260 replies to this topic

[Ldoerr]

I just got back from petco and was unable to get the fiddle sticks. The only thing that they have there like that is a planet petco one that is the size for guinea pigs. So can you take me off the list for that? I did get the planet petco bridge. It was like $3 and seems sturdy and like the hammie would have fun. I am picking th hamster up tomorrow so will not have a review for a while on it. Since I have 5 full bags of kaytee soft granule blend bedding laying around going to waist I can do a product review on it in a couple of weeks. can someone pm me what all I am doing reviews on so I do not go insane please?

[MintChocolate24]

Looks great! But remember, the review is supposed to be a lot more thorough than the quick reference - more detail, maybe some pictures. Take a look at what Biscotti did for an idea.

Mint - could you make it an overall review for Silent Spinners? So including other sizes too... maybe mention that 6.5 is ok for dwarfs, but you need X size for Syrians.

Sure! I'll do it more thorough for sure. I'll add some pics and mention other sizes!

[HoppingHammy]

Just a little update for you, tbiM20: Regarding the Flying Saucer review, I have a lot of clips shot and am currently in the process of compiling them and editing. Just so you know that progress is being made.

[tbiM20]

Just a little update for you, tbiM20: Regarding the Flying Saucer review, I have a lot of clips shot and am currently in the process of compiling them and editing. Just so you know that progress is being made.

Yay!!! I can't wait to see it.

[Taxonomist]

IKEA Detolf

Basics
The Detolf is a large glass display cabinet available at most IKEA stores. When laid longwise (on its back), it functions as a large aquarium. The Detolf is a fantastic hamster cage, and provides a lot of space for relatively little cost.

[CLICK HERE] for product information about the Detolf in the US.
[CLICK HERE] for product information about the Detolf in Canada
[CLICK HERE] for product information about the Detolf in the UK
[CLICK HERE] to search for the Detolf in your country



Specifications
Total External Measurements¹ = 63.5" long x 16.75" wide x 14.375" high
Actual Enclosure Dimensions² = 61.5" long x 15.5" wide x 13.625" high
Floor Space = ~950 square inches

¹The external dimensions including the wooden ends
²The internal dimensions of the actual glass part, not including the wooden ends

Modifications
Assembly - Assembly as a hamster cage does not vary much from the intended assembly. All that's required is to put it together without the door or shelves. 

Lid - A lid is strongly recommended for the Detolf. It's not very deep, and the metal support rods make perfect hand-holds for an adventurous hamster. Given a reasonable amount of bedding, it is very possible for a Syrian to escape a lidless Detolf. A lid can be made out of strips of wood and hardware cloth.



General - When the Detolf rests on the floor, the wooden ends act as feet--they prop the entire Detolf up. This is problematic, as the long glass panel that serves as the floor of the cage is suspended about 1/2" above the ground. Over time, the weight of the glass and bedding can cause the panel to bow downward and even crack. It is essential to support this glass panel. This can be done by slipping magazines or something similar under the Detolf. Alternately, the Detolf can rest on a 2 x 4 Expedit shelving unit, which allows the wooden ends of the Detolf to overhang while the glass is fully supported.



Plug - The Detolf has a pre-drilled hole in the "top" (the side, once it's oriented horizontally) for lighting. It comes with two plastic plugs to close it up. It's possible to secure these plugs by using aquarium silicone.



Cost
The Detolf is an amazing value for its size. The US price of the Detolf ($65) and the cost of the materials for the lid ($30) make the entire setup about $95. That seems expensive, but keep in mind that a 40-gallon breeder aquarium (considerably smaller than the Detolf) costs around $110, plus the cost of the lid. An actual aquarium the size of the Detolf (a ~100-gallon) retails for over $500.

(In Canada, the Detolf is $80. In the UK, the Detolf is £40)

Pros
+The price is excellent for the amount of space provided
+It's aesthetically pleasing
+It's sturdy and highly unlikely to break under normal circumstances
+It can be split into 2 cages by using one of the shelves as a divider
+It will save money on bedding, because it won't need to be cleaned often

Cons
-It is very large and may be difficult to fit in a bedroom or small house
-It is essentially unmovable once assembled
-Unless you are a strong adult, you will almost certainly need help transporting it and putting it together

Edited by Taxonomist, 30 March 2016 - 09:19 PM.

[HoppingHammy]

Taxonomist. Wow, what a detailed and comprehensive guide. Incredibly helpful!

[tbiM20]

Great job Taxonomist!

[Ldoerr]

I think that you could build something with even more room than that for around $25-$30. All you would need is 2 bins, a tube to connect them and some mesh for ventelation. I know that my bin that I got for under $10 is 608 square inches so if I got a second one and put a tube to connect them it would be bigger than that detolf cage.

[Allison]

I think that you could build something with even more room than that for around $25-$30. All you would need is 2 bins, a tube to connect them and some mesh for ventelation. I know that my bin that I got for under $10 is 608 square inches so if I got a second one and put a tube to connect them it would be bigger than that detolf cage.

This is true, but some people prefer the tank look over the look of connected bins. Plus the detolf provides one open space while connected bins has the space broken up into different areas, making it a littler harder for a hamster to run around more freely. Also what bin do you have?

