Choosing the Right Cage or Aquarium for Your Hamster
Deciding to adopt a hamster means setting up everything necessary to welcome it properly. You must be able to provide this pet with the food it needs as well as a suitable space for its well-being.
The cage or aquarium for your hamster is very important because it directly impacts its physical and mental health. Whether you need a cage for a golden hamster, a dwarf hamster, or a Russian hamster, keep in mind that this will be the place where your rodent spends most of its time. Therefore, choosing the right one is crucial.
How to Choose a Cage or Aquarium for a Hamster: Tips, Models, and Costs
Dimensions and Other Selection Criteria
In general, there are several types of hamster cages available. Whether it’s a cage for a golden hamster, a Russian hamster, or a dwarf hamster, there are minimum recommended dimensions. Regardless of the model, the cage should be at least 30 cm wide, 30 cm high, and 50 cm long. The larger the cage, the more space your caged hamster will have to live comfortably.
This allows the hamster to move freely: climbing, playing, running, etc. The bars should be spaced between 0.5 cm and 1 cm apart. Additionally, it’s important to note that hamsters of the same sex do not get along well together. It is advisable to provide separate cages to avoid conflicts. Beyond the size, other essential criteria should also be considered.
The cage for a golden hamster, a Russian hamster, a dwarf hamster, or any other type of hamster must be well-ventilated. A poorly ventilated cage can lead to unpleasant odors and an accumulation of ammonia, a substance found in hamster urine. If trapped inside, ammonia becomes highly toxic and dangerous for your hamster.
Therefore, whether small or large, your hamster’s cage should be easy to open and dismantle to facilitate cleaning and litter replacement. The litter should be changed at least every seven days and regularly aerated. Be sure to turn it over each time you clean. A side opening can make it easier to handle and catch your hamster without causing panic.
Different Types of Cages: Which One to Choose?
When selecting a cage or aquarium for a hamster, you have several models to choose from. Your decision will depend on your preferences, budget, and the quality of life you wish to provide for your little rodent. Here are some different types of cages with their advantages and disadvantages.
– Wooden Hamster Cage
- Advantages: A wooden hamster cage is suitable for all breeds, including golden hamsters, Russian hamsters, and dwarf hamsters. It features a sliding drawer under the living area, making cleaning easier. It has an aesthetically pleasing design and is affordable, with prices ranging from 40 to 70 euros.
- Disadvantages: Unlike a plastic hamster cage, a wooden hamster cage is often harder to clean. The wood does not absorb urine well, making hygiene a concern.
– Plastic Hamster Cage
- Advantages: A plastic hamster cage consists of various interconnected elements connected by transparent tubes. These cages are visually appealing and allow you to observe your hamster as it moves through the tunnels.
- Disadvantages: Each tunnel must be cleaned thoroughly, which can be time-consuming. The hamster may also get stuck in the tubes. Additionally, the plastic bottom of the shelter can be chewed through, and adding accessories or extra levels can be challenging.
– Hamster Aquarium
- Advantages: A hamster aquarium is aesthetically pleasing and does not have bars on its front or sides, only on the bottom. It provides ample space for bedding and tunnels to enhance the hamster’s well-being.
- Disadvantages: Cleaning an aquarium is more complex than cleaning a barred cage. Due to its weight and fragility, it cannot be easily moved for cleaning. Additional climbing objects may be required. Prices range from 50 to 100 euros, depending on the model.
– Plexiglass Hamster Cage
- Advantages: A plexiglass hamster cage is visually appealing and allows for a thick layer of bedding. Unlike an aquarium or terrarium, it prevents debris from escaping. It also allows for the addition of tunnels, reduces noise, and minimizes the risk of escape.
- Disadvantages: The main issue with plexiglass cages is that they often lack adequate size and proper ventilation, which can cause respiratory problems for the hamster in hot weather. Cleaning is also difficult, and the plastic deteriorates over time, becoming opaque. Since the hamster cannot climb or chew on the cage, additional accessories must be purchased.
– Hamster Cage with Tubes
- Advantages: A hamster cage with tubes provides great entertainment for your pet. The hamster can move around easily and climb various sections of the cage. These cages are often large, with two or three levels, offering ample space for accessories and toys.
- Disadvantages: A hamster cage with tubes is quite heavy and difficult to handle. Cleaning is more challenging, and there is a risk of hamsters suffocating inside the tubes. They can also be dangerous for baby hamsters.
– Hamster House
A hamster house serves as a cozy resting area for your small rodent. It can be multi-leveled, making it a large cage with two or three levels, or even more. These houses can be made of wood, plastic, or fabric and come in various models, including tunnels, shelters, and small houses.
– Hamster Transport Cage
There are several formats and types of hamster transport cages. For example, there are travel bags, cardboard cages, plastic cages, and others. These cages serve as temporary living spaces. They must ensure the protection of the animal, preventing it from getting injured, trapped, or strangled. The simplest option is a cardboard box.
You can make one yourself by using a cardboard box. However, cardboard is not always recommended because hamsters can chew through it and escape. There are also well-sealed and ventilated hamster transport cages. Choose a cage with a front opening, which can help prevent your hamster from escaping. Additionally, select one with a top access hatch so you can easily catch your hamster.
As for travel bags, they are sometimes smaller and may not be suitable for your hamster, especially for long trips.
– DIY Hamster Cage
Given that hamster cages can sometimes be expensive, making one yourself can be a good alternative. The goal is to create a simple and suitable cage that ensures your pet’s well-being. You can use an old, large aquarium and transform it into a terrarium. Alternatively, you can build your own terrarium.
To do this, assemble glass panels using glue and silicone. Then, install a ventilation grid on the side or the top, ensuring proper airflow. You can make a small or large hamster cage depending on the species. If you have a cat at home, avoid exposing your hamster to it. In that case, place a wire mesh or fine grating on top of the cage.
Use mesh to create a cover while ensuring there is an opening for access. Also, add a glass or plexiglass panel at the bottom inside the cage to prevent litter from getting stuck in the rail when opening the cage.
To improve your hamster’s comfort, you can add levels or partitions, depending on the species. These levels can be made from small wooden sticks or other materials. For the water bottle, you can attach it to the top grid, stick a suction cup to the bottle holder on the aquarium edge, or use a bottle stand.
For non-jumping animals, you can use open-top furniture or structures that do not close completely.
How to Properly Set Up a Hamster Cage?
Setting up a hamster cage requires accessories, which depend on the available space. You will need a water bottle of 75 to 150 ml and a hamster wheel. The wheel size depends on the species:
– For a dwarf hamster, it should be between 20 and 25 cm.
– For a standard-sized hamster, it should be over 28 cm.
A food bowl (with a diameter greater than 5 cm) is essential to monitor whether the hamster is eating well. Choose a bowl with a substantial weight to prevent it from moving around. You can also add a sand bath and tunnels. However, avoid installing an exercise ball.
Cheap Hamster Cage
The price of a hamster cage depends on the model. The cheapest models cost between 20 and 30 euros. However, these are small cages that do not provide an ideal environment for your hamster’s well-being. It is preferable to choose slightly more expensive models that offer suitable space.
If you lack floor space, opt for multi-level cages. These provide good dimensions at affordable prices. For an intermediate model, expect to spend between 50 and 80 euros. There are also fully equipped cages that include essential accessories for a hamster’s well-being. These cages range from 100 to 300 euros, depending on size and material.
