Hamster cage and dwarf hamster cage tips
A hamster cage can never be too big. Your hamster is a very active animal (at night!) and
he needs a lot of space. To keep him really happy the absolute minimum size of
a cage for a syrian or golden hamster is 15 x 10 inch! Larger and
two or three levels is of course better. You should keep no more than one
hamster in a cage. Two hamsters in one cage will fight and can cause serious
injuries or even death! You don't have to be afraid that one hamster will be lonely. NEVER give a small pet just any type of wool,
cotton, fiberglass, felt or aquarium filter material for nesting! Unapproved
nesting material can be swallowed and has caused many deaths by blocking the
stomach of a small pet!
You can also buy all or nearly all plastic cages, comprising
a number of compartments linked by tubes. These look attractive and will
stop draughts, although expensive to buy if a suitable size is used. The
cage may need to be taken apart to get the hamster out until it gets to know
its owner and will come to the owner's voice. These cages do, however, come
into their own if you also own a cat or dog as the hamster is protected
against claws.
The cage should always be placed indoors. Avoid wooden cages (as your hamster will chew his way out!) and metal
ones,
which can get rather cold. A cage of plastic or glass is best, but make sure the top or lid is fixed
securely
If you are looking for a
dwarf hamster cage, then keep in mind that
the size of a dwarf hamster is 2 - 4 inches. Being so small a dwarf
hamster is able to squeeze through the bars of cages originally designed for
the Syrian hamsters, so be certain that you get a cage with very narrow
bars, or an all plastic cage. Multi-unit habitats are suitable for this
species, but only if the vertical tunnels are equipped with ladders.
Buy a habitat not only because is looks good, but make sure
your pet feels at home in it. The cage should have a house and exercise
wheel. The exercise wheel is very important, so your pet can have
the workout it needs.
Position the habitat somewhere light and airy, away from draughts, heaters,
direct sunlight and other pets. Never put it on or near a television, radio or hi-fi
or a fridge!
How to keep a hamster cage clean
A good layer of sawdust or shavings should be spread on the floor of the
cage to absorb the urine - sawdust is the more absorbent of the two - but it
is a personal choice. If you are keeping a long-haired hamster then sawdust
is preferable as shavings tend to tangle the long hair. NEVER put newspaper
under the sawdust, as chewing this could lead to poisoning. Your hamster will also need a "damp" corner where it can urinate. The
corner of a plastic box will serve as a tray for this purpose and should-be
filled with sawdust.
The home
should be thoroughly cleaned out every week, and every day the water bottle
should be refilled and any droppings and perishable food removed. The damp
corner must also be cleaned frequently (every day or at least a few times a
week).
Related links
Hamster supply
PetsMart.com - Offering food, treats, collars, leashes, health products, shampoos, medication, toys, carriers, housing and other supplies for all pets.
The Ferret Store - A variety of items for ferrets, cats, dogs, birds, small pets, horses, reptiles, and exotics.