[Ldoerr]

It is a 105qt sterilite bin thats dimentions are 32"x19"x13". (sorry my cat is wallking all over my computer).

[Taxonomist]

Thanks for the kinds words, everyone.

I think that you could build something with even more room than that for around $25-$30. All you would need is 2 bins, a tube to connect them and some mesh for ventelation. I know that my bin that I got for under $10 is 608 square inches so if I got a second one and put a tube to connect them it would be bigger than that detolf cage.

I'm always open to criticism on anything I post. But I have to admit to being a little confused here. I don't quite understand what the problem is with my review based on this post. I never claimed that the Detolf was the overall best value, as I'm fully aware that bin cages can be cheaper. I never claimed that it was impossible to get a bigger cage for a better price. All I said was that the Detolf is an excellent value. Which it absolutely is, given the size, quality, and aesthetic appeal.

I tried to avoid comparing the Detolf to commercial cages or bin cages because they're too dissimilar. This is a review specifically of the Detolf, after all, not a "Which cages are the best" post. I tried to stick to comparing the Detolf to tanks, because they're similar types of cages.

Do you think you could explain your thoughts a little more?

[tinypixie]

Vitakraft Fresh World Bedding, High Absorbancy Crumble

 

Review of:

Vitakraft Fresh World Bedding- High Absorbency Crumble.

 

Description:

 

company website

 

Vitakraft Fresh World bedding, high absorbency crumble, is made from 100% recycled paper products. The product is grey in color, and comes in well-crumbled pellets inside of a resealable plastic bag.

 

Comes in the following sizes:

 

975 cubic inches

2130 cubic inches

 

Availability & Price:

 

Available online at Petsmart. May also be available in stores (I can confirm it is available in stores near me).

 

Click on links for price info (US$)

 

Petsmart

 

This product is not available at the chain rival, Petco, however, there is a similar product by Planet Petco, that is very similar and well priced

 

Planet Petco Product

 

Vitakraft coming in 2 sizes only are priced around $14.99 - $19.99.

Planet Petco Crumbled Paper Bedding priced $6 - $60 (internet prices; various sizes)

 

Pros:

Available.

Superior odor control, almost to a fault.

Excellent absorbency.

A 100% recycled paper product.

 

Cons:

Poor for burrowing and nesting; not soft.

Dusty despite opposite claims.

Product is heavy when used in large quantities.

Does not “catch” debris, remains separate from debris.

 

My Thoughts:

I used this bedding for the past couple years in which I have had a Syrian as well as my dwarfs. I kept buying it because of its excellent odor control and absorbency. However, I did notice that my hamsters never took to burrowing when using the product. I have since switched to a bedding that has the high absorbency and odor control, but that also fosters burrowing. The bedding basically serves as a carpeting because once it is down, it doesn't move much when compared to other bedding types. Its rather heavy no matter what size you buy it in, and it is very dusty, despite claims to the contrary. I even found cleaning the cages to be a hassle due to the weight, dust, and lack of ability to catch debris. If you are not careful, this bedding will spill out everywhere and will catch on clothing. It does not hold together in clumps; each piece is totally autonomous in the world.

 

I would rate the product at 2.5 stars out of 5. While it is high in absorbency and odor control, it's just serves as a very heavy, dusty carpeting. The hamsters require supplemental nesting material such as tissue or toilet paper to make for a truly comfortable experience. The product is pricey and is a heavy lift regardless of the size you choose. I would recommend testing other options before using this bedding.

Edited by tinypixie, 10 May 2013 - 08:45 AM.

[Allison]

It is a 105qt sterilite bin thats dimentions are 32"x19"x13". (sorry my cat is wallking all over my computer).

Is that the dimensions given by the bin? I have the same bin and it is definitely not that big. I can't remember off the top of my head but it's closer to 400 square inches. The dimensions given on the bin are for the top. Bins are largest at the top and then narrow as they get to the bottom. You have to measure the bin from the bottom or at the level of your bedding to get an accurate measurement of the floorspace.

[HoppingHammy]

Flying Saucer (by Ware Manufacturing)

VIDEO REVIEW



INFO
Everything is pretty much covered in the video already, but here is a recap of the product:

- It comes in 3 sizes; Small, Medium, Large
- It ranges in prices from $5.99 - $17.99 ( £3.99 - £17.99 ), depending on which size you choose
- The company that sells them is www.waremfginc.com but you can find them on other websites such as:

US/CANADA: www.drsfostersmith.com, www.amazon.com, www.petco.com, www.petsmart.com, www.petdiscounters.com
UK: www.petplanet.co.uk, www.petsathome.com, www.zooplus.co.uk

PROS
- Very safe
- Whisper quiet
- Easy to remove and clean
- Colorful color choices

CONS
- The 12 inch is very large and will not fit in most cages unless they are huge.
- The 4.5 inch is too small for any animal, even baby hamsters.
- Most of my hamsters seem to prefer the Silent Spinner wheel slightly more.
- Sometimes shavings and droppings all collect in the center section, but it's easy enough to dump out.

OVERALL RATING

[tbiM20]

Great review HoppingHammy! Your hams are adorable in front of the camera.