Rotastak Hamster Cage FAQ – 3 Simple Tips on Introducing Dwarf Hamsters to Each Other

For the people who didn’t know, when you buy a new dwarf hamster and want to introduce it to those that you already have, it is not as simple as just putting the new hamster into it’s new home. Work has to be done to ensure that this newcomer is accepted and welcomed by the rest of the hamsters you already have. Thus I wrote this article, to share with you some steps and measures to take in order to prevent harm towards your new hamster. I mentioned dwarf hamsters because I’m not too sure about how to introduce the other breeds of hamsters. This is the method I’ve used for my own dwarfs.

1. The setup of the cage

(a) Essential steps have to be taken to setup the cage. You will need to get a separator of some sort (I’ve got a BBQ wire mesh) put it in between the new dwarf hamster and the existing ones that you have. This serves as a barrier to protect either sides of the cage. What I did was to stick tape across the mesh so that my hamsters can’t get over to the other side. I have a picture of this. Do leave me a note and your email address at my blog for me to send you a picture of how I did it.
(b) Because dwarf hamsters are territorial, they mark out their territory by this gland at the bottom of their belly. Therefore we have to make sure that the new dwarf hamster gets a fresh set of bedding to prevent it from feeling threatened with the scent of the other hamsters.
(c) Once done, you can put your hamster into the cage and make sure all the necessities like water, wheel, food etc. are readily available.

2. The getting used-to period

(a) The hamsters will be very curious to see who is on the other side of the cage. Mine tried to bite the the mesh and the good thing about BBQ mesh is that they can’t bite through it.
(b) If you hear squeaking sound made by the hamsters. Do not panic. They are just unfamiliar with each other and will stop after awhile. (Mine stopped after a week)

3. The follow up

(a) The job’s not done yet! For them to get used to each other we do it the passive way first. Every 2-3 days, swap their places. Meaning if hamster A is on the left now, bring it over to hamster B’s side and bring hamster B to hamster A’s side. This is for them to get used to the smell of the other hamster.
(b) When you do that, make sure that each hamster has enough food to eat. Best time to swap places is before meal time. This way, the hamsters will definitely not go hungry.
(c) After a week you noticed your hamsters stopped squeaking at each other, introduce them to each other. (ie. Taking the barrier away) Pay close attention to them as they might not be ready for each other. If they start scuffling, use your hand to separate them. This is a sign that they’re not ready to live with each other. Put the barrier in between them again and continue the swapping places for 3 more cycles.
(d) Hopefully by then, they will be able to live together harmoniously. If after 2 to 3 tries, your hamsters are still scuffling non stop, then my suggestion is that it is best not to let them live together.

Hopefully these 3 simple tips will be helpful to you in introducing your dwarf hamsters to each other.

Choosing a Bird Cage – Size Does Matter

Having a pet bird certainly provides a great deal of enjoyment in our daily lives. Listening to them chirp and sing is a lot of fun for those who love birds. Along with having a pet bird comes the need in having a good quality bird cage.

While you will find all types of bird cages made from everything from plastic to bamboo, the most important aspect will always be having the right size of cage for your pet bird. Here are some tips to help in selecting the best bird cage.

1. Where will you keep the bird cage?

Knowing where you will be keeping the cage in your home will help in knowing how big it should be. You shouldn’t keep it in direct sunlight throughout the day or right next to an ac/heating vent.

2. What size is your bird?

Knowing where your bird cage will be in your home will let you know how big it can be. Now you can select a pet bird. Parakeets, finches and canary’s can all be housed in smaller bird cages without concern over space.

Larger birds such as parrots will require much larger cages to have the extra room they need to move around.

Why is size so important? Birds do not like to be in small, restricted spaces. They become unhappy when they can not at least be able to spread their wings out and walk around. No different than how you would feel being cooped up.

3. Buy a good quality bird cage

Instead of cheap plastic, buy a good steel or wooden bird cage. Keep in mind that steel is much easier to maintain than wood, but both can provide durability and life.

