Hamsters - small steppe rodents - inhabitants of an extensive system of tunnels. Every day they spend in these narrow passages and cells for many hours, even awake. At the same time the hamster tries to move as quickly as possible, and this is fixed genetically. Imagine a hamster, calmly walking, it is simply impossible. If he does not stand (more precisely, sits), then he is sure to run. And only in the cramped and dark tunnel he can calm down, stop and rest.
Of course, domestic hamsters are deprived of many of the “charms” of a wild existence, however, tunnels are also absolutely necessary for them. First of all, it is a way to reduce stress caused by a large open space, which is the room for hamsters. Along with additional exercise equipment, Tunnel - one of the ways to combat obesity - the most common disease of domestic hamsters. A special function for domestic rodents perform artificial labyrinths. It is also an excellent tool that supports the research interest inherent in many well-nigh lifestyle creatures.
Features and requirements
In nature, hamsters are constantly digging, improving and improving their burrows. Gradually, the tunnels are becoming more entangled and branched. Be sure to build several emergency exits. Digging for a rodent is a process no less natural than running or searching for food. In nature, it takes a lot of energy, and hamsters do not need additional simulators to burn the necessary minimum of calories.
Under home conditions, it is necessary to construct artificial labyrinths for hamsters. Natural labyrinths are often located in several tiers, rather long side passages, emergency exits, dead-end storage rooms and “bedrooms” depart from them.
The main requirement for artificial burrows is the diameter. A rodent, being protected by a tunnel, must feel its walls. At the same time, too narrow artificial mink will not allow hamsters to disperse. Still, in nature, they live less crowded, and the walls of the burrows are earthen and can always be corrected.
The desire to dig and gnaw, as well as the natural desire to constantly improve their tunnels can move hamsters to the labor feat. They will constantly try the material on the tooth and claw. If the labyrinth is built from malleable materials, traces of rodents will be increasingly noticeable. To reduce this effect, in the tunnels it is necessary to place all sorts of delicacies, which will have to gnaw.
The material in no case should not be toxic, because the teeth - this is the main tool of labor of rodents. They grow constantly, therefore the animals do not have problems with their recovery. In earthmoving, teeth are used along with, and sometimes, more claws.
Constructing a large artificial hole with several levels of transitions, you should try to avoid too steep descents. Animals can be injured, since, unlike holes dug in the ground, it will be very difficult for them to fix their position with the help of claws. And also in artificial tunnels ventilation should be arranged so that the pet, carried away by the game, does not die from lack of oxygen.
It is important not to clutter a cage with a hamster with labyrinths and tunnels. He needs space no less. The best option is a remote tunnel or a maze into which you can enter from a cell, so that you can return to the same place later.
Kinds
Tunnels can have a different shape, length, material of manufacture. They may even be transparent. In them, the animals are clearly visible. At the same time, they feel protected and do not feel embarrassed by the presence of observers.
In general, the design of the tunnel is a pipe. To create a system of moves, indeed, PVC water pipes can be used. Options for their articulation may be many.
Specialized pet stores offer several varieties of finished products.
Tunnels are simple design - straight. Branched constructions with a whole system of moves and dead ends are very popular.
By location, the tunnels can be internal, located in a cage where rodents live. A hamster can use a mink at will. Sometimes satisfied outer tunnelThis structure, as a rule, has no connection with the cage and is used in cases when the owner decides to arrange entertainment for his pet. The game in such a tunnel is completely controlled by man.
It is possible to construct a device outside the cage and in such a way that the animal can enter and exit it, getting into the cage where the main nest is arranged.
The material used for the manufacture of tunnels may be different. Wood is good for this. In addition to performing its basic functions, the “mink” of wood can also serve as a safe tool for sharpening incisors.
Plastic pipes allow you to vary the structure of the hole. They can by various joints give a different shape.
There are supporters and nylon "mink". Such a construction while moving an animal makes a kind of rustling sound, which does not frighten the rodent at all, but, on the contrary, attracts it, possibly imitating the sounds emitted in natural burrows with roots and straws.
Special conditions create warm plush mink. Playing in such a tunnel, the animal can always rest comfortably.
