How much money do you have set aside for your hamster cage budget?
Do you have enough for your cage and for all the other supplies you will need? If you have a limited amount of money to work with, make a list of all the items you will need and how much each item costs. Once you know how much money you have to work with, you can find cages within your budget.
What size cage does my hamster need?
Minimum cage size is something that no two people in the hamster community probably agree on. Each country and community have their own standards of what a minimum cage size is. For example, in the US, 450 square inches of floor space is generally considered a minimum (as opposed to an ideal size). In the UK, it's around 4,000 sq cm. However, in Germany it’s typically quoted as 800 sq in of floor space for dwarf hamsters and 1000 sq in for Syrians. Therefore, it’s better to shoot for greater than the minimum and work towards having the largest cage you can reasonable afford/get. More information on cage size minimums HERE.
How do I measure my cage size?
Hamster cage size is measured in square floor inches (or centimeters). To figure out how many square inches your cage is, you multiple the length of the cage x width of the bottom of the cage. For example, if you cage measures 35 inches (89 cms) in length and 18 inches (45 cms) wide, your cage is 630 sq inches (about 4,000 sq cms) of floor space. You only count unbroken space as floor space, for modular cages, only measure the largest part of the cage.
How much room do I have in my room or the room the hamster will live in?
Figure out where you want to put your hamster cage and measure out the space so you know how big of a cage you can fit. You’ll want to measure the length of the space, the width, and the height, factoring in whether or not the cage has a top opening lid.
Does my cage allow for at least 6 inches of bedding depth throughout the entire cage?
Hamsters are burrowing creatures, which means they spend most of their lives underground. Typically, 6 inches of bedding is considered the minimum bedding depth. In studies, hamsters have been observed not even attempting to burrow in 4 inches or less. If you have a cage that has a tub base, make sure it can hold at least 6 inches of bedding.
What do you mean size isn’t everything??
Yes, while a large cage is much more likely to make your hamster happy, you still need enrichment to provide a good environment. Enrichment and size go together like chocolate and peanut butter. You can’t have one without the other (and if you disagree, you are a SAVAGE, sir! Just kidding
). A big empty cage can be just as depressing as a too small cage. A large cage means more opportunity for enrichment but even a cage on the smaller size should be enriched to the best of your ability. Remember to save room in your budget for enrichment. For enrichment ideas, click HERE.If you decide to go with a wire cage, are the bar gaps small enough so your hamster can’t escape?
A Syrian hamster will need ½ inch or less. Dwarf hamsters need a bar spacing of ¼ or less.
Choose a cage with good ventilation
Ventilation is important as too little ventilation will trap condensation, risk the cage getting too hot inside, and trap ammonia odors from urine. Whatever cage you get, it needs to have sufficient ventilation. Holes drilled in the lid of a cage is not enough ventilation.
Can you fit the wheel you need inside the cage?
A Syrian hamster will need a 10-12 inch wheel and a dwarf will need 8-10 inch wheel. The cage you select will need to be able to fit your hamster’s wheel and spin easily when filled with bedding.
Is this best cage for your species and sex of hamster?
A common problem new hamster owners face is they spend a lot of money on their cage and then realize after the fact, it wasn’t suitable for the long term. For example, if you get a young female Syrian and you get a cage that is just a bit over the minimum. It’s very likely that she will start exhibiting stress behaviors shortly after you bring her home. For more information on stress behaviors click HERE. Barred cages are often not the best choices for Syrians as they are known for relentless bar biting. While dwarf hamsters are typically considered easier to please in the size department but that doesn’t mean you should just go for the minimum.
What kind of cages are available?
The three most common types of cages are:
• A commercial cage – this is a cage you buy either ready to go or with simple building instructions. This is the most convenient option. This includes glass aquariums because you don’t need any DIY skills to use them as a hamster cage. Here is a LIST of some common commercial cages.
• A bin cage – this is a cage that you make yourself with a few tools out of a plastic storage bin. This is the cheapest option available, provided you have some basic tools. Here is a GUIDE on creating a bin cage and the tools you will need.
• A DIY cage – this is a cage that you can make yourself that requires more planning and basic skills than a bin cage. It can be a cheaper option than the commercial cage, if the prices of materials are not too expensive in your area and you have the tools you need. It is the most customizable cage, and the size is only limited by your available space. Here is a GUIDE on creating a DIY cage.
Good luck finding your hamster's new home!
