![]() Most plastic cages are too small for hamsters, causing them to become bored and display unwanted behaviors, such as obsessive bar-chewing, repetitive climbing, aggression, or attempting escape. Syrian hamsters are more likely to chew small tubes and cages that are designed for smaller hamsters. Pens are not designed to be chewed, however, if a cage is large enough, and if a hamster has other things to gnaw, then most hamsters will not chew on the cage. ĭue to the design of plastic cages, hamsters may be able to gnaw on parts of the interior. These modules are generally sold separately. Many plastic tank cages are designed to be expanded with additional modules that connect to the main pen with clamps or tunnels. Plastic tank cages range from simple boxes to elaborately designed structures with tubes, tunnels, and separate rooms to encourage exploration. Ideally, wire-top cages should have a securely fastened plastic base attached to the wire frame so that the entire pen can be transported without risk of separating or compromising the cage structure. The wobbling may upset hamsters, who prefer stable ground. ![]() Wire-top cages that are built with a cantilever design for the upper levels, may wobble if not designed properly. Well-designed wire-top cages are designed with doors that are specifically placed to allow humans to open them as needed, accessing any part of the pen. Wire cages with more height than width or length are not recommended, as hamsters are burrowing animals and thus need more floor space. Most colorful wire-top cages that are sold in pet shops do not meet these requirements and can cause stress for hamsters. It is recommended to choose a wire cage that has at least 450 square inches (2,900 square centimeters) of unbroken floor space and a plastic base with a height of at least 5.9 inches (15 centimeters). Pens with smaller gaps are usually intended for mice, and are likely to be too small to provide adequate space for any species of hamster. Wire-top cages for hamsters are often marketed in two varieties one version for larger Syrian hamsters, with approximately 12 mm (0.47 in) of space between the bars, and another version for Chinese or dwarf hamsters, with approximately 8 mm (0.31 in) of space between bars. A wire-top cage with wired stairs may cause bumblefoot. ![]() Wire-top cages come in varying shapes and sizes, and may contain one or more levels with tubes, stairs, and ladders connecting the levels. Wire-top cages Ī wire-top cage is a plastic base with an overarching wire structure. ![]() Larger hamsters, such as Syrian hamsters, need larger pens and more floor space than smaller hamsters. Alternatively, pens with solid walls that contain all the bedding and prevent drafts of air from disturbing the hamster may also be used. Wire cages that permit hamsters to throw bedding material through the wires as they burrow, dig, and play are commonplace. Wire flooring can harm hamster paws, causing bumblefoot, so floors are typically covered with solid materials such as cardboard, ceramic, or specially designated mats. ![]() Hamsters whose cages have thick bedding experience greater health. The ideal floor for a hamster is solid and covered with bedding. Home built enclosure for a Syrian hamster, measures 200圆0圆0cm (1860 sq in) Cage specifications Cage size Ī minimum of 50 centimeters by 100 centimeters, and at least 18 inches tall. ![]()
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