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Original poster

Cage for Syrian hamster

49 replies

Bambini83 · 05/12/2023 20:09

Hi, does anyone know if this cage is a safe and suitable option for a Syrian hamster?
https://www.aosom.co.uk/item/pawhut-hamster-cage-wooden-mouse-rodent-small-pet~D51-083.html
thanks in advance!

OP posts:
Cookerhood · 05/12/2023 20:12

I would have thought it was too small. And it would stink very quickly from urine.

IHateLegDay · 05/12/2023 20:13

I personally wouldn't use that for a hamster.
They like to find a corner to use as their wee spot and it would rot the would, plus the smell would never come out.
I've always used the plastic cages as they're easier to clean.

IHateLegDay · 05/12/2023 20:13

IHateLegDay · 05/12/2023 20:13

I personally wouldn't use that for a hamster.
They like to find a corner to use as their wee spot and it would rot the would, plus the smell would never come out.
I've always used the plastic cages as they're easier to clean.

*rot the wood

NorthCliffs · 05/12/2023 20:15

Clicked on the link to look at the cage, came back to Mumsnet - page full of adverts for the company. That was a quick algorithm! Makes a change from wall to wall Temu I suppose ...

toastofthetown · 05/12/2023 20:25

That's way too small. Hamsters are burrowers, so need a large uninterrupted floor space (at least 100x50cm) with bedding up to 25cm deep to allow them to burrow deeply like they are naturally inclined to do. Cages with lots of layers aren't really that useful for hamsters as it doesn't give them the space to build a network of tunnels in their bedding. I'm also not sure if with the shelved you could fit a wheel big enough for a Syrian hamster. Here's a guide from a hamster rehoming charity with what they consider the minimum requirements to house a hamster.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vcLQ-nfAatdKEj6RcXST4uHs2pb34arB/view

Original poster
Bambini83 · 05/12/2023 20:26

I’m really struggling to find something that is cat proof but suitable!

OP posts:
Original poster
Bambini83 · 05/12/2023 20:29

Thanks for the document @toastofthetown thats really helpful. That’s suggests the pawhut large rectangular is suitable so that may be an option. Not keen on the idea of urine soaked wood though to be fair 😐

OP posts:
Cathyt90 · 05/12/2023 20:30

itsanewday23 · 05/12/2023 20:15

Please tell me that's a typo and your hamster isn't in its ball for 4 hours at a time? They should only be in around 20 minutes at a time.

Original poster
Bambini83 · 05/12/2023 20:30

Would be more than happy with a wire cage but I fear our cat would get his claws in??

OP posts:
itsanewday23 · 05/12/2023 20:33

@Cathyt90 I mean we him out of his cage 4 hours of an evening when youngest DC is in bed, otherwise he's all over him 😂 he does run around in his ball and explore the house but also runs about the lounge freely or is handled by older DC from about 7-11 when we go to bed Smile

itsanewday23 · 05/12/2023 20:33

@Bambini83 ahh I have no idea about cats sorry!

Ripleysgameface · 05/12/2023 20:34

I have the Omlet cage which my hamster seems to like but I'm looking to upgrade so he has more space. A big deep tank seems to be recommended most for Syrians so I'm on the look out for one.

I second no hamster ball. Better to section off part of the room with a little play pen and let them have a mooch around.

Greydogs123 · 05/12/2023 20:34

We had that Savic cage when we had a hamster, it was great. You could put a good deep bit of burrowing material in and it was easy to clean.
Also, a cat got into our house one night and we found it sitting behind the cage! Hamster was fine!

platinumplus · 05/12/2023 20:36

BestZebbie · 05/12/2023 20:27

Try this one: Savic Hamster Heaven 80 Cage | Great deals at zooplus!

Don't use wood - it soaks up wee and stinks/grows mould, and also hamsters can chew through it in a couple of weeks!

We've got this - it's great.

Semi cat proof..... can get a claw through. We just put hamster in a room with the door shut and don't let the cat in.

Original poster
Bambini83 · 05/12/2023 20:39

Appreciate the cat advice, thanks! Fully shutting the cat out at all times might prove a little tricky!
I’m thinking something like this might be best - it seems to fit the requirements. Far from cheap though!!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BUCATSTATE-Hamster-Cage-Metal-2-0/dp/B0C2CTQC1K

OP posts:
Badlylitdescent · 05/12/2023 20:44

As others have said, don’t use wood as it smells. Also, although everyone thinks the biggest cage is the best cage, and of course an animal needs as much space as possible, only buy as big a cage as you can manage to clean frequently and efficiently.

Sometimes hamster cages with a lot of plastic pipes and tubes, although appealing, are a nightmare in terms of hygiene when the animal pees and poos inside the pipes, and you constantly have to take them apart to keep it hygienic. Better to have a large but simpler space that is easier to reassemble afterwards.

Original poster
Bambini83 · 05/12/2023 20:47

Good advice, thank you @Badlylitdescent

So glad I asked for advice here as I was clueless!

OP posts:
ThreeTreeHill · 05/12/2023 20:48

A bucastate is good but it has to be the 100cmx50cm one. Syrian hamsters need a minimum size of 100x50cm, plus at least 20cm depth bedding. None of the other cages on here are even slightly suitable

A very basic Google tells you the minimum requirements for a Syrian hamster cage

OP posts:
FairFuming · 05/12/2023 20:52

Try joining some hamster groups on Facebook. I know lots of people use second hand fish tanks but they need loads of space we have this
amzn.eu/d/j1iTATE
It lives on top of a tall cupboard during the day to keep him away from thr cat and I lift him down and pop him in the livingroom in the evenings so the kids can see him.

Original poster
Bambini83 · 05/12/2023 20:52

Appreciate there is advice already out there but always easier if you can get real life reviews from actual people - especially as I’m looking for a cat safe cage which seems to be pretty hard to find

OP posts:
Berties · 05/12/2023 21:20

For a Syrian recommended cage size is 100cm x 50 x 50 on one level of floor space, there a really good page in Facebook called actually good hamster care UK for cage inspo and basic requirements. I've got the Slavic plaza removed the level and added loads of clutter, hides forage sprays and a 28cm wheel, haven't had any bar biting or climbing which is a sign of stress in hamsters.

Berties · 05/12/2023 21:23

to get the recommended bedding height I've changed 2 sides to plastic so there's the depth one side for the burrowing which he prefers but it's on the side he chose for his burrows

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