Quick answer
Assemble the interlocking plywood pieces without glue, place the hideout in a quiet corner of the cage, and add a small toy inside to encourage exploration.
Why a castle home works for enrichment
Hamsters and other small pets need places to hide, nest, and explore. A castle-style hideout provides a safe retreat that mimics natural burrows. The Pet Hamster Castle Home and Small Animal Castle Home from Little Friends are made from non-toxic plywood with interlocking flat-pack sections, so assembly is straightforward and no adhesives are needed. This keeps the habitat chemical-free.
Step-by-step setup guide
- Check the pieces and plan the location: Open the flat-pack and confirm all plywood sections are present. Choose a quiet corner of the cage away from food bowls and the wheel to reduce disturbance. A common mistake is placing the castle in a high-traffic area, which can stress your pet.
- Assemble the interlocking sections without glue: Fit the tabs into the corresponding slots by hand. Press firmly until each joint clicks into place. Do not use glue, tape, or staples—these can be toxic if chewed. A common checkpoint: if a joint feels loose, double-check that the tab is fully seated. Never use adhesives; the plywood is designed to hold securely on its own.
- Add enrichment inside the castle: Place a small toy, such as the Dwarf Hamster Mice Toy Plastic TV Time Television, inside the hideout. This encourages your pet to enter and explore. A common mistake is overcrowding the castle—leave enough open floor space for your pet to turn around and nest. One small toy is enough; too many items can block the entrance.
- Introduce your pet gradually: Set the assembled castle in the cage and let your hamster discover it on its own. Do not force your pet inside. Some hamsters may inspect the new object immediately; others need a day or two. A common checkpoint: if your pet ignores the castle entirely, try placing a familiar bedding scrap inside to spark curiosity.
Product facts
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Pet Hamster Castle Home – Medium (29x18x11cm) | Little Friends: The Pet Hamster Castle Home – Medium measures 29 x 18 x 11 cm and features secure interlocking sections for easy assembly. The compact size fits most standard hamster cages, and the tool-free assembly means you can set it up in minutes.
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Small Animal Castle Home – Large | Little Friends: The Small Animal Castle Home – Large is made from high-quality, non-toxic plywood and is best suited for smaller pets like hamsters and rats. The larger interior gives your pet more room to nest and play, but it requires a cage with enough floor space to accommodate the extra size.
Small Animal Castle Home – Large | Little Friends
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Dwarf Hamster Mice Toy Plastic TV Time Television 12.5cm | CLASSIC: The Dwarf Hamster Mice Toy Plastic TV Time Television is a vibrant 12.5 cm accessory that encourages playful behavior. Placing a small toy inside the castle home adds novelty and motivates your pet to explore the hideout more often.
