I realize that I left my readers hanging and hungering for more hamster related info and news after my last post. So, I am back to help ease the suffering. Thus, I bring to you, a brand new post! This post will detail hamster cages. I will talk about what sizes are appropriate as well as what types. I will also dispel long popular rumors on this subject. So without further adieu, the rest of my post.
Plastic Trail Cages
These cages have long since been popular with many crowds, mostly the younger ones, and I have to admit, I used one or two back in my youth. Made by popular companies such as Crittertrail and Habitrail, they provide everything one would think any hamster would need all in one nifty and visually engaging setup. There are even themes that the manufacturers provide such as a royal castle or Dora the Explorer. Some, like the Habitrail Ovo, even bring about a space age look and feel. While this cage is somewhat okay, I use "okay" loosely here, for dwarfs and Chinese hamsters, they are much too small and cramped for Syrian hamsters. Syrians can barely fit in the tubes and the wheels provided with the setup leave many a Syrian with back aches because of they are a poor, and much too small, fit. Long story short folks, don't ever use this type of cage with a Syrian. Its just not a good fit, literally.
These cages are also somewhat a pain in the backside to clean. What with the disassembling and scrubbing down of all the parts and pieces, then drying them and putting them back together. This process can take in excess of an hour or more to complete. Add to that the price tag these puppies can have, some costing upwards of $50-$60 for a measly amount of space, and neither you nor your hamster will be happy.
Wire Cages
A simple wire cage with a plastic bottom is becoming increasingly popular as the preferred cage to purchase. Its lightweight, easy to clean and many things can be done to it. Some even come with a wheel, food dish and water bottle. Even cages with multiple levels can be bought. However, most wire cages that are sold as hamster cages are a bit on the small side if your looking to house a Syrian. The wheels are, again, too small for a Syrian and those snazzy looking levels can pose a potential risk of a fall. Lets face it. Hamsters aren't the brightest crayon in the box. They will walk right off of a ledge, not knowing or really thinking, where the bottom of the fall will be. This is mostly because they are terribly nearsighted and can't discern distances at all well. So, with this being said, a cage with multiple levels that allow the hamster to walk right over the edge might not be the best idea.
Homemade Bin Cages
With the lack of great cage options on the shelves of stores, more and more hamster owners are turning to making homemade bin cages for their hamsters. This gives the owner complete control of the size of the cage and most importantly, the floor space. Floor space is key with any hamster cage. The more you have, the better. Hamsters do best with their four little feet firmly on the cage floor, so multiple levels aren't really needed. Remember what I said about them being terribly nearsighted and unable to discern distances well? This type of cage also allows you to add a proper sized wheel, which is very important to hamster health. A wheel which is too small will cause the hamster to arch its back when running, thus causing soreness and eventually disfigurement. That's right. The spine will literally become deformed after a while.
As well as giving you control over many of its aspects, this type of cage is also extremely cheap and easily made. All you need is a storage bin, hardware cloth, and a few basic tools. I will post a step by step guide to making one in the future. In the meantime, feel free to Google it. This cage is also very simple and easy to clean and, as its made of plastic, its light weight and won't break easily. All in all, a very popular and ideal option.
Glass Tanks
Some people prefer to use glass tanks as cages as they are convenient and provide ample space, when the proper size is selected that is. Now, there is a popular misconception that a glass tank wouldn't provide the required ventilation needed to keep the hamster healthy and happy. Well, this is just that, a misconception. If the cage is cleaned on a regular basis and is the proper size, this is not at all a problem. In fact, the mesh lid will give your hamster all the ventilation it needs. One can also add a homemade cage topper to these cages for even more
space, though be cautious with the levels. Make sure the hamster can't
tumble over the edge and go free falling down to the tank floor. This
isn't at all good for their little bodies what with internal injuries
and whatnot.
Some people will cram a poor Syrian hamster in a ten gallon and think all is fine. Well, in reality, its not. The minimum tank size is a 20 long, even with a dwarf or Chinese hamster. Remember, floor space is the most important thing here. Of course, if you can go bigger, all the better. I am currently working on getting my 29 gallon breeder in shape to house the latest hamster I will be getting.
Also remember that when housing multiple dwarf hamsters, that levels aren't recommended. Levels will cause territorial issues and eventually fights to the death.
Well, that's all I know about cages. Sorry if I missed anything. Its very late at night and I tend not to write the best at this hour.
Regardless, and as always,
Stay Savvy!!
