never had a hamster before, but planning to maybe adopt 1, maybe 2 (seperate cages), dwarf hamsters
hamster tips/advice?
- Thread starter fatty and friends
- Start date
Number one thing to know is that those little cages sold at pet stores for them are trash.
The minimum size cage is a 40 gal tank, and they need at least 6 inches of bedding, an extra large solid wheel (most sold for them are too small and cause spinal issues), a sand bath, and lots of hideouts and toys.
Fish tanks work well for hamsters, but you do have to make a DIY lid (with plenty of ventilation, making hardware cloth a good choice). Besides that, they're a pretty easy option and readily available. I recommend a 50 or 60 gal tank, but the more the better. A 40 gal should still work well though.
Here's an example, though it could use a bit more bedding in at least one area. (none of these are my pictures by the way)
Another option, which is much cheaper, is a bin cage. These do take a bit more work, but if you like DIYs this may be the one. A size equivalent to 40 gallons would be around 650 square inches.
Here's some examples
Ikea also makes some good hamster cages. Well, They aren't intended for them but the Detolf shelf and Linnmon make amazing hamster cages with a bit of work.
Not only do they provide plenty of space, but I think they also look really nice.
Here's the Detolf (953 Sq inches)
And the Linnmon (877 Sq inches)
A few other things to know:
Avoid food with lots of dyes. These have no nutritional value and are equivalent to junk food. I don't know a whole lot about diet, but I highly recommend watching "Erin's Animals" and "Victoria Raechel" on YouTube. Not only will they have more information on diet, but on everything hamster. Erin's Animals has lots of DIY cage videos.
Avoid wheels with wire, since the hamsters legs and feet can get stuck in there, which can cause them to lose limbs...
And be sure the wheel is at least 6 inches, because in wheels smaller than that the hamsters back will curve and cause serious spinal issues.
The wheel should also have a back on it, like the ones pictured.
It's recommended that you scatter the food some so that the hamster has to forage for it. Not only does this provide great enrichment to stimulate the hamsters brain, but it will also give them some exercise.
Pet safe cleaning products should always be used of course, and you really just need to spot clean the cage as needed. Deep cleaning should be done around every 2 to 3 months.
Here's an article with more information on this.
https://thehamstercare.com/how-to-clean-a-hamster-cage-3/
Be sure to get plenty of hidey houses too. Most hides made for fish, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs work well. You can also use paper towel tubes and PVC pipe to encourage your hamster to borrow.
Hopefully this helps, and feel free to ask me any questions.
The minimum size cage is a 40 gal tank, and they need at least 6 inches of bedding, an extra large solid wheel (most sold for them are too small and cause spinal issues), a sand bath, and lots of hideouts and toys.
Fish tanks work well for hamsters, but you do have to make a DIY lid (with plenty of ventilation, making hardware cloth a good choice). Besides that, they're a pretty easy option and readily available. I recommend a 50 or 60 gal tank, but the more the better. A 40 gal should still work well though.
Here's an example, though it could use a bit more bedding in at least one area. (none of these are my pictures by the way)
Another option, which is much cheaper, is a bin cage. These do take a bit more work, but if you like DIYs this may be the one. A size equivalent to 40 gallons would be around 650 square inches.
Here's some examples
Ikea also makes some good hamster cages. Well, They aren't intended for them but the Detolf shelf and Linnmon make amazing hamster cages with a bit of work.
Not only do they provide plenty of space, but I think they also look really nice.
Here's the Detolf (953 Sq inches)
And the Linnmon (877 Sq inches)
A few other things to know:
Avoid food with lots of dyes. These have no nutritional value and are equivalent to junk food. I don't know a whole lot about diet, but I highly recommend watching "Erin's Animals" and "Victoria Raechel" on YouTube. Not only will they have more information on diet, but on everything hamster. Erin's Animals has lots of DIY cage videos.
Avoid wheels with wire, since the hamsters legs and feet can get stuck in there, which can cause them to lose limbs...
And be sure the wheel is at least 6 inches, because in wheels smaller than that the hamsters back will curve and cause serious spinal issues.
The wheel should also have a back on it, like the ones pictured.
It's recommended that you scatter the food some so that the hamster has to forage for it. Not only does this provide great enrichment to stimulate the hamsters brain, but it will also give them some exercise.
Pet safe cleaning products should always be used of course, and you really just need to spot clean the cage as needed. Deep cleaning should be done around every 2 to 3 months.
Here's an article with more information on this.
https://thehamstercare.com/how-to-clean-a-hamster-cage-3/
Be sure to get plenty of hidey houses too. Most hides made for fish, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs work well. You can also use paper towel tubes and PVC pipe to encourage your hamster to borrow.
Hopefully this helps, and feel free to ask me any questions.
Last edited:
Weeg
Enabler
I'm guessing this is supposed to say made "for" rather than of.
Oh goodness!I'm guessing this is supposed to say made "for" rather than of.
Yes, that is what I meant. I should checked this before posting..
Weeg
Enabler
No problem hahaha! Auto correct is a pain.Oh goodness!
Yes, that is what I meant. I should checked this before posting..
Did you end up getting a hamster, or are you still planning to?
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