Review of the 8 best cages for hamsters. Rating based on user reviews

Updated: 02/26/2021 13:54:59

Expert: Rudenko Irina Sergeevna

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Before purchasing a hamster, you should decide where the animal will live. Choosing a home for an animal is not as easy as it seems, because it must be spacious enough, safe and comfortable for the rodent, not take up much space and, at the same time, fit harmoniously into the interior.

How to choose a cage for a hamster

If you are planning to get a rodent, you should definitely take care of a comfortable home for it. You will need a cage for your hamster to make life interesting even in captivity. It can be filled with many accessories and toys. To choose a good house, you must take into account several parameters, which will be discussed in detail below:

• the size of the bottom and the structure itself;
• distance between rods;
• number of storeys;
• pallet;
• door design;
• ventilation;
• ease of use and cleaning.

Cage size

Hamsters can travel long distances and generally need to move a lot, this is how nature created them. This means that the animal’s home must be spacious. The minimum size should be 30x50 cm. The larger it is, the better, because the animal needs space for psychological comfort. In a cramped cage he will behave unnaturally and may become ill from lack of exercise. When choosing a size, think in advance about how many accessories you plan to place there.

Distance between rods

This parameter needs to be given special attention. The distance between the bars of the grill should be no more than 1 cm, and if the animal is Djungarian or dwarf, then 0.5 cm maximum. Even a rodent that is bulky in appearance can easily crawl into a thin gap; animals are naturally very flexible and nimble. It is preferable that the rods be horizontal. Then they will become an additional toy for your pet; he will be able to climb them like a ladder. This is good for their fitness.

Number of storeys

This parameter is not important for the animal itself. The more floors, the more interesting it is for the owner to watch his pet. If you choose a design with several levels, keep in mind that the distance between them should be more than 18 cm, but not less than 30 cm. It is better to buy an option in which the height of the partitions can be adjusted independently. Do not give preference to lattice floors, take solid ones. Pieces of food and nesting materials will fall through the gaps, which is very annoying for rodents. In addition, the rodent can get injured on the bars.

Pallet

This element can be static or retractable. The second option is much more convenient for the owner. To clean such a tray, you just need to pull it out without removing the animal. The floor can be solid plastic or latticework made of metal rods. From a hygiene point of view, the second one is preferable; some of the garbage will spill through it. It is important that the rods are frequent, with small intervals. Then the pet will calmly run on them and will not be injured.

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Door design

As a rule, the sash opens upward. It must have a reliable latch, because hamsters are very cunning and strong. They will try to get out and because of the weak door they will be able to do this easily. Doors that open downwards or to the side are not the best option. With this door design, the hamster will be able to open it by pressing with his whole body. Size also matters. The owner’s hand with the animal in it should fit freely through the door.

Ventilation

If the hamster cage is not well ventilated, ammonia will build up in it. This substance is dangerous for rodents and causes them breathing problems. Due to poor ventilation, bacteria can multiply in the home, causing various diseases in animals. In addition, an unpleasant odor will emanate from the house itself. To avoid these troubles, it is better to buy a dwelling made of metal rods, with maximum ventilation from all sides. Glass aquariums and plastic structures are not very well ventilated.

Ease of use and cleaning

You should choose a product that is very easy to clean, because hamsters leave behind a large amount of garbage, which ends up not only in the tray, but also on the walls and accessories. A plastic house or aquarium will have to be cleaned more often than a metal one. You need to choose an option that can be easily disassembled into its main components. Plastic structures are more difficult to clean because they have many hard-to-reach corners and can be broken during disassembly. The best option is a product made of metal gratings.

Types of cages for hamsters

There are four main types of houses depending on the material used. Each of them has both positive and negative sides, which affects the final cost. To make the right choice, you need to evaluate all the pros and cons of the product. Below are their brief characteristics:

1. Metal cage for a hamster. The most popular option. Hamsters will have a very interesting time in metal cages with horizontal bars. These are perfect for Syrian rodents who will not be able to escape due to their large size. Metal models, as a rule, are very easy to disassemble, clean, and are durable. The only drawback of a metal cage is noise. If the animal stays awake in such a house at night, the owner is unlikely to be able to sleep.
2. Plastic cage for a hamster. Such cages are often multi-level, equipped with tunnels and other entertainment. They look beautiful and are perfect for small hamsters, for example, Djungarian hamsters. Plastic models are durable, easy to use, and do not emit unnecessary noise. However, they also have a drawback. The plastic construction is easy to break. There are many hard-to-reach areas, which significantly complicates the cleaning process. Sometimes plastic products are overpriced.
3. Aquarium. This product is perfect for keeping some types of hamsters. These aquariums are durable and transparent, made of glass or plexiglass. There must be a well-ventilated lattice lid on top. The minimum volume of an aquarium for a hamster should be 40 liters. The disadvantages of such a home include heavy weight, poor ventilation, difficulty in operation and cleaning. In addition, it is problematic to attach some accessories to them.
4. Modular system. These are cages to which you can attach any elements at your discretion. This option is very good, but also expensive. Sometimes these houses don't look good. However, this is a great solution for people who plan to increase the number of their pets over time.

