Digging Tower ☆HAMSTER DIY☆

A tutorial on how to make a popsicle stick digging tower for hamsters. It's a great toy and boredom breaker for hamsters that love to dig. It also makes a good hideout and sleeping place too!
This digging tower is designed to fit in a bin cage or tank, but you could make a standalone version by adding panels of glass or perspex.
If you make this, I'd love to see it! Let me know if your hammy enjoyed it :D
☆★☆★☆★☆★FAQ★☆★☆★☆★☆
What if my hamster chews it?
Check regularly for damage, sanding down any sharp, chewed edges, or just replace any damaged sticks individually.
What if my hamster pees in it?
If you're worried about this, you can apply some brush-on plastikote (a non-toxic enamel safe for hamsters, but not the spray on kind) to the floors so that they can just be disinfected and wiped clean.
Since Vanilla is potty trained, I didn't need to. You might be interested in the potty training video on my channel 😉
What sticks should I use?
Use the natural, dye-free popsicle sticks. You can get these very cheaply online or in craft stores. The ones I use are the regular, 4.5 inch ones.
What tools should I use to cut the sticks?
The best tools for chopping would be anvil secateurs, wire cutters, or something similar. If your only option is scissors, the further in the blades you cut the stick, the more control you will have over it.
As for cutting the intricate shapes, you'll need a craft knife or something similar. rather than cutting above like with paper, cut from the side of the stick as if the knife was a tiny saw cutting a tiny plank of wood 😁 Cut from each side of the shape alternately, removing the splint between them so that you can get deeper into the shape.
What glue should I use?
Any glue that is non-toxic and water soluble e.g. PVA, Elmer's and school glue. If the hamster were to accidently swallow a little, it would just dissolve. Since hot glue is not water soluble, it would not dissolve, and could cause blockages, which is why I don't recommend it.
What paint can I use?
You could either dye the sticks with natural food dye, or paint them with a pet-safe paint like Soy Paint. You could mix white Soy Paint and natural food dyes to make your own colours.
What small pet can fit in this tower?
The tower is the right size for mice, dwarf hamsters, gerbils and Syrian hamsters. And maybe other baby small animals.
Can I make this house for my other small pet?
Yes, but you will need to scale it up, e.g. for rats, multiply all the stick counts by about 1.25-1.75. Before you glue anything, lay down all the sticks to make sure it's the right size.
What type of hamster is Vanilla?
He's a Syrian 🐹
☆★☆★☆★☆★Follow★☆★☆★☆★☆
★Instagram★ @vanillahamham ( / vanillahamham )
★Tumblr★ vanillahamham ( / vanillahamham )
★Twitter★ @vanillahamham ( / vanillahamham )
☆★☆★☆★☆★Credit★☆★☆★☆★☆
★Music★ Higashiyama Pingpong @ Hurt Record (hurtrecord.com)
★Font★ Sana (sana.s12.xrea.com)
Submit subtitles! 😘
kzbin.info_cs_p...

[@rosey315]

i don't even have a hamster but I'm watching all of these

[@kendrakay8106]

the videos so cute and cool

[@maniacelkhopaintings5910]

Doesn't matter :)

[@alexandracat1054]

same

[@sasha_6552]

Me too but I have a mouse

[@ayakgop2752]

Alexandra Cat shut up

[@TopFurret]

This video makes me want to get a hamster again

[@d3vilsheep659]

You should hamsters are awesome I encourage you to and if you do let me know

[@chad-chan7680]

What happened to your old one? Did it die?

[@TopFurret]

Karkat Vantas I haven't owned hamsters since I was in middle school. Now I'm in college so they're all long gone

[@lilygrace5725]

This video makes me miss my hamsters:( I'm on vacation and my mom is taking care of them. I miss them and I can't wait to make them toys and play with them❤️

[@kendrakay8106]

+Everything Lily 101 💖💖🐹

[@VanillaHamHam]

Does your hamster like to dig? ｡ﾟ･o( > ω < )o･ﾟ｡

[@deadpoolmrcool4694]

is the tunnel glued to stay on the side of the cage

[@deadpoolmrcool4694]

yes he's a Syrian and I want him to go nuts hehe!!!!

