The choice of a hamster cage is a step that should not be overlooked for the well-being of your little companion. It’s essential!
So how do you choose the best hamster cage? A cage that is suitable for its needs will guarantee it a safe and comfortable space in which it can thrive. Would you like to live in a house or apartment that displeases you? It’s the same for your hamster.
When choosing a cage for your new companion, you need to pay attention to the following key elements:
- The type of cage: you will find everything in pet stores or online: metal cages, terrariums, plastic cages to buy or to make yourself. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, which you will discover below.
- The size of the cage: the surface area of a cage should be at least 4000cm², but the more spacious it is, the better.
- The level of safety: spacing between bars, height of the cage.
Different Types of Hamster Cages
In terms of materials, there are different types of hamster cages:
- Wire metal cages
- Glass cages
- Plastic cages
- Transport cages
- Cages with connected tunnels and tubes
Some of these cages are basic models found in all pet stores, while others are more complex. Let’s detail the five mentioned types of cages together, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
1. Wire Metal Cages
This is the basic model, one of the simplest and most common cages, made of rigid wire.
The base of this cage is typically made of plastic or another durable material. The “walls” and “ceiling” are made of thick wire, often coated with a protective layer. Wire cages can be single-level or multi-level, depending on your hamster’s needs and your budget.
Advantages of Wire Metal Cages |
Disadvantages of Wire Metal Cages |
|---|---|
| Wire cages are among the most affordable. They are common, and you won’t have trouble finding them in stores. | Cleaning each bar of the cage can be a bit tedious, even though it is essential. |
| Cleaning the plastic base of the cage is quite easy; sometimes, this base is even removable. | Your hamster might start chewing the metal bars, which can cause dental health problems over time. |
| The open bars of the wire cage provide adequate ventilation. This means that even if your hamster makes a mess, the smell shouldn’t hit you immediately. (However, clean their cage regularly!) | Depending on the width of the metal bars, some hamsters might slip through and escape. |
| If your hamster is a climber, the bars of this cage offer much more entertainment compared to other types of cages. | The plastic pan may lack depth for the hamster to dig. |
| Sometimes, these cages are simply too small for a growing hamster. |
Buy a Metal Cage
After studying the advantages and disadvantages of several products, here are what we consider to be the 3 best metal hamster cages available on Amazon, with excellent reviews:
The best-equipped: Ferplast Multipla
A spacious and well-equipped cage is designed to provide a true paradise for your hamster. It measures 80 x 50 x 50 cm and comes with many accessories such as a large wheel, tunnels, platforms, a house, and a food bowl. Its metal structure ensures good ventilation and durability, while its removable base facilitates cleaning.
Hamster Cage – Ferplast Multipla Large
A spacious, modular design cage allows you to easily separate different areas (rest area, feeding area, etc.). Its removable metal grid simplifies maintenance.
The most practical: Zolux NEOLIFE
Perfect dimensions, sturdy, with a clever locking system. Practical and easy to clean thanks to its elevated positioning.
2. Glass Cages (Terrarium)
Glass cages, also known as terrariums, provide your hamster with a generous and deep space to run, play, and dig as it pleases. It is like an aquarium. To prevent daring escapes, these structures are often equipped with a mesh or metal cover. Convenient, right?
Regarding ventilation, this is a perfectly legitimate concern for owners of guinea pigs and pet rats, which require excellent airflow. This is entirely true… for the latter. But hamsters have different needs!
In their natural habitat, originating from desert regions, our hamster friends have the peculiarity of producing less urine than other rodents. This trait limits the production of potentially toxic vapors. This is why guinea pigs and pet rats need well-ventilated wire cages to prevent the buildup of unwanted fumes.
A hamster, this little desert acrobat, will adapt perfectly to life in a terrarium. It produces less urine, and as long as you clean the terrarium regularly, it will be quite comfortable spending its days in this large glass home.