Add some toys in the cage to let your bird play and have fun. Don’t forget perches and food trays.

Keep these tips in mind when purchasing your bird cage and you both will be very happy with the results.

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How to Make a Homemade Hamster Bin Type Cage?

As all of you know, bins are all the ‘rage’ in ‘Hamster Real Estate’ these days. These are inexpensive and easy to make if you are handy with tools, or have someone to lend a hand.
You are only limited by your imagination! Design the home of your hamster’s dreams. These are easy to clean and weigh little.
Just remember to measure twice, and cut once. Also, make sure to read the end notes for tips and other useful ideas.
I also want to point out that some of the cuts in the photos provided in this guide are picks of my very first attempt and to note that the dermal tool and Rota Zip tool are difficult to handle while cutting plastic for more details go to www.dishadvice.com. Having the Dermal tool after all the bins have been made has made available attachments to smooth out some of these ‘wobbly’ cuts you see.
You can also use a GOOD utility knife to make the cuts. It works nicely and is less messy than the power tools. It also makes nice smooth lines/cuts. I want to point this out because I am NOT going to go and buy another bin to cut up without needing it for any hamster.
These instructions are for Sterility brand bins with the locking tabs on the lid. The size depends only on your personal preferences. I use a 109 qt for Syrian hamsters and 66 qt for Dwarf hamsters. I like the locking lids for safety reasons. I have 2 bins with 3 dwarf hamsters in each living quite comfortably in there.
OK, let’s get the lid vented
See that ridge along the edges? That’s our guide. We want to cut along side the shape of that ridge. Keep the lid fastened to the bin while doing this. It gives some stability.
1- Take your 1/2″ drill bit and drill a hole about 2″ INSIDE the area you are going to cut out.
2- Take the jig saw and insert the blade into the hole you just made and start cutting. I use the guide on the saw to a) follow the shape of the ridge, b) it keeps a safe distance inside the ridge to keep the lid useable and sturdy.
3- Continue all the way around until you have a hole cut out of the middle of the lid.
4- Make 2 holes with a ‘brace’ in the middle for the large bins. [K]
Let’s add the wire mesh
1- Take your wire mesh and lay it over the upside down, cut lid.
2- With the marker, mark out the size & shape of the inside of the lid opening, include any obstacles’ that will need ‘nipping’ to make the wire fit snugly without any gaps.
3- Take the tin snips (2) & cut out the shape of the lid you just traced out on the wire. You want a tight fit with the mesh and lid so no sharp edges are sticking out. [D]
4- With the lid still upside down, lay the mesh over the lid and position the mesh in place over the opening. Take your 3/16″ drill bit & drill a hole on one spot on one of the short sides of the lid.
5- Take a screw, 2 washers & 1 nut & fasten the mesh through this hole.
6- Do the same on the opposite side of the lid.
7- Now, work your way around the opposite side. This ensures a tight fit! Use the small wire nips (#9) to cut wire away from any ‘obstacles’ left from the original shape of the lid.

Can 2 girl parakeets and 1 boy parakeet live well in the same cage?

I know that parakeets are social birds, and in the pet store they are grouped with other parakeets that are different genders too. Yesterday I got a third parakeet, a girl, and put her in with the boy and girl I already had. today, the girl, I already had, and the new bird will not let my boy sit on the same perch, or eat when they are eating. All if he does, she will chase him away. is there only temporary? What do I do to stop it? Please someone help.

Rotastak Hamster Cage Buying Guide

Rotastak units for hamsters

Each of the Rotastak hamster cages comes with its own full colour assembly instructions. These plastic hamster cages are not as hard to put together as it may first look!

Rotastak units is based on a modular system which allows you to build on and create palace for your hamster pet friend.

Rotastak for hamsters

Each of the Rotastak hamster cages comes with its own full colour assembly instructions. These plastic hamster cages are not as hard to put together as it may look!

