Hamster Habitat Tubing?

[Alexander]

I was wandering around the pet store today, looking for more toys for Poe, and the hamster tubing (where you can attach several cages together in a big network) caught my eye. Poe loves to wiggle through his happy hut, and snuggle under shirts, I'm just wondering if anyone has ever considered buying tubes for their birds? or if there is a very serious reason not to? :omg:

[shylevon]

I was looking at those too, but since I have mostly hens in my aviary, I considered the tunnels to be too inviting for laying eggies. I am also not too sure a bird would climb through a tunnel that was that long, but that is just my birds. I know other people's birds like crawling through the long cardboard tubes used to roll up paper.

You might have to buy one and see, but I have not heard of anyone on this board ever having tried them.

[butterfly1061]

I bought one of these a couple years ago for Molly. He LOVES it! Then Piper came along and they played in it so much I had to buy him one too :D http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Product_R_1453_PC_productlist_Nav_243_N_26%2 0101_cp_3_Nao_24_sku_792195_familyID_9438.aspx

They come in 3 different sizes and are made of vegatable parchment so it won't hurt birdy. I punched two holes in the top and weaved a stainless steal chain through it to hang from the top of the cage. If you do this, put a perch close by so birdy can hop in and play. Here's a picture: http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2107596515&idx=25

[linda040899]

This seems like the perfect thread to insert a warning. Be very careful with long tube that are made of material that you can't see through.

Jackie,
The diameter of your tube is very, very good, as both lovebirds can climb past each other to get out either side.

The tubes that can be dangerous are the tubes used to roll up paper. Many are long (like paper towel core tubes) and birds are OK as long as they can go straight through from one end to the other. However, let a bird enter from the opposite side and neither of them will be able to exit, since many birds do not think to back up. I've never had this happen but a member of a mailing list I subscribe to did have it happen, with almost tragic results.

[butterfly1061]

The tubes I bought are the medium size. It's perfect for lovebirds and they can move easily inside even when two are playing. I thought the small size would not allow enough room for two to play. Before I hung it in the cage, I played with Molly on the sofa so he would not be afraid of it. :2cents:

[chris_lynn]

thats a neat idea...we had somthing like that for one of are parakeets. he was afraid of it though ven though we did the "put it wear the bird can see it before moving it into the cage" technique. but i think it would be different for a lovebird

[Wheeliegirl]

I've considered getting them for Peachie too. She loves empty toilet paper rolls, she likes to walk around with them on her head, and likes to shred them too. I just gave her an empty round Quaker oats box and she loves it! I shyed away from the hamster tubes, though, because they are so rigid. If you have good luck with them let us know.

[Buy A Paper Doll]

Oh, Milo is going to get one of those chewy tubes tomorrow, yes he is!

My birds tend to chew on everything so I would not go with the plastic tubes. The plastic hamster tubes, if I remember correctly, come in 2 pieces that you snap together lengthwise and then softer plastic rings go on each end to hold it all together. My birds would chew the soft plastic rings and get the tubes apart, and possibly injure themselves in the process. (Yes, as a matter of fact I am extremely paranoid when it comes to bird toys! One emergency trip to the vet with a bird due to an unsafe toy was more than enough for me!)

[butterfly1061]

Jennifer,

I hope Milo enjoys the tube as much as Molly does. Maybe a new toy will help keep his mind off his feathers for a while. Piper loves to chew on his tube. They run inside and play and squeal. It's too cute! :D