What Kind of Cage Should You Buy for Hamsters?

Hamsters are small rodents that many people enjoy having as pets. Choosing the right cage for your hamster and maintaining it properly helps ensure your hamster is content and healthy. The most common type of hamster is the Syrian, as stated by the ASPCA website. It is also known as the teddy bear or golden hamster. They grow up to 6 inches in length and live about three years. Dwarf hamsters grow to about 3 inches long and live for one or two years.

  1. Glass

    • A 10-gallon glass aquarium is the right size for a hamster. These cages are heavy and durable. This may not be the best choice for a hamster owner that has difficulty lifting it to clean the cage or someone who must relocate the cage often. This is a long-lasting option that is relatively simple to clean. Invest in a glass cage that has some type of lid to keep your hamster safe inside it. This type of cage works well for both dwarf and Syrian hamsters. It is perfectly acceptable to borrow a glass cage or purchase one inexpensively at a garage sale. Clean it thoroughly before placing your hamster inside it.

    Plastic

    • Plastic cages are lighter in weight than glass cages. They are not as difficult to handle while cleaning or moving the cage to another area in your home. Plastic cages scratch quickly. This mars the surface of the plastic container, giving it a cloudy or etched look. It is less expensive than a glass cage and provides a safe environment for any type of hamster as long as it has a lid.

    Wire

    • Wire cages are widely available. They are less expensive than glass or plastic cages. Wire cages are durable and uncomplicated to clean. Hamster enjoy burrowing in their bedding and the wire cage doesn't prevent the bedding material from coming out onto the floor or table where the cage rests. Wire cages weigh less than the glass and plastic options. These cages are not appropriate for dwarf hamsters since the space between the wires allows them to escape. This may result in death if the animal cannot be found quickly.

    Tube

    • Tube cages are another option for hamster owners. They provide areas for the hamsters to travel through tunnels and other interesting compartments. This gives the pet plenty of exercise and protects it from boredom. The tube compartments must be cleaned on a regular basis and this is often difficult and time consuming. Large or pregnant Syrian hamsters may get trapped inside the tubes, resulting in the death of your pet. Condensation and poor ventilation is another factor to consider since the tube cages may become odorous more quickly than other types. If you decide on this type of cage, purchase one that has sections of the tubes that are wire. This helps with proper ventilation and condensation.