TRIOL STUDIO

The beautiful cage design has dimensions of 33*21*23. It comes complete with a house, special components for forming a labyrinth, a drinking bowl, a feeder, and a wheel. The cage is equipped with a comfortable handle and a secure door that the hamster cannot open. The cage is conveniently disassembled (removable bottom), which makes cleaning and cleaning easier.

Pros:

1. Convenient cage-case;
2. Good equipment;
3. Quality materials;
4. Easy cleaning and maintenance.

Syrian hamster cage

This rodent is the largest of its relatives. The cage for a hamster of this breed should be very spacious, at least 50x30 cm and 25 cm in height. If the home is too cramped, the pet may develop diseases such as obesity and physical inactivity. The number of floors for Syrian hamsters does not matter, as well as additional accessories; free space is more important to them. Choose cages for them with a wide but tightly closing door and bars with a distance of 0.5-1 cm. If you are the owner of a Syrian hamster, pay attention to the following models:

• Imac CRICETI 2;
• IPTS Alex;
• Ferplast Criceti 9 Plane.

Basic parameters

Size

The minimum size for the bottom is 50x30 cm for dwarf species and 60x40 cm for Syrians . There is no maximum limit, but larger cages are more difficult to clean and take up a lot of space. Many people get a hamster as a pet precisely in the hope that it does not take up much space.

The huge cages that you can see in a pet store are designed for large rodents - chinchillas, guinea pigs. They also sell tiny ones - 20x25 cm.

A small cage may be offered for sale as a home for dwarf species, but in reality they are only used for laying out young animals, quarantining during illness, and mating. In other words, for short-term keeping of the animal.

It is a mistake to think that a small living area will be enough for a small hamster. Rodents clearly divide their home into zones: bedroom, toilet corner, pantry, dining room, play area.

There must be enough space to ensure that the zones do not overlap. The space inside must not be cluttered.

Housing for the Djungarian hamster

These rodents are one of the cutest and most active animals. Although dwarfs are small in size, the cage for them must be very large and spacious, therefore, when existing in nature, they are able to run vast distances. For them, unlike the Syrians, houses with a large number of floors and all kinds of tunnels, labyrinths, and ladders for games are suitable. Your pet will enjoy a lot of entertainment. What you need to know when planning to buy a cage for a Djungarian hamster:

1. The maximum distance between the rods is 5 mm. It is better that they are located horizontally. If there are several pets and they will breed, then the distance should be even less.
2. Place a house in the cage so that the Djungarian hamster has its own cozy shelter. Provide your baby with materials to build a nest.
3. Buy ceramic food bowls that will be difficult for your pet to tip over, and a drinking bowl with a nipple or nipple. Light dishes will constantly tip over, and this will make your home excessively humid.

The range of models offered by modern manufacturers is very wide. The following options are most suitable for Djungarian hamsters:

• Zoonic;
• Credo;
• Ferplast Coney.

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How to set up a hamster cage

The contents of a home are no less important than the size and quality of workmanship. A hamster will need various accessories in its house. You definitely need to set up a house for the animal. You can use a flower pot with a hole in the bottom or another suitable object for this purpose. It is preferable to buy an inexpensive hamster cage with a ready-made house for your pet at a pet store. It is better to choose one with a plastic one, which is convenient to disassemble for cleaning. The remaining accessories will be discussed in detail below.

Drinker and feeder

To feed the hamster you will need two bowls. You will put dry food in one, and wet food in the second. It is best if they are ceramic. Products made from such material are difficult for animals to turn over because they are heavy. A drinking bowl with a nipple or nipple is a must. Make sure that the product you choose does not leak. It is better not to place an open bowl of water, because the hamster will constantly turn it over and cover it with sawdust.

running wheel

A hamster must have this attribute. Wheels come in metal and plastic. The first option is more durable. A hamster can chew on a plastic wheel, but it makes less noise when moving. When choosing an accessory, pay attention to the distance between the rods. If the gaps are too large, the hamster may fall through them and seriously injure his limbs. The best option is a solid plastic wheel. The diameter of the product for a Djungarian or Chinese dwarf hamster should be 20 cm, and for a Syrian hamster – 30 cm.

