How to Make a Dwarf Hamster Cage Escape-Proof

An active pet hamster can quickly get bored inside the confines of a small cage. Dwarf hamsters are quick and small, usually measuring 1 to 4 inches long. They can fit through extremely small openings. A regular hamster cage won't suffice. You will need to be especially careful when preparing a dwarf hamster cage to keep your charges from getting lost in your home.

  1. Cage

    • If you want to minimize the chances of your hamster escaping and cut down on the amount of work you will need to put into making it completely escape-proof, you need to select the right cage from the store. Cages with glass or acrylic walls are more escape-proof than those made of wire or plastic bars. If you do choose a cage with bars, the bars should be less than a quarter inch apart and made of thick materials that your hamster can not chew through. Hamsters like to chew and will chew on whatever is available, including right through cage bars.

    Doors and Lids

    • Never leave the doors or lids of your hamster's cage unlocked or opened, even for a moment. Dwarf hamsters can escape in a split second. If your hamster cage's opening does not have a locking mechanism, you may want to purchase a separate lock or snap and use it to fasten all doors or lids to the cage. Check your local pet store for locks that are specially designed to work on hamster cages.

    Climbing

    • Dwarf hamsters can and will climb. If your hamster's cage opens at the top, make sure nothing in your hamster's cage is tall enough for your hamster to climb up and escape. Avoid climbable objects that go near the door of the cage or close to any areas that will put your hamster in close proximity to an means out. Do not dangle any toys from the cage roof for your hamster to climb up if you cage opens at the top.

    Pay Attention

    • It takes just a moment's distraction for your hamster to escape. Pay attention to your hamster when you are working with the cage or your pet to prevent accidental escapes. Make sure to always close the doors on the cage and lock them even when you will be reaching right back into the cage. If you can't perform regular care duties such as feeding and cleaning the cage without your hamster escaping, buy a second cage or a hamster ball to keep your hamster locked securely in while you clean the cage, replace bedding and food, and perform other routine care. Always make sure you know where your hamster is when you open the cage.