[@VanillaHamHam]

+rebecca diggs Nothing needs to be glued to the cage, as a thick, dense layer of substrate will keep it secure 😊

[@deadpoolmrcool4694]

THANK U :)

[@anais5045]

Yes, mine loves to dig!

[@TheGingerLPS1235]

gosh is your little hammy spoiled! what a lovely home! so adorable ahhhh

[@rainmuffin1727]

Another person that likes Lps and Bunnys I tough to was the only one🐶+🐰

[@lexxii3853]

+Lpssilver TV I lo ve lps! :D

[@rainmuffin1727]

+Cookieswirl Kitty can you sub to me please

[@lexxii3853]

+Lpssilver TV Sure as long as you sub to me! : D

[@Lyonie]

+Lpssilver TV I see cookieswirlc

[@tinamincy4847]

😠😠😠😠😠THE 90 PEOPLE WHO DISLIKED THIS VIDEO SHOULD...SHOULD😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😠 Go get a hamster and see what beautiful creatures they are.😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@chelseahansen5112]

😉😉😄😄😄

[@ella4323]

What a plot twist 😂

[@Sweet_Moon-I]

Oooooooooooooooo

[@limitless6697]

*126* correct me if im wrong

[@honeywoffl1665]

This is so wholesome

[@rainypoppyfield]

I am amazed at how well this was edited

[@VanillaHamHam]

+HumorHammy Thanks, this one took forever lol

[@fionaxie4548]

I was literally looking at her hand the whole time, you have pretty hands girl!

[@christinam3953]

fiona xie okay then...

[@ermyehiguess6197]

fiona xie NEXT TOP HAND MODEL RIGHT THERE

[@no.5206]

I think the hooman is a male

[@irl_yoshi.nanase2586]

RapidSwampGames judging by the amount of emojis they use in the faqs probably a girl

[@honeyxmoony]

@@irl_yoshi.nanase2586 ahaha she is a girl

[@esmeeelschot3094]

Your hamster is so lucky to have you as his owner :) This is amazing!

[@karlie4883]

I feel like a terrible hamster owner now cause I'm to lazy to make cool stuff like this. lol!

[@karlie4883]

also I love your editing!

[@lexigrundahl7584]

Same! I made him a cardboard house xD

[@brookedeming2761]

I cut an old shoebox into a hidey house XD

[@christinam3953]

Kale Fish these are all optional. You are an amazing hamster owner! I'm not I have to get a new cage my old cage is from my dwarf hamster but she's only a baby now so i will find one then give it to her when she's a little bigger

[@kholifanasukha125]

Aussie _ Kinz

[@SuperPrettyPink101]

We don't have hamsters in Australia, so I have to live through you 😢 Vanilla is SO freaking cute 😭😍

[@lydialeon711]

Its so nice to see an owner who really cares for their hamster instead of sticking them in tiny cages. You're awseome😊

[@adancarrera1930]

I love that when she makes stuff like this she makes sure EVERYTHING is safe for her hammy

[@XenoDelta212]

I love the animations of vanilla in the corner

[@shaunabaines9095]

I've subscribed 😀I brought a hamster a couple of weeks ago and I keep looking into stuff that I could do for him and thanks to you I've got ideas thanks keep the great videos please x🐹🐹

[@aqua235]

This is all so neat! I'm on hamster number 5 and seeing this makes me want to start doing creative things for my hamster again. I used to have a bin filled with bedding for when I was cleaning the cage. I'd let my previous hamsters burrow and sleep while I cleaned everything. I need to start this up again!

[@debrabosch3362]

Awesome tutorial ! I firmly believe that your fuzzy friend is not spoiled and here is why, if we remove any creature from it's natural habitat it is our duty to go above and beyond to give them the most amazing life possible to help compensate for their kidnapping. Love them with all your heart and soul or don't adopt at all.

