Here we can see, “Selecting the Most Appropriate Cage for Your Syrian Hamster”
Several considerations must be considered while selecting a cage for your Syrian hamster. Most importantly, choose a large enough cage, safe and simple to clean. Unfortunately, many pet store cages do not satisfy these requirements for Syrian (golden, teddy bear, and black bear) hamsters. Here’s how to choose and correctly outfit the ideal cage for a Syrian hamster.
Table of Contents
Cage Design
You’ll have three options: a wire cage (typically on a plastic foundation), a plastic modular cage (with multiple sections and tubes), or an aquarium (with a secure mesh lid). Each cage layout has benefits and drawbacks in cleaning, ventilation, and security.
Ease of Cleaning
A wire cage with a plastic tray is the easiest to clean; take the wire off the bottom, empty the bedding, and wipe down the wire part as needed. The more complicated the cage, the more difficult it will be to clean, especially if you’re thinking about a plastic cage with several compartments and tubes. Cleaning these cages can be a tremendous chore. Aquariums are not difficult to clean, but they can be heavy and unpleasant to handle when cleaning time comes. Cleaning cages is a tedious process, so making it simple will make having a hamster more enjoyable.
Ventilation
A wire cage is, without a doubt, the finest alternative for ventilation. However, plastic modular cages’ tubes and enclosed compartments can obstruct airflow, causing air quality and condensation issues. Inadequate ventilation can also occur in aquariums. Keep in mind that the openness of wire cages provides excellent ventilation but necessitates keeping the cage out of draughts. Plastic cages and tanks do provide superior draught protection.
Size
Aim for a minimum of 24 inches by 12 inches and at least 12 inches. To keep your hamster busy and happy, try to acquire a larger cage—bigger is always better for hamster cages.
Syrian hamsters require plenty of space to run and play, and the cage’s actual floor space is vital for this. Unfortunately, many hamster cages on the market are too tiny for Syrian hamsters. The plastic modular cages’ tubes, sections, and built-in wheels are too small for many Syrian hamsters.
Cage Safety and Security
A Syrian hamster’s cage bars should be 1/2 inch apart. Horizontal bars will provide some climbing opportunities. Check the cage doors to ensure they are secure, as hamsters can become extremely adept at opening doors. Like those found on the end of a dog leash, metal belt clips can be fastened into wire doors to “lock” them for added security. If you choose a cage with numerous levels, make certain that there is no spot where your hamster could fall a significant distance.
Chewing and Syrian Hamster Cages
The desire and aptitude of hamsters to chew can influence the cage they should be kept in. Although wire cages have several advantages, some hamsters become practically obsessed with gnawing at the bars. If offering plenty of chew toys and boredom busters don’t stop the gnawing, upgrading to a solid-sided cage might be the best solution. Also, while selecting a plastic cage, make sure there are no exposed edges or ridges of plastic where a hamster could begin gnawing the cage, or your hamster will likely escape at some point. Aquariums are often resistant to chewing (but make sure the cover is secure).
Wheels
Hamsters should have wheels; however, Syrian hamsters must make sure the wheel is large enough. The wheels fitted into plastic cages can sometimes be too tiny for Syrian hamsters. In addition, wheels should ideally have a solid surface and no crossbars for support so that no limbs or other body parts become entangled.
Depth of Bedding
Whatever cage you pick, make sure it has a great deep bedding layer for burrowing. For example, choose a wire cage with a deep tray to allow for a beautiful deep layer of bedding, and to decrease the amount of bedding, your hamsters will push or kick out of the cage.
User Questions
Do hamsters appreciate multi-level cages?
Multi-level housing A multi-level cage with several platforms will maximise available space and provide your hamster with extra spaces to roam. In addition, they will be able to climb around the cage bars thanks to the wire sides, which will be a favourite hobby and wonderful exercise for them.
Is it better to keep hamsters in glass cages?
Many hamsters are housed in glass aquariums with a wire mesh top to keep them safe. A glass tank may keep your hamster safer from other pets and small children. Glass tanks also allow you to see your pet’s antics up close. In addition, keeping your hamster in a glass tank may help reduce cage odours; however, this may come at a cost.
Is it necessary to give Syrian hamsters sand baths?
Because hamsters clean themselves naturally, they shouldn’t require sand baths. Giving your hamster a sand bath, on the other hand, can help it clean itself. Furthermore, while sand baths are permissible for hamsters, dust baths are not, as they may cause respiratory difficulties in your pet.
Do hamsters like wheels?
A hamster wheel is an excellent form of exercise, and most hamsters enjoy it. Hamsters in the wild can travel up to five kilometres per night in search of food. It is a means for the pet hamster to run and exercise within the limits of its habitat.
Are hamsters safe to play with balls?
Injuries, tension, or pain could ensue with a smaller wheel or ball. Hamsters cannot assess the danger they are in; it is your obligation as their owner to do so. Even if your hamster seemed to enjoy running around in its ball to explore your home, doing so is ultimately detrimental for them.
Conclusion
I hope you found this helpful guide. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the form below.
