8 replies to this topic

[animalpetlover21]

I've noticed many controversial topics on the IKEA detolf. Some say it's good for every hamster and some say only certain species.

If you have time vote in the poll to say what you think it's best for.

Below please write a review on the IKEA detolf if you have one or if you want voice your opinion Rhis might help other owners decide what cage to get

[Hera the Hamster]

The detolf is a great cage! It's amazing for dwarfs and decent for Syrians. However Syrians are better off with something bigger and deeper so if you can go bigger do it. Some Syrians won't be happy in the detolf but if correctly set up the detolf can be fine for at least some Syrians. It's much better than several other cages anyway.

[Twixiey]

I currently have a Detolf and my hamster never shows signs of bordem, she is a Syrian. But not all hamsters are the same and might want deeper bedding, I have about 8 inches on one side which zRumi seems content with. It is a risk buying the Detolf, but it is a great cage if you're going to!

Edited by Twixiey, 07 February 2018 - 11:36 AM.

[HarryHams]

I've never had one, but it's very similar to Fish's cage, which he's perfectly content in and adores, so I'd say go for it!

[Suga]

I've noticed many controversial topics on the IKEA detolf. Some say it's good for every hamster and some say only certain species.

If you have time vote in the poll to say what you think it's best for.

Below please write a review on the IKEA detolf if you have one or if you want voice your opinion Rhis might help other owners decide what cage to get

 

I use the detolf for my Syrians, however I personally don't really like it and I'm currently in the process of switching it out. It's too shallow to provide the amount of bedding that I'd like, and since it isn't made to be a hamster cage, there are faults with it. It's very difficult to set up alone, you'll certainly need someone to help you since the glass is so long. It also needs to be hanging off the stand on both sides to properly support the glass.

 

I've never experienced this myself, but I've heard of the glass bowing or even cracking under the pressure when too much was added in the cage (bedding, accessories) without adequate support. Also, the metal support beams can be dangerous for dwarves, there was a case not too long ago of a robo hamster squeezing itself between the glass and the bars, killing itself in the process. :( Ideally I'd would only use this cage for dwarves but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as my first choice. It's a good cage, but it has its pros and cons, just like many others on the market.

[Spencer~]

Hello! (:
I have the detolf, but my ham is only a dwarf. I think it’s a great cage, much better than the majority of ones available; though it’s mostly suitable for smaller species, such as dwarves and Chinese. For some Syrians it could be a good cage, however.
My hamster isn’t a big chewer, so I am able to fill around half of the cage almost to the top (around 11 1/2 inches) without risking her chewing the lid. That said, many people have huge chewers and so can’t fill it so high; therefore, they’re limited on how much bedding they can use.
The detolf can also cause problems with toys for Syrians, as they are much larger and taller than dwarf toys. Since the detolf is narrow, toys may take away quite a bit of running space.
Personally, I would much prefer a taller cage for a Syrian (and, in some cases, dwarves) to allow for deeper bedding.

As for the small metal bars, I have yet to encounter a problem with them. My ham hasn’t so much as nibbled at them (albeit, she doesn’t nibble on much of anything), so I can’t really comment on problems associated with them. I have heard of some hamsters squeezing between them and the glass and getting stuck, though.
I’ve found I’m able to hang certain toys from the top of the bars so they are beside the glass, and I can still hang toys from above due to the fact that I have a lid which allows me to do so (I have two pieces of wood with holes already pre-drilled when I bought it. The holes are a decent size and both the lids - right up to the edges - are entirely covered with them, thus there is plenty of ventilation).

The detolf is the most suitable cage I’ve found that is available to me, and so far it’s great. My ham became much more active when she upgraded to this cage, and now she digs even more tunnels with the deeper bedding I’m able to provide her with. The only problem I have with it, is the lack of depth. However, as I said before, I am able to fill it quite adequately nonetheless.

That’s all my thoughts on the topic.
Have a lovely day/night (:

Edited by Jo~, 08 February 2018 - 02:22 AM.

[animalpetlover21]

Thanks for everything!! I'm hoping one day this will be filled with answers to many members can get tips for the detolf or it can help them decide whether they decide to buy it or not

[Osonice]

I have my male Syrian and my female Russian dwarf in their respective Detolf's. Both critters seem to be very happy and we've experienced no stress issues. The layout of the enclosure is the most important. The Detolf is giving both plenty of bedding and burrowing space and depth. The Detolf itself has been a great addition and even with the need to make a simple cover I highly recommend it.

 

Male Long Hair Syrian - Rocket

Female Djungarian - Monkey

[HamsterLover246]

I've had my dwarf in my detolf, which she really enjoyed (She sadly has passed away now) Now I have a longhaired syrian female, and she seems to like it.
Of course many bigger cages exist too, but can be super expensive. I like the detolf because I find it easy to place in my bedroom because it is long and it's easier to place than a square, if you have a small room.
I know I can't have super deep bedding, i currently have 9 inches on 1 side and it's enough for her to burrow.
As long as you give plenty of free roam time, i think it's good for most hamsters
Some hamsters may not like it, and will need an upgrade, but I think its so much better than other smaller cages that it's worth it reccomending it. 🙂

Edited by HamsterLover246, 09 August 2022 - 09:58 PM.