Cages & Tubes for Large Hamsters

When choosing a cage for your pet hamster, consider the cage's size and durability. Larger hamsters, like smaller hamsters, need enough space for sleeping, eating and exercise. A large hamster is typically longer than 5 inches. Also, some cage models are more susceptible to cold draught than others. Cold draught is the pet industry term for cool air that passes through a cage. Excessive cold draught causes hamsters to become ill.

  1. Wire Frame Cages

    • A wire frame cage comes in a square or rectangular model and all of the cage's sides are made from steel wire. Hamster owners buy wire frame cages since hamsters are not able to chew their way through the wire and make their escape. Wire frame cages come in one-, two- or three-level models. The levels are accessible via plastic or metal ramps. Two- and three-level models are appropriate for larger hamsters since it gives your pet more room to maneuver. The highest level doesn't rise more than one to two feet from the cage's base in case the hamster falls from the level.

    Glass Aquariums

    • Glass aquarium cages are made in various sizes and 3 to 5-foot long models provide enough space for large hamsters. Some advantages of glass aquarium cages are that hamsters aren't able to climb out or chew through the glass to escape. Also, glass aquarium cages prevent cold draughts from passing through the cage and the pet's owners are able to view their hamster at all times. However, only free-standing hamster wheels work in glass aquariums because these cages can't accommodate clip-on wheels. Glass aquariums also create hot environments for hamsters if left in direct sunlight.

    Plastic Tubes

    • Some hamster cages feature plastic tubes, which provide a source of exercise and entertainment for hamsters. Plastic tubes create preexisting burrows for hamsters to explore, rather than making new burrows in the cage's wood chip bedding. The tubes' diameter must be wide enough to provide a hamster with an easy passage. Some plastic tubes have 10- to 12-inch diameters to accommodate larger hamsters. One disadvantage to having plastic tube cages is the difficulty of cleaning the tubes; tubes must be completely removed from the cage for cleansing.

    Large Pet Hamsters

    • The largest hamsters on the pet market are Syrian hamsters. This hamster grows between 6 to 7 inches long at maturity. The life span of Syrian hamsters is 2 to 3 years. Syrian hamsters prefer living alone rather than having a cage mate. Another long hamster variety is Campbell's, a gray hamster that grows up to 5 inches long. However, Campbell's hamsters only live between one to two years, but tolerate other hamsters more than Syrian hamsters.