Dwarf hamsters, baby Syrian hamsters and mice may find it difficult to climb vertical tubes. You can adapt Rotastak fo hamster cages by fitting ‘mouse’ ladders to the inside of the tubes.  Securing these to the cage with wire is recommended

The Basic Units

The ‘Original Unit’, well known, round unit. Has been available for three generations. The ‘Starter Home’ is a single round unit with an attic bedroom – suitable for a single hamster, gerbil or mouse. These popular easy clean plastic hamster cages have a large easy access in the roof. Starter Delux illustrated.

The ‘Maxi Unit’, nearly double the floor area of a single original round unit. The smallest unit in this range is the ‘Maxi Mansion’ which comes complete with hamster exercise wheel, water bottle and attic bedroom. Suitable for a single hamster, gerbil or mouse.

Pod Units

The ‘Pod Unit’, a triangular sectional cage on two levels with a combination of plastic and wire bars. The smallest, also suitable for a single hamster, gerbil or mouse, is the ‘Cosmo Pod’ which includes feeding bowl and water bottle.

These are clear plastic with multi-coloured accessories in primary colours, red, blue and yellow.

Combination Units

All Rotastak hamster cages can be connected together with special sectional tubing. To help protect the ends of these tubes it is recommended that you use protective anti-gnaw rings.

Above are larger ‘Combination Units’ and ‘Themed Units’. i.e. Pink Palace (iIllustrated), ‘Adventure Zone’ and ‘Creepy Castle’. These are clear plastic with multi-coloured accessories in primary colours, red, blue and yellow or the theme may have a different colour scheme. 

Alot of people always ask the question are the stickers permanent?  No they are not they are transfers similar to the type you get on a tax disc.  They can stick anywhere on the clear plastic but just as easily be removed.  All the units start off without any stickers and its upto you where to put them or not!

All these units are available at net pet shop brand new and boxed with all packaging.  

Combination units are by far the most popular

Add on units

To keep adding and make your living space and fun space for your hamster even better rotastak has many add-on units and connecting tubes to do this.  Whether you want to combine main housing units or just add an extra wheel runner to your hamster home rotastak has the products. 

Spare and Accessories

To help you aaccomplish your rotastak ‘buckingham’ palace and to keep it in ship shape so that you always have the perfect safe home, Rotastak provides lots of spare parts and accessories, wheels, bottles, ladders (for dwarf hamsters), gnaw rings, covers, spare clips to keep hammy in.

Bowls and Bedding

Rotastak also provides bowls and bedding from luxury ceramic bowls to eco-friendly made from recycled materials  bedding.

Enjoy creating your hamster homes

Where can I buy the cheapest hamster cage that is good for 2 hamsters?

I am now in the Philippines..Is the cheapest hamster cage found in Cartimar? May I place my 2 hamsters first in a carton temporarily?

Caring for Parakeets : Parakeet Cage Tips

Got a pet parakeet? Learn how to pick out the best cage for your pet parakeet in this free pet care video clip. Expert: Elizabeth Cantu Bio: Elizabeth Cantu has owned and been working with birds since 1994. She works with an avian veterinarian on behavior modification on birds. Currently, she owns a website that designs bird toys. Filmmaker: julio costilla

What 2 hamsters can i buy that will be able to live together in the same cage?

I am going to buy some hamsters on the weekend. I’m going to buy 2. I want to know what kinds of hamsters i can buy that would be able to live together in the same cage.

Do parakeets have to be let out of their cage?

I am considering getting 2 parakeets. I have read that parakeets should have time outside their cage every day. But, I have 4 cats so I would be nervous about this! I had parakeets years ago and never remember having to let them out, so this is new to me. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

Can I put my diseased parakeets toys in my healthy parakeets cage?

My parakeet recently died of what looks like a tumor. I have two other parakeets in a different cage. Can I put my deceased parakeet’s toys into my healthy parakeets’ cage? Will my healthy parakeets become sick from playing with the toys, even if I wash them with soap and water?