Ideally, you should buy a cage with a floor that measures at least 24 x 12 inches and has a height of at least 12 inches, while an aquarium should be at least 20 gallons. However, it can be difficult to find a modular plastic cage with one very large compartment therefore it is recommended that more compartments are added.Įven though dwarf and Chinese hamsters are smaller than Syrian hamsters, they are more active and so require the same amount of floor space. While having multiple levels in a wire or modular plastic cage is beneficial, your hamster will still need a sufficient amount of floor space, and there should be at least one large compartment for exercise in addition to a separate compartment for nesting.
HOW TO STOP HAMSTER FROM CHEWING ON PLASTIC CAGE FREE
In particular, it is the actual free floor space that should be considered here. This is important in order to prevent boredom and possible development of behavioral problems. If the cage contains multiple levels you will also need to ensure that there is no place in the cage where your hamster could fall from a height.įor both Syrian and dwarf hamsters you will need a cage that is a large enough size for them to explore and play in. If you choose to buy a plastic cage then you will need to check for any exposed portions of plastic around the sides of the cage that the hamster might chew on, as otherwise the hamster may eventually escape. Plastic cages are a good choice for dwarf and Chinese hamsters, but horizontally positioned tubes will be easier for them to use. Pregnant hamsters and some larger Syrian hamsters may be too big for built-in compartments, tubes, or hamster wheels, and therefore such cages are not suitable. In addition, the more compartments and tubes there are the more difficult it is to take the cage apart and to clean. However, these cages can be relatively expensive, and compartments and tubes can be poorly ventilated, causing poor air quality and condensation. Plastic modular cages are secure and draft proof due to their solid sides, and multiple compartments and tubes in the cage can help keep your hamster happy and active, while further compartments can be added over time. This is particularly important for wire cages to reduce the amount of bedding that is pushed outside the cage. Regardless of the type of cage that you choose, you will want it to have a deep tray to give your hamster a deep layer of bedding to burrow in. A solid sided cage may be necessary if this does not work. Even so, it is advisable to provide your hamster with chew toys and other toys to try to avoid boredom and lessen this behavior.
In addition, your hamster may develop a habit of chewing the wires of the cage, but it is unlikely that they will be able to chew all the way through them. A metal bolt clip can be clipped on to lock the door if necessary. Doors on wire cages can also be insecure, so you should check to make sure they cannot easily be opened. This makes most wire cages a less suitable option for dwarf and Chinese hamsters since it is difficult to find such a cage that also provides a large enough living space for the hamster. The wire bars should ideally be spaced no more than 0.5 inches apart for Syrian hamsters, and no more than 0.25 inches apart for dwarf and Chinese hamsters, to prevent them from potentially squeezing through and escaping. The main disadvantage of wire cages is that they are less secure than solid sided cages. Although you should ensure that there is no place in the cage where your hamster could fall from a height. Wire cages with ladders and multiple levels are also available, which can give your hamster additional areas to explore. This makes them the easiest type of cage to clean, while they also have the best ventilation, meaning that there are no problems with air quality or condensation, although they do need to be kept in an area away from drafts. They are relatively inexpensive, light, and have a plastic base with a wire top attached that can be unclipped to easily get the hamster out or to clean the cage. Wire cages are the most common type of hamster cage available.
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