The old saying goes that wood glues need to be stronger than the wood itself. But, when it comes to a hamsters home, that glue also needs to be pet-safe too.
So, in this post, you will learn what kinds of ingredients go into hot glue. You’ll also learn why you should only use ‘food-safe’ glues on a hamsters cage.
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What Is Hot Glue? Is It A Good Wood Glue?
Hot glue, (also known as hot-melt adhesive), is a substance that is made from thermoplastics. Once applied, it can take up to 12 hours for this glue to dry and harden.
However, Hot Glue is not the strongest type of glue you can use on wood. That honor instead lies with PVA (polyvinyl acetate adhesive) glues.
Also, it is worth noting, that this glue is only really good at sticking wood to wood. If you want to attach wood to a smooth material, such as silicone or metal, then it won’t work.
Related Post: Is Plywood A Safe Material For A Hamsters Cage?
And What Is Inside Hot Glue? Is It Toxic?
Well, all hot glues contain types of thermoplastics. But, the thermoplastic used to make specific hot glue stick adhesives can vary.
For example, some hot glues are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Others are made from polyesters or ethylene-methyl acrylate (EMA).
But both of these substances are generally non-toxic and harmless. Especially since they’re pretty much made from the same stuff used to make plastic freezer bags and the like.
Instead, the real danger from hot glues is when it’s in its heated form. Melted hot glue can, obviously, burn your skin. And the fumes they release, (while they are melting), can cause what is referred to as ‘household glue poisoning’.
Nonetheless, if it is used correctly, (i.e. closely follow the instructions to the letter), it is not dangerous.
And What Type Of Glue Is Safe For A Hamster Cage?
If you want to use glue to fix cracks and splits on your hamsters cage, then that glue needs to meet three key criteria;
1). It Should Only Require A Thin Application
You’ll want to minimize the amount of glue you apply onto that crack.
This is very important. Why? Well, because if your hamster happens to chew on that glued section of their home, there’ll be very little glue for them to ingest.
2). It Needs To Be Fairly Water Resistant
That glue needs to keep it together regardless of moisture or humidity.
You don’t want wood glue to lose it’s adhesion simply because a bit of water got on it.
3). It Needs To Be Food Safe
A food safe wood glue is one that is safe enough for indirect contact with food.
What this means in practice is that food safe wood glues should not leach chemicals or oils. Neither will it release toxic fumes into the air (after they’ve dried and solidified).
Related Post: What Food Grade Wood Glue Is Safe Enough For Your Cutting Board?
So, Is Hot Glue Safe To Use Around My Pet?
Well, it meets all three criteria fairly well.
It is non-toxic once dry. It is very moisture resistant. And it binds wood so well that you only need a thin application of it.
Nevertheless, it should still not be used on hamster chew toys. And you don’t want to risk using it on any sections of the cage that you think your hamster might chew.
So, if you think there’s a good chance that your hamster will chew it, then it’s best you don’t use hot glue at all.
To Wrap Up, Here Are The 3 Key Takeaways From This Post…
- 1). Hot Glue contains thermoplastics. But, once this glue has dried and solidified, it’s pretty harmless.
- 2). However, thermoplastics are not safe for your hamster to ingest. Chewing hot glue is the equivalent of a hamster chewing through a plastic freezer bag.
- 3). You can use hot glue to fix sections of a hamsters cage that you’re sure they won’t chew through.
References:
FDA Compliant, Food Grade and Food Safe | Industrial Specialties Mfg. & IS MED Specialties