[@ihavenoredeemingqualities3689]

Vanilla is so CUTE!!

[@KenIzOut]

The Digging Tower is like a Hamster Pool 😂😂😂😂

[@christinam3953]

Lovely Wolf yeah!

[@cultspina]

If the hamster decided to sleep in it they would be drowning but nice idea 😄😅

[@macaulayxtra]

🤨

[@inserttackycactusnow6155]

I love how these projects are fun, cheap, and simple. I'm getting a hamster soon, so your videos will be useful to me, and my family!

[@annabrand743]

I love your diys I made a mini one of these and my hamster LOVES it i plan to make her a bigger one once I get more glue your diys are so amazing and unique!

[@frolickingmulch]

Aw!!this is such a thoughtful thing to do!!vanilla must be really happy!!!love you!i subbed😘❤️

[@mewoda6015]

your hammy is so spoiled XD adorable btw

[@angela_grace3]

This is absolutely brilliant! Since hamsters usually love to dig this would be super special! ^. ^

[@bergercookie]

You always show your ham having fun. That's not bad because it's sooooo cute!!

[@akvilelapunaite7464]

OMG this person really really really deserves more subscribers♡

[@Kassiienovaa]

yeah

[@nfc598]

you have the cutest freaking videos

[@casperrouges9253]

I love how you say how much popsicle sticks you use! I rarely see that sadly.

[@_waiai]

You're so talented!!! I'm amazed. And Vanilla looks super cute when he's sleeping~~

[@valantayss2335]

I love hamsters why don't you make a tree house for it

[@arehanjoo4014]

I don't even have a hamster 😭

[@jenniferk6541]

Same

[@HFM10009]

Same

[@kathleenvdb]

My friend have one, first he had one, that died. Now he have gerrit

[@lilygrace5725]

I have a video on how to convince your parents to get you a hamster. Just search: Everything Lily 101 how to hamster That should work. Maybe it'll help:)

[@dariiiyuh5847]

gEt OnE

[@samanthamonterroso]

You know I usually hate when a tutorial doesn't have a "talk explanation" but yours is so well made!!! you are amazing! absolutely loved your video and your idea =D

[@krystynalewicka60]

Wow this hamster is so cute. And this animation and music. It's so much fun and cute.

[@zoea.f.i4306]

Please can you make more videos like this ( with Popsicle sticks) ??? Btw I am desperate to make this cos I am getting a hamster soon but the cage I might get isn't tall enough on the bottom floor. I was thinking of making a playpen but I would need to add an extra two walls to this. I also want to make the hamster house but can't for the same reason. I have cats too so my hamster will need a secure cage. I have no idea what to do. Also, I can't find any tanks with roofs so my cats can't get them and if I get a large wired one, the wood bedding will fall through the gaps. I don't know what to do!! Please help!!

[@VanillaHamHam]

+Zoë A.F.I Check my DIY cage and lid tutorials, it shows how to make a big, tall cage with a locking lid 😃

[@samechi6204]

Vanilla hamham make more hamster diy

[@sa25gaming56]

that hamster is so adorable!

[@periaislynn]

I found your channel the other day and I have watched all of your videos! They're all so cute and everyone can easily tell that you put so much time into them! Your channel is very different from the rest and it's no wonder why your channel has grown so big. 💛💛

[@soupedelimaces]

It's 4am and i'm watching this, missing my hamster..

[@jenniferk6541]

Same. Except I'm hoping for a hamster. I want one so bad

[@jennajohal]

Same! Almost there with convincing my parents...

[@thebeast2149]

Same😢RIP Hermanni.. also 4am

[@theunknownarrow7858]

Im watching this at 1:22 AM

[@idiotwilson1474]

I miss my hamsters.

[@Ebril]

How do they not run out of air when they basically bury themselves?! Genuine question

[@VanillaHamHam]

+Ebril The bedding doesn't make a vaccum, so there's lots of little gaps where the air can get through. The oxygen is let in, but the draughts and harsh temperatures are kept out, which is why hamsters in the wild sleep in underground burrows

[@c09tv83]

how much dose the HAMSTER cost? :3 hamster :!

