ping
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Mar 23, 2017 16:21:07 GMT
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Post by ping on Aug 25, 2015 23:43:06 GMT
So, I see there's a thread about the recommended minimum cage size, and it got me thinking.... YES, obviously cage size is important, but what other things do we think should have a suggested minimum, or that we recommend? I'll edit this topic as people throw ideas in hopefully I'd end up with a pretty conclusive list. If you think of any other categories, let me know FOOD:Recommended brands? Recommended levels (protein, fat etc.) CAGE SIZE:tbc! - see existing thread
BEDDING DEPTH:I would *really* like to see this set at 4 inches or more if possible. It's just not viable for burrowing otherwise. Syrians, for burrowing, obviously need more than 4"... that wouldn't even cover them. WHEEL:I personally don't subscribe to the idea that "regular" wheels are somehow better than flat (ie. Flying Saucer) wheels, but happy to take guidance on this. My "rule" would be: solid running surface, large enough so that the hamster's back doesn't arch. Yes, that means that if your Syrian is really small, they can be fine on a 6.5" or 8" wheel. Thoughts? Additions? Discussions?
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Azayles
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Feb 13, 2023 3:21:17 GMT
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Post by Azayles on Aug 26, 2015 5:54:53 GMT
Excellent ideas, pingster! It would be nice, I think, to have threads for recommended food, beddings/substrate etc as well as the planned recommended cage thread Particularly if this covers different parts of the world.
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pawlove
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Dec 26, 2015 7:04:11 GMT
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Post by pawlove on Aug 28, 2015 11:57:07 GMT
I think you've covered most of the bare essentials Here's something to add: I'm interested in discussions about food. We could probably compile a list of suitable food brands that's available in US and UK. As for recommended levels I have mixed thoughts in mind. I know I was one of the people who'd get too technical when it comes to food, but I've been rethinking everything. Right now, I'm thinking that's it's not necessary to weigh everything and calculate every percentages, but it's enough to find a safe and high-quality food that has percentages within suitable range. For example if someone was to combine a good quality seed mix with a good quality pellet, just mix them randomly and you'll get a range that is between the two foods (ex. 15-20% protein) and that's good enough. I just thought of this since it was so confusing for new owners to figure out percentages and weigh their food. Another thing we should have is a safe-unsafe food thread! I like when owners feed their hamsters fresh vegetables and fruits often, and they would need to know what is safe to feed and what is not. And maybe a behavior/taming thread? Product review threads? And ailment thread would be nice too. I kinda wished missPixy is here.
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Azayles
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Feb 13, 2023 3:21:17 GMT
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Post by Azayles on Aug 28, 2015 13:05:47 GMT
Thumbs up for all of those points! We definitely need a safe/unsafe foods list, and it would be awesome if Donna were here! I'm sure she'd love the place
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Lizzie
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Dec 6, 2015 22:24:46 GMT
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Post by Lizzie on Aug 30, 2015 3:44:05 GMT
I'm interested in discussions about food. We could probably compile a list of suitable food brands that's available in US and UK. As for recommended levels I have mixed thoughts in mind. I know I was one of the people who'd get too technical when it comes to food, but I've been rethinking everything. Right now, I'm thinking that's it's not necessary to weigh everything and calculate every percentages, but it's enough to find a safe and high-quality food that has percentages within suitable range. For example if someone was to combine a good quality seed mix with a good quality pellet, just mix them randomly and you'll get a range that is between the two foods (ex. 15-20% protein) and that's good enough. I just thought of this since it was so confusing for new owners to figure out percentages and weigh their food. The only problems I can think of with that is if one of the foods fat or fiber levels were too off. Like how many lab blocks need to be carefully mixed with a food that has higher fiber and/or fat levels, as they are often lacking in that area. The other thing is that many people like to mix a lab block and a seed mix, but if they dont know much about hamster foods, their mix could easily become block-heavy.
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pawlove
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Dec 26, 2015 7:04:11 GMT
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Post by pawlove on Aug 30, 2015 7:28:16 GMT
I'm interested in discussions about food. We could probably compile a list of suitable food brands that's available in US and UK. As for recommended levels I have mixed thoughts in mind. I know I was one of the people who'd get too technical when it comes to food, but I've been rethinking everything. Right now, I'm thinking that's it's not necessary to weigh everything and calculate every percentages, but it's enough to find a safe and high-quality food that has percentages within suitable range. For example if someone was to combine a good quality seed mix with a good quality pellet, just mix them randomly and you'll get a range that is between the two foods (ex. 15-20% protein) and that's good enough. I just thought of this since it was so confusing for new owners to figure out percentages and weigh their food. The only problems I can think of with that is if one of the foods fat or fiber levels were too off. Like how many lab blocks need to be carefully mixed with a food that has higher fiber and/or fat levels, as they are often lacking in that area. The other thing is that many people like to mix a lab block and a seed mix, but if they dont know much about hamster foods, their mix could easily become block-heavy. Hmm, I think people can still easily measure how many pellets are too many. We can tell new owners to mix this food with that food, but if they are interested to learn more about mixing foods, they could ask and someone explain. Like the cage issue, I'm thinking to not scare new owners about the technical details. I haven't seen read any resources about the ideal range of fat and fiber though.. In HH we had a range but I don't know where they had came from. But the hamsters seemed to do alright with the typical hamster food brands you find in stores, so I think it's safe to say they are in the appropriate range? I don't really know many foods with fat/fiber off the chart. Probably Nat Geo, but that's it.
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Post by amityvillearia on Mar 14, 2016 8:04:07 GMT
In some ways a minimum can be very important,but maybe suggest it in a way to not scare new members?Perhaps providing the scientific research,reasoning,logic,explaining cost,etc.We need to approach it in a way that doesn't make people feel bad but also doesn't sugarcoat things to the point where tiny cages that aren't making hamsters happy becomes acceptable.A lot of the issue with (insert certain forum) is that it was really revolving around human convenience factors concerning the sheer size of cages,the ease of purchase,and more.If we could provide a list of materials and their costs for DIY cages as well that would probably help many people too.Perhaps also a comparison chart of tanks vs bins vs DIY cages vs wire cages?Not sure how easy it would be to create,but it would help a lot.The issue with minimums is that they become "good-but-not-great-but-still-acceptable" versus something to go above and beyond.I think if we had a certain number it would be advised to word it in a way that makes it something members shouldn't go under and should go above,while not calling it a minimum as apparently people don't get what a minimum really is.
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