Meet the Hamster Shredder
We've already got a 100,000-large network of hamsters in wheels powering backup generators at Engadget HQ, but in the interest of energy conservation (especially going into the warmer months), we think Tom Ballhatchet's Hamster Shredder might be an order. Just be mindful to keep your little guy clear of the paper-grinding gears, we wouldn't want this thing taking its name literally.
[Via Core 77]
[Via Core 77]

















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
f00b4r @ Apr 11th 2007 4:04AM
Hamtaro FTW!
LordFarkward @ Apr 11th 2007 4:16AM
is shredding a hamster as cruel as blending it? and... would it actually blend?
ok yes i'm sorry. i'll go see a doctor.
Frank @ Apr 11th 2007 5:09AM
funny
MacroEQ @ Apr 11th 2007 6:00AM
The piece of paper being shredded says "London Borough of Hackney" - how apt! lol
Andy Briggs @ Apr 11th 2007 6:10AM
I demand a refund of my time, Engadget! My sadistic wants were not fulfilled! I do not expect my hopes to raised so high one second, and dashed fully the next! ;)
But seriously - a genius invention. If I couldn't just take my shredded paper out of my current (excellent) shredder and place it in there. Have we become so lazy?...okay, stupid question. :D
codester @ Apr 11th 2007 7:57AM
That's so cool. A new way to get your hamster his bedding!
Patrick @ Apr 11th 2007 9:21AM
Incriminating documents have a secondary use after all, and you save on wood chips
tgw @ Apr 11th 2007 10:28AM
haha! hackney council tax bill!! nice one.
Robert Johnston @ Apr 11th 2007 10:36AM
We already do this with our rats (We have a rodentry here, and breed rats). Though we don't have apparatus like this, we do take our shredded "Identity-Theft Fodder" and use it to line the rat's cages.
Yet more personal security. TBH, if someone's willing to go through faeces-and-urine-soaked paper shreddings to steal my identity, they're welcome to it!
h8rain @ Apr 11th 2007 11:04AM
Absolutely AWESOME!!!! The hippies will be happy because no power is used, but watch out for PETA :)
Seriously though, can you buy one?
Chad @ Apr 11th 2007 11:09AM
Who needs to blame employees or CEOs for shredding documents anymore. Blame Fluffy the hamster, from accounting.
Drei @ Apr 11th 2007 12:39PM
dunno about *your* accounting dept, but in mine Fluffy would be over-qualified...
tiuk @ Apr 11th 2007 2:02PM
I'll admit that when I was scrolling down the RSS feed and I saw the headline before the picture I was horrified.
JoshLowry @ Apr 11th 2007 2:09PM
Haha chad!
If only you could teach him how to delete files off the computers too. They'd be paid more than the outsourced staff.
- Josh
http://www.StateOfBrain.com
Cassi @ Apr 11th 2007 2:35PM
I do this with my gerbils too. They're the best paper shredders.
Ghost @ Apr 11th 2007 8:23PM
how long does it take to shred something by hamster power?
kyle allen @ Apr 11th 2007 11:19PM
now if they could make paper out of hamster food ud have a self sustaining shreader, tho need to replace the hamster every couple years
Alex Moyler @ Apr 12th 2007 2:47AM
Hah, that's been in my University's student centre for a while. It's brilliant.
Luka @ Apr 12th 2007 4:30AM
This is truly beautiful. The hundred strong hamster army of Inhumannews supports the development of hamster-emancipating machinery!
nlibera @ Apr 12th 2007 11:30AM
Best product name ever. "Hampster Shredder."
Naomi @ Apr 13th 2007 12:17PM
Cute, but ultimately unnecessary. The average small rodent can make quick work out of a household's sensitive documents without any kind of extra equipment or pre-shredding. Office settings would, of course, require a larger band of rodents. Agree with Cassi above that gerbils are most efficient.
Justin Kalm @ Apr 15th 2007 10:57AM
It seems like a great synergistic idea, but the inks used on the paper could be hazardous to the hamster's health. You could really only safely use it on blank paper, and why would you need to shred that?
proliant @ Apr 29th 2007 9:35PM
Geez, great idea!