Toys and goodies

The rodent will need treats and entertainment. Without them, the animal will be too bored. With a lack of mobility, hamsters can develop various diseases, the most common of which is obesity. . Toys and treats cannot be called mandatory, but they will cheer up your pet and he will always have something to do. What you can buy:

1. Teeth sharpener. It's better to spend money on this item because a hamster is a rodent. You can put a mineral stone or special chewing tablets, which are sold in pet stores, in his house. Small branches of fruit trees are also suitable. Having a sharpener reduces the risk of your pet chewing on grill bars or plastic accessories.
2. A container with sand or a closed bath for rodents. While floundering there, your pet cleans its fur. Please note that you cannot bathe an animal in water, so you cannot do without a bathing suit.
3. Delicacy. This is a stick on which various dried fruits, herbs, grains and other goodies are glued. The product is equipped with a mount, so it can be easily hung from the wall or ceiling of the structure. Such an item is necessary not only to please the hamster, but also to ensure access to his body of the necessary vitamins and microelements that he receives while living in his natural environment.
4. Entertainment. To prevent your hamster from getting bored, purchase tunnels, ladders, slides, and pipes for him. They should be comfortable and durable. When choosing tunnels, consider the breed of your hamster. The Syrians will need large-diameter products in which they will definitely not get stuck or suffocate. You can make some entertainment yourself.

Litter

This role can be performed by sawdust or soft paper. The first option is preferable. Sawdust absorbs moisture better than paper and other fillers and absorbs odors. However, they make some rodents sneeze. When laying sawdust, observe your pet's reaction. If he begins to behave strangely and has allergic reactions, remove them and put down toilet paper. Do not use newspapers as bedding because they contain lead that is harmful to your pet's health.

It is not recommended to buy litter for cat litter boxes. They are made from different materials, but all are too hard. Cat litter can damage your hamster's paws and introduce an infection into the body. A special filler in the form of small wood shavings, which is sold in pet stores, is best suited. It does not generate dust and is inexpensive. Such shavings are soft; if a hamster accidentally falls on it, it will not be injured. It should be poured in a layer of at least 6 cm.

Design

This aspect can be divided into three additional ones.

Possibility of disassembly

You will have to clean the cage at least a couple of times a week, so the more convenient it is, the better. The ideal option is detachable models, which allow you to literally “unfasten” the grille from the pallet with one movement and gain convenient access inside.

Aquariums, which are also used by some owners to keep rodents, perform the worst in this regard. Looking ahead, it is worth noting that the aquarium was not originally intended and is poorly suited for a comfortable life for hamsters.

Which cage to buy for rodents

Manufacturers of pet products offer a wide range of housing for rodents, so you won’t have any problems with the choice. The price depends on the size, material of manufacture, number of floors, and the presence of additional accessories. many products are sold at good discounts. You can buy the product or order a hamster cage in the online store with delivery to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities. Please see the table below for approximate prices for houses:

KREDO 513V

The two-tier cage has dimensions - 47*30*37. It is quite roomy and will not make a hamster of any breed bored. The deep tray prevents sawdust from being scattered around the room. The cage is equipped with a comfortable handle, which makes it easy to carry. The door is retractable, which will not allow the hamster to escape. The cage comes complete with an automatic drinker, a wheel, a feeder, a tunnel, a shelf with a house and a ladder.

Pros:

1. Large cell volume;
2. Good equipment;
3. Suitable for large hamsters;
4. There is a choice of colors.

How to make a hamster cage with your own hands

If you have limited funds or just like to make things, you can provide your pet with a home yourself. In order to assemble a cage with your own hands, you will need the following materials and tools:

• large transparent plastic container (approximately 50x30x30 cm);
• bamboo wallpaper;
• fine mesh;
• pliers;
• marker;
• wire cutters;
• glue gun;
• hacksaw;
• stationery knife;
• nafil;
• sharp scissors.

Having all the materials and items from the list above, making a house will be very simple. Follow the step by step instructions:

1. Using a marker, draw the outline of a rectangular hole on one of the large sides of the container.
2. Make a sufficient hole with a craft blade. Continue cutting with the hacksaw. Use a file to remove burrs and sharp areas along the resulting frame.
3. Cut out the side windows in the same way.
4. Make a rectangular hole in the lid, 4-5 cm from each edge.
5. Take the net. Using wire cutters, cut out rectangles from it, slightly larger in size than the holes you made in the walls of the container and its lid.
6. Attach the mesh pieces to the outside of the product using a glue gun.
7. Using bamboo wallpaper scissors, cut out the frames for all the windows. Glue them on the outside to hide the areas where the mesh is attached. You can also make frames from thin wooden slats.
8. Place all the accessories and bedding in your cage and you can safely let your hamster in there.