[@katshotdogs4188]

They cost around $8- $13... I mean where I live which is Canada that's how much they cost!

[@dennmarajas]

+Chan Le in philippines, campbell dwarf hamster cost only 3$ pair

[@trijntjer5482]

Thank you for making this awesome DIY hamster digging box tutorial! I'm building it right now, mine is not as straight as yours, but it's not a disaster either ^^, it's a great idea, our hammy Pip Squeak loves to dig and this is a great addition to his bin cage! Love making toys/boredom breakers for him myself, it beats the boring things you can buy in the pet shop, plus it's a great way of feeling you love and adore your hammy to build him something ^^ Great video! ooh maybe, just a small suggestion, if you've forgotten something earlier on, please do put it in the video, like the bottom hole in the side for the tunnel, it would have been better if you had edited that part in a bit earlier, otherwise amazing video! Xx

[@cupcakeanimals262]

YOUR HAMSTER IS THE CUTEST LIVING THING EVER!!!!

[@tienshuntsao5733]

CUTE !!!!!!!! I WANT ONE NOW 😍😍😘😘

[@VanillaHamHam]

+PuppyLover 1236 Check out my playlists on hamster care basics if you're considering getting one 😃

[@tienshuntsao5733]

VanillaHamHam my hamster is peeing everywhere how do I control Ice Cream!? Ice Cream is my hamster's name 😱😱😖😖

[@VanillaHamHam]

+PuppyLover 1236 Have you seen my potty training video? There's lots of tips that might help

[@tienshuntsao5733]

Thanks now I've Cream won't pee all over the place 😃🙏🏻

[@janbielcik3137]

Mimi1123 1236 .

[@kawaiikat__5679]

What country are you from? (Not trying to be a stalker, I'm only 11)

[@VanillaHamHam]

+Kawaii Corner England 😃

[@kawaiikat__5679]

VanillaHamHam OMG!!!!!! You replied!!!!!! Thanks so much I subbed!!!!!!!

[@christinam3953]

VanillaHamHam ILYSM!

[@dndjcbdfhhthfhfjdj9292]

VanillaHamHam yes! Same

[@thevoid3976]

VanillaHamHam When you mentioned Tesco in one of your videos I started wondering... Just out of curiosity, what county do you live in? I'm in Devon, btw. Sorry if this got too personal!

[@vourdalak1]

You are really really creative and talented! It's awasomeee!!

[@fairysoul1682]

God bless you for sharing this gift with the world I'm in tears rn

[@omursaracogullar4622]

p

[@Goodbye_Pepper]

This is amazing!! I love watching you build things 😍

[@kaitlyn5689]

Dang! This hamster is lucky. She gets treats and so much more! I can't even make that many things.

[@raraarraven]

Omgggg!!! that is so damn cool! u must love your hamster to go through such a hard process of glueing..

[@karaso6489]

That hamster is living the 5 star life

[@BleddynsStudio]

Awesome!! Looks incredible!

[@Timmy_kimberr]

I’ve been making this digging tower my my hammie pumpkin I actually named her pumpkinhamham like vanillahamham this digging tower... really cute idea ♥️

[@missykim510]

Wow, this is awesome!

[@kia1151]

This is so nice!! *-* If I find that much popsicle sticks being sold somewhere I'll buy them definetly and make this ~ I was going to buy a digging tower but this is gonna be a lot cheaper and in my opinion, looks even better than bought ones :3

[@kia1151]

And oh is your hamster a syrian? Because just wondering that is this digging box a good sized for a syrian hamster ^^

[@VanillaHamHam]

+Kia Musku (Kiukiu) Yes, he's a Syrian but you can always make it bigger if you like 😊 You can get big packs of popsicle sticks online (I use eBay) ✨

[@makaylee1325]

OMG I love your videos! the cartoon hamster is ADORABLE!!! Vanilla is so so cute too!!

