Mouse hammocks/cubes and all that

by Artistwolf Thu 24 Nov 2016, 12:05 pm

Well well. Other people are bringing up some sorta controversial issues so I felt I might as well ask this.
On TFM, people were very strict about cotton thread being dangerous and how it should never be used on a mouse's hammocks/cubes or whatever.
So... is that still true? I mean... I've seen a lot of people selling (and buying) items with cotton thread and having no problem. Confused

And I want to make an sell some small animal hammocks and cubes and whatnot. I don't want to put them in any danger... but at the same time, if it's unnecessary, I don't want to be buying monofilament thread (I don't even know if that would work in a sewing machine—probably not).
Any ideas?

by CallaLily Thu 24 Nov 2016, 12:33 pm

Questions! Yes, questions are good!

I know the general consensus is that cotton has longer fibers that can get tangled around limbs and internal organs if ingested. Fleece or felt have shorter fibers. Like you, I have seen many people using/selling items made with cotton (fully or in part) for mice and other pets that tend to chew. I don't know how likely these issues arise though.

by Peachy Thu 24 Nov 2016, 1:11 pm

I think this is something that owners should ultimately decide. The potential consequences of using cotton haven't changed, and it's not just mouse owners that discourage its use.

I used cotton thread on a hammock a few weeks ago. The mice tore it out and stuffed it in their nest! lol I wouldn't be opposed to using it again... that monofilament stuff is a pain in the butt. I would be leery about using cotton fabric, though.

by Artistwolf Thu 24 Nov 2016, 4:05 pm

Oh! Sorry, I should clarify. I mean cotton thread. I'd definitely only use fleece or felt for the actual fabric. Thanks, Peachy... that's interesting.

by scaredymouse Fri 25 Nov 2016, 2:34 am

I just use polyester thread, which is the same material that fleece is made out of and feel pretty good about it. If I'm not mistaken, I believe NM said that it was fine.

by stephlisa Fri 25 Nov 2016, 3:36 am

I use a polyester/cotton mix thread for things like that for Colin. I've used monofilament a couple of times, but it can't go in my sewing machine and I get fed up of sewing by hand!
But I think it comes down to knowing your mice sometimes - I've learnt that Colin will only chew cardboard and paper most of the time - he doesn't even chew wood at all so I know that most things will survive him quite happily.

by Artistwolf Fri 25 Nov 2016, 8:15 am

Polyselter thread.. that's a thought. I think I have some of that. That thread is a little more harder-feeling, right?

by CallaLily Fri 25 Nov 2016, 8:34 am

scaredymouse wrote:I just use polyester thread, which is the same material that fleece is made out of and feel pretty good about it. If I'm not mistaken, I believe NM said that it was fine.

Good to know! Right now I've just been hot gluing hammocks. Laughing

Not as pretty but holds up better than I thought. But I'm glad to hear this thread will work too. I've been thinking I need a sewing machine. I used to make cloth diapers years ago on my mom's sewing machine. Hammocks can't be any harder.

@Artistwolf, don't know how I missed that you were talking only about thread! Sorry about that. Good to hear you'll be sticking with the known safe materials!

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Mouse hammocks/cubes and all that

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