Which Hamster cage?

[pinkpanther84]

Hello, we are going to purchase our first hamster and I can't decide on the best cage. We are getting a Syrian, so I would like it to be large, with enough space to add a few toys etc. I have seen Hamster Heaven recommended but as it's fairly expensive (£75ish) I wanted to see what people would recommend for a spacious hamster cage. Thanks!

I have two Alaska cages (£32 from Zooplus) connected by a tube (cut the bars and used tube connectors). If you have the space I’d highly recommend this! Also please make sure that you get a large wheel (30cm). I have a hedgehog exercise wheel (have a look on eBay) and it’s very quiet.

Thanks for your reply, will look into that one

I have been keeping small animals a long time
Now and you can’t go wrong with the hamster heaven. The price tag is because it is really well made. You can pick them up much cheaper second hand and will last as long as you want to keep hamsters for.
Ferplast cages are also good quality and well made.
There are cheaper cages available on the market like the Alaska mentioned. Good size but will not look that new for long.
Zooplus has some nice cages, also you could have a look at bin cages and diy ikea cages.

There are some really good Hamster websites with people giving great advise and showing photos of their cages

We had the Fermat Laura cage and it was fine, but out hammy spent hours out with us everyday and time in her playpen too

We have this one. My Syrian loves it. Weve extended the tubes as theyre standard size.

www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/archie-oscar-azurite-hamster-cage-u001259961.html?piid=344977599

Hello OP!

Are you anywhere in Essex?

I have an almost brand new Hamster Heaven that you can have if you'd like to collect?

I'm upgrading my 2 into Detolfs, so I really don't need it anymore.

@Wereonabearhunt - just to let you know. Hamsters require a minimum floor space of 80cm x 50cm. That care does not meet anywhere near those expectations. Regardless of how many more tubes you add, it's really about the floor space.

I suggest you maybe join a hamster Facebook group, they will be able to give you plenty of advice :)

@IncrediblySadToo - I assume you mean the Ferplast Laura? Also far too small, even if always out and about. Although I'm sure you know this if you've checked out the advice websites.

For the price of one Hamster Heaven you can get two Alaska cages (Zooplus often has offers & discounts) & connect with tube. I would really urge hamster owners to look at this (Or something like the Ikea Detolf. My hamster never chews the bars, or clings to the door desperate to get out, and is happy mooching about in there. They spend so many hours awake while we are asleep I think we owe them as much space as we can. Syrians also need at least a 30cm wheel and do like to dig if their substrate is deep enough.

@AnnieDianaLulu thanks for the offer that would have been great but I am in Devon. I've gone ahead and ordered the Savic Metro, which is the same size and brand as the hamster heaven but with a bit less in it- it was £60 on pets at home. Thanks for everyone's advice and suggestions. What do people recommend in terms of bedding?

No problem :) I really recommend Fitch bedding. It's good in price and is soft like carefresh!

@AnnieDianaLulu thanks for the recommendation :) is it ok just to use this type and not the wood shaving type that they use in the hamsters cages at pets at home? Sorry for the questions we have never had a hamster before!

I wouldn't use the wood shavings in pets at home or the cheap kind that you usually see in B&M, etc. that type usually involves pine wood, which can cause respiratory and eye irritation. It's not recommended at all.

If you really want wood shavings (I sometimes use some in my cage, but I have a natural theme, so use stuff from brown carefresh to eco earth) then you should use aspen shavings, which in the UK, I only seem to find in the reptile section and can work out expensive.

Fitch is a really great option, you are able to use loads so your hamster can burrow and then id use tissue paper for nesting material. Never buy that "fluffy" cotton wool type bedding.

Thanks @AnnieDianaLulu that's really helpful