Advantages of Terrariums |
Disadvantages of Terrariums |
|---|---|
| Terrariums are completely transparent, allowing you to always keep an eye on your hamster. They are particularly appreciated in schools, where children can observe the behavior of their class hamster. | These cages are the most expensive option. A large terrarium can cost several hundred euros. |
| There are no bars where your hamster might injure itself while climbing or chewing. | Their considerable weight and bulkiness can be an issue. |
| You can always tell when the terrarium gets dirty, so you will never leave too much time between cleanings. | The glass can get dirty and needs to be cleaned frequently. |
| As long as you keep the top covered with a mesh, your hamster benefits from plenty of fresh air and excellent ventilation. | There is nothing for your hamster to climb on, so you will need to provide many activities and opportunities for exercise to keep it entertained. |
3. Plastic Cages
Plastic cages are the cheapest cages and offer a variety of fun shapes and colors to brighten your hamster’s day. They are also easy to clean, but their sturdiness is lower.
Due to their material (plexiglass or acrylic), these cages are not as transparent as glass terrariums, but they still provide excellent visibility for you to keep an eye on your furry friend.
Most of the time, they come with a panel or a “window” covered with wire mesh to ensure adequate ventilation.
Plastic cages are typically lightweight and easy to move, which can be a considerable advantage if you need to reorganize your pet’s space from time to time. The lid is often also made of mesh to allow optimal air circulation while ensuring your hamster’s safety.
However, this is the type of cage we recommend the least: less pleasant for your hamster on one hand, not great for ventilation on the other. Preferably choose a metal cage if price is your deciding factor. In our opinion, these cages do not provide the best possible habitats for a hamster.
Advantages of Plastic Cages for Hamsters |
Disadvantages of Plastic Cages for Hamsters |
|---|---|
| It’s a budget-friendly cage for hamsters, the most economical solution. | Watch out for sharp or pointed plastic edges inside or around the enclosure. Otherwise, your hamster could injure itself by chewing on them or rubbing against them. |
| Plastic is easy to clean, saving you time during cleaning. | It may take several washes to completely eliminate odors on plastic. If the smells from droppings persist, living with them can be particularly unpleasant. |
| These cages are very versatile. You can stack two cages of different sizes on top of each other or align them side by side. If you feel particularly creative, you can even drill holes in several bins and connect them with play tubes, creating a complex playground for your hamster. |
Buy a Plastic Cage for Hamsters
Despite everything, if you want a plastic cage, know that you can find them in all pet stores. Here are 2 that we have selected on Amazon and seem acceptable if not perfect:
The simplest plastic cage
This cage is made of durable plastic, transparent for maximum visibility. Its hooks on the side allow for easy transport if needed. Included are a feeder, a water bottle, a level, a ladder, a wheel, and a nest.
The fun plastic cage
A practical opening on the top, with a very high bin to hold plenty of bedding and sand. A fun tubing system that will delight its little occupant.
How to make a hamster cage (bin cage)?
If the idea of creating your own hamster cage from a plastic bin appeals to you, know that it is entirely doable. It is an ideal DIY project for those who are handy and have the proper tools.
Here is an excellent demonstration video to help you undertake this project:
4. Transport Cages
Your hamster is probably not used to roaming the world, but it will need to get out from time to time. This is when the transport or travel cage becomes essential.
These models are compact and secure, preventing your hamster from escaping during travels, for example, to a vet visit. However, their small size makes them unsuitable for long-term use.
Advantages of Transport Cages |
Disadvantages of Transport Cages |
|---|---|
| Transporting your hamster for a vet visit is simplified rather than having to move its usual cage. | You need to be careful when purchasing as some of these models may be too narrow for an adult hamster of a larger breed. |
| Most transport cages have bars, allowing you to keep an eye on your hamster at all times. | It’s important to remember that these cages are designed for short durations. Never leave your hamster in a travel cage for extended periods, even if it is high quality and seems comfortable. |
| With a lockable door, you can be sure that your hamster will stay inside during the trip. |
5. Cages with Tunnels and Connected Tubes
The last type of hamster cage we discuss is undoubtedly the most sophisticated … and to be honest not an entirely different model, as it is necessarily made of glass, metal, or plastic.