[@deiseferreira07]

OMG!Vanilla is so cute!♥

[@annakatharine0211]

Adorable hamster 😻😻

[@shutup6416]

your hamster is so cute!i love it!

[@bokchoiman]

Your hamster looks thrilled haga

[@brynnj1972]

And I love the lil hammy at the side😝

[@maddieold4818]

My hamster 🐹 loves the DIY thanks vanilla and owner

[@angelinal.5782]

Aww so cute I plan on doing that with my new hammy!

[@ravenknows6114]

This has to be on to cute this amazing and honestly talented very good hamham

[@josephluism.v3094]

this is so clever, love it..

[@nicolebarnes1362]

I love the editing when ypu have what you need, the little cartoon hamster is so cute.

[@nicolebarnes1362]

my hamster digs a tiny bit but hardly ever!!

[@VanillaHamHam]

+Nicole Barnes You can try burying food around your hamster's cage to encourage them 🐹

[@kailyngarmon2010]

I love your channel it makes me very happy!

[@thylacinefox]

I might try and make this for Buttercup since she really likes to dig but my other two hamsters couldn't care less about digging XD All hamsters are different though. Amazing video

[@paige-wiens]

I am jealous of a hamster... I never thought that was possible. But for real your a GREAT hamster owner! Keep up the amazing work ❤

[@islandsun76]

Can I just say that your editing skills are amazing!!!!

[@shorkie8799]

So cute!

[@Cfvanes]

you hamster looks so much like my Coconut hammie

[@menreikichan8291]

I am gonna get a hamster in a month. I will follow your diy videos and create the best space I can before I get her☺

[@Player-km3sv]

I really want a hamster 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️ they’re so cute and I’ve literally looked up everything about them. I swear I’m in love 😂

[@zivatohnstad1746]

I want a hamster too

[@louietipton6679]

I don't even have a hamster but these are so fun to watch help

[@petlifecarekid6543]

You have inspired me about care for hamhams

[@RedGhostNY]

So Adorable!

[@aratakiitto4568]

SO CUTE!!

[@lpssaintlaurent9547]

I used (not this one) but one of your other hamster creations for my mouse???? I don't think there's anything wrong with that, because he loves it a lot. I watch him play in it all the time!

[@desmondshepherd3224]

Man I love your hamster

[@quiettornado1970]

that is one happy hamster.

[@alicemuguet6947]

so cute and inspiring! thank you~

[@animallover6051]

LOVE YOU AND LITTLE VANILLA !!!!!!!!!

[@boju1510]

I tried to make this but it was so confusing when I actually started to make it. You make it look so easy

[@addiebeene3420]

That hamster is so lucky!! ^ ^

[@jayep.6363]

You make it look so easy working with popsicle sticks.. i spent 3 hours working on a hanging bridge and it always fell..i scratched that idea cuz my back was aching.

[@blackgeminirose371]

🐹 cuteness overload

[@lilyaann1483]

you are amazing in an amazingly way!!!!

[@mentalia2438]

I tried to do this. There's lots of patience 😂 I give her creds for this

[@aphroditeaquarius8710]

how adorable!

[@mem5567]

I luv vanilla ham ham so cute

[@sweetbean2009]

I'm getting a hamster now because of your videos😊

[@liss_bts6622]

Das ist so cool für deinen Hamster aber viel Arbeit 😍😍😍😍

[@sofiaguzman5836]

Such an awesome idea I love it :)

[@ThePlants99]

I had a hamster HAD, but I'm still watching your video.

[@drizzle_246]

*You Are Very Creative*

[@ilovemusicians4858]

Very cute!

[@hamhamadventures5586]

I made this for my hams and they love it.

[@khaoulatv7238]

Merci pour le video vanilla hamham❤

[@Kettie5]

I have a tip for those without sandpaper. Use a rough chair or a price of. Loo red paper or something.my chair has a rough surface so I used that and it left no splinters

[@christelleroderick524]

Oh my goodness you must have the most happiest hamster on the planet I don't have one but if I do i know what I'm making 😄

[@ElaborateTerrace]

Cute stuff.