Tips for choosing
The choice of the finished tunnel is fully determined by the desire of the person. Therefore, one of the conditions of choice should be convenience of monitoring the pet.
It is important to take into account the specific features of the hamster, who will use the artificial mink. This will determine primarily the diameter of the artificial burrow. Too wide tunnel may not solve their main problems. Animals will not feel protected, being in it, on the contrary, they will be afraid of a large closed space.
The best option of artificial holes can be considered those that directly connected to the cage, which contains the animal.
So the hamster gets rid of the stress associated with his transfer to the maze, and can use it at its discretion.
A well-assembled labyrinth with a system of safe and attractive tunnels for a hamster is the key to a long and happy life of this animal. The hamster not only burns calories collected from food, he also loads up his small but very inquisitive brain. That is why diversity can be one of the conditions for choosing a structure. Tunnels and elements of the labyrinth can combine different materials, which will give animals additional opportunities for research.
But the basic rule should still be the safety of structures and materials. Strength and quality of joints are also essential. Hamsters, researchers will not miss the opportunity to explore your room, if they present one. Often it is the articulation of the elements of tunnels or labyrinths that becomes the weak link, and animals that cannot escape from the cage, escape through them.
Can you make them yourself?
You can make tunnels and labyrinths on your own. The simplest, one can say, budget version of such a hole is a cardboard building. Of course, it will not be able to be used constantly, sooner or later, it will have to be upgraded or replaced at all.Due to the availability of the material, this is actually not critical.
In addition, making a cardboard tunnel with your own hands is a wonderful joint activity for adults and young family members. There are no limits to children's imagination; adults only need to adjust their work, quietly correct them and direct them towards creating a cozy mink that is truly acceptable to pets. Children willingly decorate the building. It is important to ensure that when this is not used dangerous for rodents jewelry like rhinestones, and also have to eliminate some adhesives.
The main advantage of this self-made maze will be unique. With a certain experience, you can create replaceable modules that can be periodically replaced or rearranged, this will eliminate addiction, and the pet will constantly explore the proposed structure, which will bring him great pleasure.
The material for creating the maze will be boxes made of thick cardboard, for example, from shoes. The set of necessary tools is not so wide: scissors, ruler, compasses, pencil, glue or adhesive tape.
The largest box can become the maze base. On its inner surface, you can draw a plan. The side walls will become its walls. Different partitions are made from the material of smaller boxes; in them, on different but accessible to animal levels, it is necessary to arrange aisles, in the form of round holes. Inside the separate “rooms” various ladders, cubes, dead-end chambers can be arranged.
Boxes can be combined with tubes, for example, from rolls of toilet paper. Thus, a construction with various transitions and chambers can be created in which the pet can spend several hours a day.
The presence of a large number of parts Lego designer can also become the basis of the maze for the hamster. Children are happy to participate in the creation of such an attraction.
Craftsmen constructing tunnels and labyrinths, even from plastic bottles. However, this material has a significant drawback - it is very slippery. Rodents claws cannot cling to the plastic surface, so it is better to combine the bottles with a cardboard or plywood base. Bottles can be cut in half and secured on a rougher surface. If a multi-layered mink is not intended, the bottles can be securely joined using scotch tape. One of the indisputable advantages of such a labyrinth is transparency.
The widest scope of imagination and at the same time the reliability of performance are PVC plumbing pipes, a large variety of connections will allow you to create masterpieces. In the walls of such tunnels it is necessary to make small holes for ventilation. The tightness of their compounds can cause rodent discomfort.
The basic rules for creating artificial labyrinths are quite simple, they are few.
- Moderation. Congestion with elements of the labyrinth will quickly tire his researcher, and he will lose interest.
- Security. The use of toxic adhesives is unacceptable. The hamster will definitely try to maze design a tooth. And also it is desirable to protect him from contact with scotch.
- Accessibility for monitoring. The animal, while in the maze, should not disappear from the field of view of the owner. All his movements must be observable, and the owner must always represent where the pet is at the moment. Some hamsters are prone to escapes, it can be difficult to return them, in addition, in the process of their "AWOL" they are exposed to serious dangers.
See below for how to make a hamster tunnel from plastic bottles.
