris (turds, seed shells, etc.).
Comes in purple (purple is always a pro!).

Cons:
Comes in scented varieties which are attractive, but probably not good purchases.
Sticks to fabric and fur.
Not the best for odor control.
Not as absorbent for larger spills of liquid; generally not an issue.
Not my favorite pet-product company out there.

My thoughts:
Having only dwarfs right now, I am only able to directly observe how dwarfs interact with this bedding. I can tell right away that this bedding stimulates the natural instinct to burrow, and caters to this instinct as well. The bedding holds its shape well, allowing my tiny hamsters to create a network of tunnels inside their bedding. I offered the recommended minimum, 3 inches of the bedding. But since the bedding is so malleable, my hamsters did with it what they wanted. I believe that Syrians, if offered a tad more, would also be able to burrow and create tunnels as well.
The hamsters love to interact with the bedding, therefore it is not just flooring to them. They nest with it, they move it about. It is like clay that never dries, and they caught on to this instantly. Smee now covers his food dish with the bedding- a behavior I have never seen before in him. Wubble, who is obviously overweight, gets the added benefit of exercise, as it takes her more effort to “bound about” in this bedding. She’s making her tunnels, too, but running around on top of it is quite a little challenge for her. Ducky no longer nests inside a hidey house, but rather has pushed a large clump of it in a corner, and sleeps in the middle of that instead. I no longer have to offer everyone tissue paper for nesting, as their bedding is their nest.
The product being white, I am able to see if there is anything on the bedding- empty seed shells, turds, blood, urine, etc. I may be more able to figure out when I need a change, when compared to some other beddings. This is also in part because it was not that great for odor control. I noticed my hamsters starting to stink at 1.5 weeks with spot cleaning daily. As featured, the product is virtually dust free. I enjoy this in the dry dead of winter, where I’m sneezing more often. I did not wear my little mask when changing out bedding! And, just as the bedding comes compact in its packaging, the bedding may also be compacted for disposal! No longer am I lugging a very full and heavy trash bag, filled with bedding!
Overall, I would rate this product as 4 stars. I’m so glad I switched. Clean & Cozy is light-weight, compactable, easily disposable, malleable, well priced, available, and thoroughly enjoyed by my hamsters. It does a decent job with absorbency but not the best for odor control.

Edited by tinypixiexoxo, 10 March 2013 - 10:27 AM.

[Luci]

I'll take the Puzzle Playground Review

[Ldoerr]

I am getting a hamster on Sunday at petco and can pick up a couple of planet petco toys. I will probably get the bridge. I already have this http://www.petco.com/product/115432/Planet-Petco-Wood-Wheel-with-Ball-Small-Animal-Chew-Toy.aspx that my rabbits did not use. I can clean it really well and utest it with the new hamster. I should have a review of those by Friday if that works with everybody. I will try to get a few planet petco toys and maybe a tropical fiddle sticks if they have them when I go. It they do I will be happy to write a review of them. I can also review a bin cage after I have had the hamster for a week or 2. I made a bin cage that is 608 square inches yesterday.

[tbiM20]

Luci - OK great! The spot is reserved.

Idoerr - Sounds great! Would you like me to reserve the products to await your review? Also for the bin cage, make sure you're reviewing the bin specifically. The reason is so that people can evaluate the different bins for use in their bin cages, as opposed to reviewing bin cages in general. Like if you used a Rubbermaid bin, review the quality of the Rubbermaid bin - is the plastic thin or thick? Is it fragile, easy to cut? Does it stain or warp easily? What sized bins are appropriate for hamsters? Where can you find it? - stuff like that.

Edited by tbiM20, 23 February 2013 - 12:03 PM.

[HoppingHammy]

Flying Saucer by Ware Review

(DONE! Check page 2)

Note to OP: Is it ok to include photos too?

Edited by HoppingHammy, 27 February 2013 - 06:10 AM.

[tbiM20]

HH - absolutely! Pictures, videos, whatever you want! Do your magic






I just realized how absolutely huge these lists may get. Good thing I broke it into separate posts, but phew....

Edited by tbiM20, 23 February 2013 - 12:33 PM.

[mothedog]

I can do a review on the Heartz Play City Extreme Home (I have one hooked up to my bin cage


Play City by Hartz -
Add on only - No single cages approved
Minimum required: 2
Starting price: $25 each
Availability: common in Wal-Mart Tubes can be found on amazon.com
Pros: Comes with a home. Water bottle and a wheel, Tubes are bigger that critter trail so average sized Syrians Can fit Though
Cheaper than a Critter-trail
Cons: Tubes are Hard to find, More than one is needed, the wheel is too small for a Syrian, Cheap Plastic, Hard to put together and take apart, Does not attach to any other brand of tubes

Edited by mothedog, 24 February 2013 - 05:51 AM.

[Biscotti]

I would like to recommend a few more products to add to your review list. For your consideration...

Under Cages: Aqueon 40 gallon breeder tank (Petco), Ferret Kit 100 (large Syrian cage). For UK/Europe: Alaska, Alexander, Imac cages, Hamster Heaven

Under Bedding/Litter section: Petsmart brand Aspen, Native Earth (Harlan Teklad) Shredded Aspen, Boxo/Boxo Comfort (they're different, I think), Fitch (UK), Auboise (hemp bedding, UK)

Under Water and Food Accessories: Oasis Bell Bottle

Under Toys/Furnitures: A lot of stuffs by TopFin (aquarium decors suitable for dwarf hams), All Living Things brand, Zilla/ZooMed/Mac's (reptile decor brand, but usable for hamsters also), a bunch of small Ikea things (Glimma, Magasin, Mixtur, Forhoja box sex, etc).

Edited by Biscotti, 23 February 2013 - 02:18 PM.

[~rainbowhamster909~]

I'll do a review on crittertail tubes