AboutSheila Adby Expertise Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com
Experience I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com
Publications Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)
Education/Credentials Educated to A Level standard in the UK.
Question I currently have three dwarf hamsters in a 30 gallon glass tank. I want to build some elevated shelves to put in the tank so they have more room. I was plaining on doing a simple ''table'' design with a piece of wood for the top and 4 wooden legs to support it. I need to know what kind of wood is safe for Hamsters and where I can get it. Also should I use nails or glue to keep them together? Thank you for your time.
Answer Hi Dani
It's great that you are going to make some shelves for your gerbils.
I've never made any wooden shelves/toys for my animals and therefore don't have any first hand experience. However I do know that you have to be careful with some woods - cedar, pine and cypress wood chippings must never be used for small animals because they contain a volatile oil called thujone which can cause respiratory and skin problems. However, I understand that pine is OK provided it is untreated and used as a solid piece of wood. I located a helpful site that you might want to have a look at:
It is vital that any wood you use has not been treated at all.
Another important thing is how you join the shelves - your gerbils may well try to chew them and therefore nails aren't recommended. The type of glue you use must not be toxic - some of the wood glues are. On the site listed above they give the brand name of a glue that is safe.
I live in the UK and unfortunately can't advise you on where to get any wood supplies. It might be worth contacting the American Gerbil Society who would be able to advise you on this. Their link is: http://agsgerbils.org/Learn/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/index.php
