"How do I know if I need a platform for my hide or not?"
Good question! Read more to find out!
Admittedly, there's not an easy way to determine whether or not a hide is an "okay" standalone hide.
Without doing a bunch of math equations anyways...
If your hide is not supported... it can sink into the bedding and TRAP your hamster.
#1 Ceramics
Because of how heavy ceramic hides are, most ceramics are better to put on a platform.
More often than not they are not able to distribute their weight, so it's good to be safe!
#2 Wide Flat Bottoms
An exception to this is if the ceramic (or other hide) has a wide, flat, bottom.
More often than not they are not able to distribute their weight, so it’s best to be safe!
What to avoid...
NEVER place heavy items directly on loose bedding.
Especially
- (most) Ceramic hides
- Wheels
- Sand baths
- Stone slabs
What to look for...
- Wide base
- Thick wood
- Short legs
- Low center of gravity
- Interlocking design
- Platform integration
