Hamsters are cute animals, and it is important to give them as much comfort as possible. While many people believe hamsters do not need hammocks, many other people hold contrary ideas.
Now, with all the contradictory ideas and speculations you will see on the internet, you might be confused about giving your hamster a hammock or how to go about it. This is where we come in. We will discuss the possibility of giving your hamster a hammock and how to do it.
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Can You Give a Hamster a Hammock?
Yes, you can give your hamster a hammock. While there are opposing ideals, you should know that there has been a study among hamsters with hammocks and hamsters without hammocks.
Hamsters with hammocks were much healthier and more active than hamsters without hammocks. There is pretty much nothing wrong with giving your hamster a hammock. However, there are some things you must consider if you want to give your hamster a hammock.
You have to consider the height of the cage. You also have to consider several other factors, such as the type of hammock you want to get your hamster, and a lot more.
Are Hammocks Good for Hamsters?
Now that we have talked about how to set up your hamster hammock, and what to consider if you want to buy a hamster hammock instead of building one, you might be interested in knowing if getting a hammock is good for your hamster.
Well, hammocks are a super great choice for your hamster. Most hamsters love hammocks, and you would be surprised to find out that your hamster might likely fall in love and get into your hammock.
While most hamsters love hammocks, you should know that it isn’t all hamsters that love them. Some would prefer to lie down on the floor or bed of their cage and then get into a hammock. Still, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get one for your hamsters. Who knows? I might just love it.
How Can I Make a Hamster Hammock?
Now that you know there is absolutely nothing wrong with giving your hamster a hammock, you might be curious about how you can make a hamster hammock. Well, making a hamster hammock is pretty easy. Simply follow the steps below.
- Get a Piece of Fabric and Cut It into 8 by 8
- Measure the Height of your Cage and Cut 4 Ropes according to the Height
- Create Holes and Tie a Rope to each End of the Fabric
- Get your Hamster into the Hammock
Step 1: Get a Piece of Fabric and Cut It into 8 by 8
This is the first thing you must do if you are looking to build a hammock for your hamster. You must take your time to get the fabric and cut the fabric into 8 by 8 using a scissor. This measurement is important, as it is the right measurement for the balance of your hamster.
When choosing a material for your hamster hammock, you shouldn’t choose a nylon or cotton material. You should choose fleece. This material is pretty much cozy and has a higher tenderness of keeping your hamster warm, unlike other materials.
Step 2: Measure the Height of your Cage and Cut 4 Ropes according to the Height
This is the next thing you must do if you are looking to build a hammock for your hamster. You wouldn’t want a scenario whereby you build a hammock too long or too short for your hamster. The hammock must be just low enough for your hamster to get into it without stress.
If you want to do this, you must use a ruler or tape to measure the height of your hamster cage. By measuring the height, you can determine the height of your hamster hammock ropes. Now, measure ropes according to this height and cut accordingly.
You should get ropes that are thick for your hamster hammock. If your ropes are too light, there is a pretty big chance your hamster might try to eat them, which will ruin the structural integrity of your hamster hammock. Use ropes that will be difficult for your hamster to eat.
Step 3: Create Holes and Tie a Rope to each End of the Fabric
Once you are done choosing and cutting the ropes accordingly, the next thing to do is simply create holds on each end of the fabric. There should be 4 holes close to the 4 edges f the fabrics. These holes will serve as anchor points for your hamster hammock. Tie each rope to each of the holes.
You can simply tie the rope to each end of the fabric if you do not want to create holes in the fabric. However, when tying, you must ensure they are tied firmly to prevent the hammock or rope from getting loosed when your hamster gets into it. How To Tie A Knot On A Hammock (Step-Step Guide)
Step 4: Hang the Hamster Hammock by Tying the Ropes to the Top of the Cage
This is the last or final thing to do if you want to get a hammock for your hamster. You can simply hang the hammock by tying the rope to the top of the cage. Since the cage will be ventilated, there should be spots at the top where you can tie your hammock ropes.
Tie the rope firmly. Remember to make necessary adjustments when tying the rope. The hammock shouldn’t be too far from the ground, otherwise, it will be impossible for your hamster to get inside. The hammock shouldn’t also be lying on the ground of the cage.
