I'm planning on getting a hamster so I've been doing some research on the internet on what kind of cage to get. Do they run around a lot or only run in the wheel? I want to know what kind of space they need. The Habitrail cages seem a little small but is an aquarium type really better?
I had thought of connecting two cages but then I read that the tubes aren't really that safe because they're not ventilated. Anyone have any personal opinions on this? I mean if I use short tunnels to connect 2 cages I'm sure it will be fine.
2006-07-10 01:45:19 · 10 answers · asked by watch4whales 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
You've already gotten good advice here, and it's great you're finding out everything before you get your hamster.
Somebody else mentioned how hamsters often start chewing on the bars of their cage - usually because they're bored, don't have anything else to gnaw on or because they don't have enough room to run around. For this reason maybe a big aquarium is a good idea, as long as it has a cover made of wire screen and heavy enough so he couldn't get out (for example, wire mesh set in a wooden frame that fits on top of the aquarium and can't slip off).
Hamsters are very active, and need alot of exercise, so if he's in an aquarium where he can't climb on the bars, he should have plenty of toys inside, like wooden ladders and other pet-safe toys to climb on and through. You can use cardboard boxes from things like tissues and cereal as disposable toys and nests for him. A wheel is very important too.
And ventilation is important, which is why the Habitrail cages aren't ideal - they're too closed in. An aquarium is more open. One more thing, make sure you don't use either cedar or pine shavings - they both irritate the hamster's respiratory tract. The best litter is a brand called Carefresh.
Hope this helps...
2006-07-10 03:05:43 · answer #1 · answered by Birdie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, hamsters are VERY active besides the wheel. We got ours a metal bar cage, and he would climb up his ladder and swing from the top bars. His feet would be dangling down and it was halarious! It was pretty small, but he enjoyed running around and slept in a little "Hamster house". The bad thing about them is that they chew on the door bars at night. They will sometimes chew out of plastic cages, though, and can't hardly digest plastic. There is really nothing to climb in a tank. Also get your hamster a ball to run around in, but make sure it's secure or your little friend could get out and behind the stove, like mine did on my birthday. He was fine, though. Hope this helps!
2006-07-10 08:59:03 · answer #2 · answered by Chloe 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As for me...my hamster love to hamster cage or someting like metal cage compare with aquarium...
the aquarium tend to be hotter than the habitrail cage...
Hamster not only like to play in the weel but also like to climbing and run around the cage...also dig if possible...but it also depend on the kind of ur hamster...if ur hamster is syrian..i suggest u buy the medium to big cage...if the cage to small...beside the hamster can't move around(ur hamster become fat and get sick easily) but also ur hamster will get stress...because the place is too small for them.But if u hamster is a small time like robo..should be okay...as long as the population no more than 2 per cage
The tubes should be okay for ur hamster...i saw there are the tubes with small ventilation...
so i hope my suggestion will be usefull for u...
:)
2006-07-10 09:19:08 · answer #3 · answered by kezia 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
miss hamsters sleep during the day and move around alot at night tubes are not good as there not ventilated and the hamster could get stuck in it using 2 shoert tunnels to connect 2 cages is wrong you need one solid cage only i highly reccomend an aquarium your hamster would be far more happy in one than anything else. the wheel for the hamster gives it excirsise.
2006-07-10 09:11:33 · answer #4 · answered by precious52801 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
We have always gotten the hamster cages with all of the tubes and they seemed to enjoy them! They do like to run in the wheel too though!
2006-07-10 08:53:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters arn't very active and I believe that a ten gallon aquarium is large enough. I have always enjoyed gerbils better due to thier activity level but I always housed them in an aquarium as well and just bought a ball for them to run around the house in.
2006-07-10 08:50:58 · answer #6 · answered by sonia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm sure the short tunnels will be fine.. duno.. i only put mine in a cage.. with the wheel and food and water..
i guess the hamster ball's not bad..
i think they run more in the wheel if they r in the cage.. but where as of cuz if given a lot of space, they'd run around exploring..
aquarium types.. quite hard to clean i guess..
2006-07-10 09:14:00 · answer #7 · answered by poptoooty 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ya know you just reminded me about something! when my dad's friend was going somewhere for a short while he wanted us to take care of his hamster that he didn't take good care of. it was a small bird cage with peed news papers and and two bird bowls with a slice of cabbage in each! when we first got him he looked pretty sick and sad, the guy never came back!
2006-07-10 09:23:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
how about getting a hamster ball for exercise? they look really cute in them! plus, u can gib more space in the hamster cage for other comfy hamster toys.
2006-07-10 08:48:59 · answer #9 · answered by Raven Hood® 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Product_R_8911_PC_productlist_Nav_236_N_86%20122%2030_cp_2_Nao_12_sku_642452_familyID_100081.aspx
2006-07-10 08:53:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