Housing Hamsters

There are different kinds of hamster cages you can use but the three I will list here are the ones that I think are best, based on my experience.

 

1. PLASTIC BINS
 

These are available in almost every hardware store. For dwarf hamsters, you can use at least 10-12L plastic bins. You can drill holes on the lid for more ventilation, and for attaching a water bottle to one side of the bin. The main advantage of this is that it is cheaper and lighter to carry / easier to clean than aquarium tanks. You can also stack them to save space. You just need to make sure that there are enough holes on the sides for the hamsters not to get suffocated.

2. WIRE CAGES

Wire cages come in various sizes and setup. The ones I would recommend though are the single/double floor type with collapsible wire frames and without pull-out trays. These kinds of wire cages are easy to clean and assemble. Three-floor cages are unnecessary and can just cause accidents to your hamsters. The plastic base for wire cages should be at least 2-3" high to avoid lots of wood shavings littered outside the cage. Pull-out trays should be avoided as much as possible because they make cleaning harder, and accumulated hamster pee and dirt seep through the sides.

3. AQUARIUM

 

An aquarium tank should be at least 5 gallons, with no sharp edges at the corners or cracked sides and a well-fitting top with no gaps or holes. The lid should be secure and well-ventilated, with a wire mesh top instead of airholes, which do not provide enough air for your hamster to breathe normally. The aquarium’s advantages are that it minimizes odors and retains bedding and food. It will also your hamster safe and confined, as long as the top is secure. The disadvantage is that there can be a lack of ventilation, and it must be cleaned often so that odors do not build up in the cage. Aquariums are bulky and can be heavy. (From: Small Angels Rescue)

Among the three hamster cages mentioned above, the one I would recommend is the plastic bin cage. There are a lot of ways you can personalize your bin cage, and it is cost effective.

 

*photo grabbed from chinchillanation.com*