Cage for my hamster?

Question

I was thinking of either getting my new male dwarf hamster a habitrail safari, habitrail playground or, a plastic bin cage. What do you think is the best choice. Please include reason to your answer because i really want my hamster to have the best cage possible for him.

Please don't even mention getting him an aquarium 1 because i do not have the funds and 2 because it will be to heavy for me for when i clean his cage. All answers regarding me getting a glass aquarium WILL BE IGNORED!!


thnx in advance

Answer 1

The bin cage is a great idea personally use clear “see thru” Rubbermaid® or Sterlite® bins for my hamster cages. I drill holes in the sides and in the lid, but many breeders just buy wire mesh to make their own lid. If you do decide to use a bin or an aquarium, you must have a lid on the top and just be sure that there is plenty of ventilation.

Also, it is wise to have already bought your cage, have it cleaned out and set up before you bring your new hamster home.

Besides a cage, the hamster will also need:

-water bottle and a water bottle holder if using a bin or aquarium.

-a solid exercise wheel - avoid using runged wheels as the hamster can slip whilst running and get it’s leg caught.

BinCoreycage-hamster food mix

-ceramic food dish - although not really necessary

“toys” - that your hamster might like:

- a plastic or wooden house for the hamster to sleep in

- a hamster “see saw”

- a toilet paper roll

- small, card board box, like a Pop tart box

- a potty ( you can use wood shavings or sand (not dust) for the litter).

- a “run about” exercise ball

Bedding

( this is a pretty controversial subject in the “hamster world”)

- Choices include:

Wood shavings,

Aspen shavings

CareFRESH® pet bedding - which is a patented pet bedding made from reclaimed wood pulp waste. (here is the website for more information: www.absorbent.com).

- plain, white, unscented toilet paper is cheap and makes it easy for the hamster to make a nice, cozy bed.

The following should NEVER be used in your hamster cage:

Cedar shavings

Newspaper

shredded paper from an office

cotton, wool or any form of “fluffy” bedding

cat litter

Sand “Dust”

towels or material

Lorraine Hill also gives the following advice in her book, The Really Useful Hamster Guide:
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Once the cage has been prepared, it should be placed:

-in a fairly quite room

-in a room where the temperature is constant

-out of the way of other pets which may harm it

-away from direct sunlight

-away from drafts

-away from radiators and heater

Answer 2

The safari and playground are almost the same thing except for the colors and on the playground, there is more space in the little covered house for the hamster. I have the safari and it has a VERY quiet wheel and I've had the cage for a long time. You just have to be careful when you pick up the safari cage because the bottom might come off. It just depends on what you care about most.

Answer 3

A bin cage would have the largest area for the hamster. It would need some modification for the water bottle and a lid. IT would also be the cheapest option, as the habitrail generally costs $30 or more and a bin would be about $10.

Answer 4

Go with the bin idea, it will be cheaper to replace than the habitrails, plus better air curculation. The habitrails and other simular brands will start to smell like urine, and the plastic tubes eventually get chewed up,and will need replacing and you might end up with a loose pet

Answer 5

well, this is what you should do before you go spend crap loads of money on a new cage.
first, go buy a plastic playground cage or whatever, then a wire cage, (all animals are different and this will save you time and money) but get the 2 cages and then see which one he likes the most. then after a while go buy the biggest cage you can afford of the kind he loves.

Answer 6

I personally love bin cages. They are so easy and inexpesive to make. Plus, they can be made HUGE. I find the habitrail cages are way too small
Here's a great link on easy how-to instructions for making them.
http://critterscoop.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=41

Answer 7

My favorite is My First Home. It comes with supplies and everything. If that is not your style or too expensive, I would buy either of the habitrail ones. I've heard that hamsters LOVE them.

Answer 8

My nephew has the playground only. He switch from an aquarium to it, and said he would never go back. But since I don't know know the others, this will have to be based on opinion instead of fact.

Answer 9

i have a habitrail space station. but watch out when you open it the thing that keeps it closed can fall off but it can be put back on