Different Types of Hamster Cages

Choosing a cage is an important part of acquiring a hamster. There are differences among the types of cages offered and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right hamster cage is important for your hamster's health, happiness and well-being. Of course, the more space you give them, the happier they will be so try to find the biggest cage you can accommodate and afford.



Regardless of the type of cage on which you decide, your cage should have a food bowl and water bottle, as well as a way to attach the bottle. If the cage does not come with these supplies, you may find them sold separately.

  1. Wire Cages

    • Wire cages have open bottoms set in plastic trays, allowing you to lift the wire portion of the cage so that the litter can be dumped out of the tray and both parts scrubbed down. Wire cages are lightweight, durable, and simple to keep clean.

      Wire cages can be drafty, a problem because hamsters are sensitive to cold. The tray should be at least 2 to 3 inches deep so that the hamster will not kick its litter out. If you own dwarf hamsters, make sure that the bars are spaced no more than 1/4 inch apart so that they cannot escape. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), wire cages should be a minimum of 2 square feet in size. Wire cages of a size suitable cost about $35 for the base model.

    Modular Cages

    • Modular cages are made of a series of plastic boxes and clear tubes that allows the hamster to run around the chambers. Smaller modular cages can be used in conjunction with larger wire cages, providing hamsters with another place to hide and play. While they are a good choices for dwarf hamsters, Chinese hamsters and Roborovski hamsters, Syrian hamsters can get caught in the tubes. This cage has poor ventilation, and can be difficult to take apart and clean. Modular cages range in price from $35 to $65.

    Aquariums

    • Aquariums have solid glass, plastic or acrylic sides and a plastic or metal base. Aquariums for hamsters should have a mesh top that prevents the hamster from climbing out. Aquariums prevent dwarf hamsters from escaping as there are no bars for them to squeeze through. Aquariums allow for an unobstructed view of the hamster, but the lack of ventilation can lead to a buildup of ammonia from pet urine.

      Aquariums need to be cleaned weekly and spot-cleaned as needed. The HSUS recommends the aquarium be 2 ft x 1 ft . A 20 gallon aquarium, meets these requirements and starts at around $45.

    Hybrid Cages

    • A hybrid cage features an aquarium on the bottom and a wire cage topper.This provides a hamster with the best of both worlds: more ventilation and protection from drafts. As with the wire cages, the bars should be spaced no further than 1/4 inch apart to prevent dwarf hamsters from escaping. The disadvantage of these cages is that they can be complex to take apart and clean. Hybrid cages begin at around $33.