Cages for Hamsters

The first decision you will have to make is what type of hamster cage your will be providing for your new pet hamster. There are options available from which to choose. Each type of hamster cage has its advantages as well as its drawbacks:

Wire cages

Wire cages are fine for your hamster. You just need to know that bedding material, bits of food, and hamster droppings can fall through the wire bars. Of course, this can get quite messy. Something else for you to think about is that hamsters will sometimes gnaw on the wire bars. Believe me, this is not a pleasant sound, especially if your hamster does this at night. Syrian hamsters are nocturnal – they are active during the night time – meaning they are active at night. On the other hand, dwarf hamsters are crepuscular. This means that they are active early in the morning and early in the evening.

Glass aquariums

Glass aquariums are much better if you are concerned about mess and about your hamster gnawing on wire bars. However, they are a bit more difficult to clean than wire cages. You need to make sure that the glass aquarium is always clean. This type of house is prone to a build up of ammonia gas. You also need to ensure that the top of the aquarium is always covered. Hamster are known to climb out and escape. Covers made specifically for covering the aquarium top can be bought at your local pet store. Make sure you get one with clips if not your hamster can still push the cover off and climb out!

Combination of wire and plastic

These types of housing can work well for your hamster. Just be aware that if you do not clean the plastic regularly it can become discolored.

Keep these things in mind no matter which type of habitat you decide on:

1. The cage should be at least 24 inches by 12 inches. Also make sure that it is at least 10 inches tall. It should have enough space to allow your hamster to have an area to sleep, an area to eat, and an area to potty. Some hamsters will store food in the area where they sleep.

2. Try not to get a multi-level habitat. Remember that hamsters are not good climbers and they can be seriously injured from a fall. It is better to choose a hamster home that offers more floor space than choosing a tall cage.

3. The cage should always be kept clean. Hamsters are more likely to become sick if they are living in a dirty home.

4. Make sure that the cage is dry. You should regularly check to make sure that the water bottle is not leaking. If not if could be wetting the bedding. If the bedding it piled up to close to the bottom of the water bottle it may cause the bottle to release water.

5. Stay away from wooden cages, unless you want your hamster to chew its way to freedom. In fact, you should not get a cage with any wooden parts. Believe me when I say that your hamster will find the wooden piece to chew.

6. Buy a cage made especially for hamsters. Cages that were made for other types of rodents may have spaces between the bars that are large enough for your hamster to escape.

7. Keep the cage in a location away from any drafts.

8. Keep the cage away from direct sunlight.

Once you have decided on the type of cage you want, its time to select the other supplies you will need.

Be sure to visit our store for your hamsters supplies, the hamster cage, and hamster habitats.