What Is The Best Type Of Cage For A Hamster?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Best cage overall: Favola Hamster Cage.
  • Best budget hamster cage: Midwest Critterville Arcade Hamster Cage.
  • Best large hamster cage: Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage.
  • Best multi-level hamster cage: 5-Floors Large Twin Tower Syrian Hamster Cage.

What cages are bad for hamsters?

  • Critter Cage / Unmet Cage Size. The critter cage is those colourful yet super tiny cages. …
  • Metal Wire Base. Just ouch! …
  • Metal Wire Walls. …
  • Metal Wire Ladders. …
  • Tunnel Tubes and Bar Wheel or Wheel that can't Move. …
  • Shallow Base Tray. …
  • Poor Ventilation.

What kind of cage does a hamster need?

Aim for a

minimum of 24 inches by 12 inches, and at least 12 inches tall

. However, to keep your hamster active and happy, try to get a bigger cage—when it comes to hamster cages, bigger is always better. Syrian need ample space to run and play, and the actual floor space of the cage is important for this.

Is a cage or aquarium better for a hamster?

The Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, however, recommends using

a wire cage over a glass tank

. A wire tank offers easier maintenance and a healthier living environment for your pet. Either way, hamsters are delicate creatures, so weekly cleaning and sanitizing is a must.

Should I cover my hamsters cage at night?


No Need to Wrap Their Cages

It's only natural for hamsters to not sleep at night, because they're nocturnal. Wrapping or covering your hamster's cage and making his environment darker won't encourage him to sleep. Darkness encourages these little rodents to be awake, after all.

Is it cruel to take a hamster's wheel out at night?


Remove the wheel as a temporary solution

Keep in mind not to let your hamster for a long time without his wheel. It can affect its health enormously. Taking it out during the night is not the smartest thing to do. Since they are nocturnal animals, they are most active at night.

Is caging hamsters cruel?

Is it cruel to keep all animals in captivity?

No

, and there are many commonly kept animals who's needs we can actually meet – dogs and cats are examples of that, as are rabbits and guinea pigs. These animals do just fine in captivity. Dwarf hamsters can do just fine too providing they are kept in a large enough set up.

Why hamster cages are bad?

Most plastic cages are too small for a hamster and

cause the hamster to become bored and display unwanted behaviors

. As well, smaller modules may not have good ventilation posing health risks for hamsters.

Can hamsters drink from a bowl?

All my hamsters have small water dishes in addition to their water bottles and they

do just fine

, some prefer the bottle, some prefer to lap their water from the dish, depending on their mood. The problem with water bowl/dishes is that it's easy for bedding or sand to be kicked in and contaminate the water.

Is a fish tank OK for a hamster?

Rather than shelling hundreds of dollars for such a cage, you might try converting an

old aquarium

into Fluffy's new habitat. If you have a master escape artist, tanks are also pretty safe — as long as you don't give the hamster a chance to climb on something to reach the top of the tank.

Do hamsters like to be held?


They do not like to be held

. They are more prone to bite if they are startled or woken from a deep sleep, or if your hands smell like another animal or food. Handle your hamster gently. … Do not allow other animals like cats, dogs, and ferrets to be around when you are handling your hamster.

Can hamsters swim?

Since these animals live in such a warm and dry environment, many people wonder if they know how to swim. The short answer is

yes

. Your hamster will be able to swim if it encounters water. However, there are several considerations before you should add a small swimming area in your hamster's cage.

How do I know if my hamster is happy?

  1. Being Active at Night. If your hamster is awake and running around their habitat at night, have no fear—this is a sign of a happy hamster. …
  2. A Whole Lot of Chewing. …
  3. Stuffing Their Cheeks. …
  4. Burrowing and Hiding. …
  5. Hibernating. …
  6. Lethargy. …
  7. Not Eating or Drinking. …
  8. Not Chewing.

Should I cover my hamsters cage with a blanket?

Cage Covers

Hamsters don't need darkness to sleep, so it's also unnecessary to cover their cages in the daytime. … If you ever feel like your hamster needs some calming down, you can cover his enclosure with a

soft and lightweight material

, just as long as he can receive ample air circulation.

Do hamster bites hurt?

It's rare for a hamster to actually be aggressive, though, and they typically only bite when they get scared. Those tiny teeth may not do as much damage as those of other animals, but

a bite will hurt and should be discouraged

. Fortunately, you can gradually train your hamster to accept being handled and stop biting.

Do hamsters really need a wheel?


Hamsters need a wheel to get their necessary activity each day

. A wheel is a necessity in a hamster cage. It's bad for the health of your hamster if you don't provide a wheel. Your hamster will experience stress and will not get enough exercise, which can cause obesity.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.