Step 5: Get your Hamster into the Hammock
Once you are done setting up your hammock, you can get your hamster into the hammock. You do not even need to force the hamster inside the hammock, your hamster will get inside your hammock by itself.
If the rope gets loose when your hamster gets into the hammock, you might need to tie the rope more firmly. On the other hand, if the hammock touches the ground when your hamster gets inside, you should adjust the hammock and make it higher. Your hamster should swing in the hammock if it wants.
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What Are the Things to Consider when Buying a Hamster Hammock?
If you do not want to make a hammock for your hamster, you can easily buy a ready-made hamster hammock at any home or pet store near you. There are different types of hamster hammocks, and it isn’t all that might be perfect for your hamster. Below are some things to consider before you buy a hamster hammock.
- Size of the Hammock
This is the first thing you must know if you want to buy a hammock for your hamster. You have to consider the size of the hammock you want to buy. The most important factor in the size of your hammock is your hammock cage.
Although there is a standard hamster hammock size of 20cm by 20cm, you should know that you can get something bigger or smaller depending on the size of your cage and preference. You should avoid getting something that is way too big for your hamster.
- Material
Material is another important thing you must consider when buying a hammock for your hamster. You have to take your time to check out the type of material you are buying and if it is easy to wash.
Some materials fade or lose their quality quickly when you wash them constantly. You must take your time to avoid buying materials like that. Materials made of nylon or fleece are the best choice if you want to get a hammock for your hamster.
- The Warmth of the Hammock
This is another thing you have to consider when buying a hammock for your hamster. You have to consider the level or amount of warmth the hammock will offer. By considering this, you eliminate a lot of random hammocks for your pet.
Fleece is the best possible hammock you can get if you are looking for a hammock that is good enough to give your pet all the comfort it needs. The material also provides more warmth compared to other types of hammock materials.
Why Should I Get my Hamster a Hammock?
There are several reasons why you should get a hammock for your hamster. Below are some reasons you should consider.
- Comfort
This is the most popular reason why you should get a hammock for your hamster. If you want your hamster to be as comfortable as possible, what better way to do it than to get a hammock for your hamster?
If you opt to get a Fleece hammock, your hamster will likely e most comfortable in them, and even show signs of hyperactivity after a few days. Fleece-made hammocks will give your hamsters as much comfort as possible.
- Warmth
The way a hammock is set up guarantees to give your hamster more warmth when they get into it. If you use fleece hammocks, there is a greater tendency for your hamster to feel warmer compared to other types of hammocks, such as the cotton hammock.
Hammocks are a great source of warmth for your hamster.
How Often Should I Wash my Hamster Hammock?
You will have to wash your hamster hammock more often than when you wash your hammock. The reason is relatively simple. If you do not wash your hamster hammock constantly, it becomes easy to pick up dirt. When the dirt accumulates over time, bacteria and other germs might begin to grow in your hammock.
Once they begin to grow, it becomes easy for them to infect your hamster. This is why you must wash your hamster hammock as often as possible. You should try to wash them at least 3 to 4 times a week.
How Do I Maintain my Hamster Hammock?
There are different things to do to maintain your hamster hammock. Below are tips to help you maintain your hamster hammock
- Wash the Hammock at least twice weekly
Washing your hammock is important when it comes to maintenance. You must regularly wash your hamster hammock to prevent germs and bacteria from growing in the hammock.
Hamsters are sensitive pets, and they can get sick easily if exposed to bacteria, dirt, or germ.
- Always air dry after washing
This is another thing you should do if you want your hamster hammock to last longer. You should always air-dry your hamster hammock. While you might be tempted to iron or steam dry the hammock to kill the germs, you will end up destroying the hammock.
Hang the hammock out in the sun to dry instead.
- Use Disinfectant when Washing
Instead of steam drying your hammock to kill the germs, you can easily use disinfectant when washing your hamster hammock. That way, you have nothing to worry about regarding the germs that might b on the hamster hammock. Besides, if you clean the house often, there should be no germs on the hammock.
Conclusion
While it is possible to give a hamster a hammock, you should know that there are many things you should consider when getting a hammock for your hamster.
All these things and more have already been discussed in this article. With a simple read-through, you will make your hamster hammock as comfortable and cozy as possible.