Many hamster owners struggle to know how much they should spend on a quality hamster cage. In this article, we will give you some tips on choosing the perfect cage for your hamster.
What is the price of a hamster cage?
The basic price of a hamster cage is around €30 to €40 for a standard quality cage, made of plastic or metal, with a single level and without equipment.
The price of a cage varies depending on a number of factors:
- its size
- its material
- its equipment
For example, a simple small metal cage will only cost you €30 while a large well-equipped glass cage can be around €200. However, most of these are now sold with minimum equipment.
As an example, here is an idea of hamster cage prices:
| Type of cage | Price of a hamster cage |
|---|---|
| Metal cage, without level | €30 to €40 |
| Metal cage with 1 or 3 levels | €40 to €90 |
| Plastic cage | €30 to €50 |
| Wooden cage | €65 to €150 |
| Glass cage | €150 to €200 |
The first question is therefore about your budget. Next come the considerations of your hamster’s well-being and the level of equipment (or the space available in your home) that you can provide for him.
When purchasing your cage, we encourage you to compare prices between some popular websites and traditional pet shops. There can sometimes be significant price differences for the same cage.
In any case, keep in mind that a hamster cage is not only a place where the animal can sleep and eat, but it is also a space where it can play, which is essential for its comfort. A well-designed cage should provide your hamster with a happy and healthy home, so we recommend investing in a quality cage as much as possible.
The cage: a crucial element for your hamster
This is one of the most important elements of your hamster’s well-being.
The hamster cage must be large enough so that your hamster can move around freely. It should measure at least 60 cm in length and 30 cm in width. Additionally, it should be equipped with a wheel or a slide so that your hamster can have fun and exercise. Finally, it should have a door so that you can easily get your hamster in and out.
The hamster cage must also be well-ventilated. Therefore, it should have several openings to allow air to circulate. At the same time, it should be placed in a room protected from sunlight and drafts. Regularly clean its cage to prevent your little companion from being exposed to bacteria or parasites.
Finally, it should be equipped with numerous accessories, including a comfortable bedding, an automatic food dispenser, a water bottle holder, and toys. So, it’s important to check whether all this equipment is included with the cage or not when purchasing it.
The ideal dimensions for a hamster cage
The cage must be large enough
A hamster needs space to move freely and exercise. The cage must therefore be large enough. Most experts recommend a cage of at least 50 cm in length, 30 cm in width, and 30 cm in height.
The cage must be well-aired
The cage must be well-ventilated so that your hamster can breathe properly. Therefore, it should have openings large enough to allow adequate air exchange.
The cage must be easy to clean
The cage must be easy to clean so that you can keep it clean and healthy. It should have smooth surfaces that do not retain dirt and rounded edges to facilitate cleaning.
What type of cage to choose for a hamster?
There are many types, from the simplest to the most complex! Here are some of the different types of hamster cages available, along with their benefits. We discuss them in more detail here.
Plastic cage
Plastic cages are very common among hamster owners and are often prominently displayed in pet shops. Why? Because they are generally cheaper than other types of cages and are easy to clean. On the downside, plastic cages usually have doors made of the same material, which can easily be opened by hamsters. Furthermore, if your companion has a tendency to dig, it will eventually break through the bottom of it.
Metal cage
Metal cages are usually slightly more expensive than plastic cages, but they are more durable and sturdier. They generally feature wire doors, making them more resistant to chewing from hamsters that like to nibble.
Glass cage
They are also easy to clean… but they get dirty more quickly. They come at a relatively high price.
How to equip a hamster cage
Your hamster must live in a comfortable and secure environment. Here are some elements to consider when equipping its cage:
- The cage must be large enough for your hamster to do its daily activities and move around freely. It should measure at least 50 cm long by 30 cm wide.
- It should be equipped with absorbent bedding, preferably wood shavings, so that your hamster can relieve itself there.
- Add a water bottle and a food bowl so that your hamster can drink and cool off and eat to its heart’s content.
- The cage should have a few toys, such as a hamster wheel or balls, so it can have fun and exercise.
- Cover its cage to preserve its privacy and allow it to rest peacefully.