A common assumption about hamsters is that they need small cages because of their small size. That is untrue. Generally, they need a big cage to run around in and put their excess energy to use.
There are several significant hamster cages choices, and the material could be plastic, wire cages, or glass tanks. Some of the best hamster cages include: Kaytee, my first home multi-level cage, Zoo zone cage, Living world deluxe habitat, Ferplast hamsterville, among several others.
Hamsters are very active animals, and even though there are over 20 different species, there are three main types mostly kept as a pet. They are Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters, and Chinese hamsters.
These three hamsters differ in size, with dwarf and Chinese hamsters more minor than Syrian hamsters. Yet, each requires a large and spacious cage to scurry, burrow and play as much as they want
Choosing The Right Size
Hamsters may seem small, but they are highly active, territorial, and expert escapers. Thus, when choosing the right cage for your little furry friend, other essential factors such as material and durability mostly come into play, but the right size is the most critical factor.
Our little furry friends are very territorial animals; hence, multiple of them living in a small space can cause fights, which can worsen when they are of different breeds. Typically, they shouldn’t be housed with one another if you plan to bring multiple hamsters to cohabitate, mainly Syrians.
Even though they are the friendliest, easy to understand, and rarely bite. It is recommended not to get multiple Syrians to live together because they are more territorial than other hamsters and do not like living together or with other hamster species. Also, cramping them in a small area can lead to a rise in problems with their hind leg, so the bigger the space, the better.
Choosing the right size for a healthier pet is vital because they spend most of their time there. Besides, it is only natural that if hamsters cannot live in their natural habitat where there is more than enough floor space for them to run and play, then you should provide them with as much space as you can.
Depending on the type of hamster your pet is, there can be different minimum size requirements, but you should note that the minimum standards should not hinder you from getting bigger cages. They are just the minimum requirements; in other words, the least they can be.
The humane society of the United States (HSUS) recommended a two square feet wire cage as the bare minimum for all hamsters. In contrast, the humane animal society recommends a cage as large as can be provided. However, the floor should be unbroken to ensure that your hamster has enough room to run around freely without interruptions.
The size of the cage should be dependent not only on the breed but also on the number of hamsters that would be living in it. We recommend anything over 380 square inches and about 24 inches tall.
In addition, it is essential to note that plastic cages won’t work well for Syrian hamsters because the built-in wheel and tubes are too small and could be dangerous for them when they get stuck.
What Is The Best Cage For A Large Hamster?
There is no exact thing as the best cage for a large hamster, but the habitat must have more than enough space for your large furry friend to play and move around without restrictions. Still, let’s take a look at some recommended cages for a considerable-sized hamster.
Kaytee, My First Home Multi-Level Cage
It is a multilevel home suitable for hamsters, sugar gliders, and small animals. They have plenty of space and room for your little furry friends to climb and play. In addition, chew-proof latches and durable wires are used to prevent your hamster from escaping. It includes three comfort shelves, three safety ramps, and a food dish.
Living World Deluxe Habitat
Here is a spacious cage with an expansive floor. It is a rabbit cage but is also suitable for housing hamsters. It also comes with several toys and extra features. In addition, it is available in large and extra-large, hence you can get an even bigger space for your furry friends.
It is a bit expensive but comes with a den, food dish, and water bottle. The only downside is adding more mesh to prevent smaller hamsters from escaping.
- Small animal cage is designed with an upper wire frame and a plastic bottom base, which provides a safe, well ventilated, and comfortable place for small pets.
Alaska Hamster Cage
Alaska cage is an affordable option for a spacious hamster cage. It has a vast floor space and little space between its mesh, making it suitable for smaller and larger hamsters. It also has a deep base for burrowing. Although they are not spacious for massive hamsters, they are perfect and huge for smaller hamsters.
- Ideal for hamsters, gerbils, mice and other small animals. Allows for expansion with various critter trail accessories.
Kaytee Critter Trail Z
Kaytee designed this habitat to provide your hamster with hours of fun activities. It comes with a food dish, water bottle, and petting zone. It has a front wire door to access your pet quickly and allows for expansion. They are pretty affordable and available on Amazon.
Zoozone Cage
Zoozone is another excellent habitat for your little furry friend. It does not come with a water bottle, but it comes with a water bottle holder. It has a great living space and a feeding dish compartment. Zoozone is available in different sizes and colors.
How Large Should A Hamster Cage Be?
A hamster cage should not be smaller than 2 square feet with at least 24 inches in height. Of course, this is subjective, based on the type of hamster you have. Yet, you could use that as a minimum recommendation.
For instance, a dwarf or Chinese hamster would do quite fine in a 2 square feet floor cage, but Syrian hamsters should be given a more prominent space because they are of more considerable size. Even though they will survive in a 2 square feet cage, a bigger space is better.
However, if you plan to purchase a glass tank due to durability and its ability to be escape-proof, a 20-gallon tank is the minimum for housing a Syrian, while 20 gallons would house two dwarf hamsters. Still, you could get a larger tank to accommodate them as long as there are enough activities to keep your little friends busy.
Getting a big cage for hamsters usually results in happier, less aggressive, and healthier pets. It also lets in a sustainable amount of ventilation, reducing their risk of getting a respiratory-related illness. It also reduces the stress you have to go through when cleaning, unlike smaller cages.
Can A Hamster’s Cage Be Too Big?
No, there is no such thing as a hamster cage being too big. These little furry pets need space. They can run for 8 miles a night, so they need a lot of room to play, run, exercise, and exhaust themselves.
Ample space also has a significant effect on their mental stimulation. A cage can never be too big for a hamster, but you have to ensure that the spacing between the cage opening is small enough for your furry friends to escape.
Final Thoughts
The best rule that we should maintain for hamster cages when purchasing them is, the bigger, the better. More space filled with enough activities does not only help their health physically but mentally also. So make their home as big as possible.
Keep Reading:
- Do Hamsters Hibernate? Exploring Hamster Hibernation
- Why Do Hamsters Eat Their Babies? Should You Stop Them?
- Can Hamsters Eat Strawberries? Is This Safe To Feed To Them?
- Can Hamsters Eat Peanut Butter? Best Ways To Feed It To Them
- Do Hamsters Bite? If So, Can I Be Hurt By A Hamster Bite?
Shawn Manaher is a serial entrepreneur but when he isn’t working, he loves dogs. He’s owned different pets over the years, and always gives a part of his heart to each pet.