It consists of a series of cages connected by tunnels. It is up to you to decide how far you want to go in terms of customization, taking into account your budget, the space you have available, and your creativity. Whether you opt for a few tunnels or a true spider web of passages, the choice is vast, even limitless!
To help you see more clearly, here is a list of the strengths and weaknesses of hamster cage systems:
The Benefits of Tunnel Cage Systems |
The Limitations of Tunnel Cage Systems |
|---|---|
| Your hamster gets regular physical activity by moving from tunnel to tunnel. | Older hamsters might get tired from traveling from one point to another. |
| A stimulating environment allows your hamster to never get bored. | Setting up your cage could become costly if you decide to expand it too much. |
| Connecting tunnels are compatible with all types of cages, whether they are wire or plastic. | You need to have sufficient space to set up such a complex cage system. |
| Visually, this type of system gives a cool look to your hamster’s cage. | Cleaning all the tunnels could prove tedious. |
Buy a Cage with Tunnels and Tubes
My opinion? Now we start having fun. And of course, it takes up a bit of space, but it’s a real pleasure to observe what happens inside:
The largest cage with tunnels
Tunnels galore, allowing your hamster to stretch its legs in a space that is as creative and well-thought-out as it is easy to maintain daily. These passages are of course included.
Colorful tunnels in height
Among the adjectives for this page: large, tall, practical, and ergonomic.
Choose an Appropriate Cage Size
The dimensions of the cage are crucial for a hamster’s well-being. Indeed, the rodent needs a space that meets its physical activity needs.
But it’s not enough to choose a cage large enough; you also need to ensure it can accommodate all the necessary accessories for your hamster’s daily life and promote its natural behavior.
A minimum surface area of 4000 cm² on the floor (Length x Width to calculate the area) is recommended for a hamster cage. This minimum area should be a single unit, not counting any annexes or levels connected by passages:
If you opt for a cage without levels, here are the minimum dimensions:
| Hamster Breed | Minimum Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Golden Hamster (Syrian) | 80 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 50 cm (H) |
| Russian Hamster | 80 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 50 cm (H) |
| Roborovski Hamster | 80 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 50 cm (H) |
| Chinese Hamster | 80 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 50 cm (H) |
| Siberian Hamster | 80 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 50 cm (H) |
| Campbell’s Hamster | 80 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 50 cm (H) |
Here are other points to consider when choosing the ideal cage for your hamster:
- Does the cage offer enough space to install all the necessary elements such as a food bowl, water bottle, exercise wheel, toys, and a nest?
- Taking into account additional levels, is the total surface area of the cage wide enough to allow your hamster to run freely?
- Does the cage design allow for climbing spaces for your little companion?
- Is the bottom of the cage deep enough to contain an adequate layer of bedding?
Minimum Height of the Cage
When choosing the height of your hamster’s cage, you need to find a balance. An appropriate height allows your hamster to thrive while avoiding a high risk of falls.
To prevent accidents, it is best if the distance between the top of the cage and the level of the bedding does not exceed 10 to 20 cm. If this distance is greater, consider adding an additional level to the cage to reduce the risk of falls from great heights.
Determining Cage Surface Area
To calculate the surface area of the cage, multiply the length by the width of the cage. For example, if a cage measures 70 cm long, 50 cm wide, and 40 cm high, its area is 3500 cm² (70 cm x 50 cm). As mentioned above, this area is insufficient for a hamster.
For a comfortable life, a cage with a surface area greater than 4000 cm² is preferred. When choosing a cage, therefore, try to select a cage as large as possible according to the space and budget you have available.
A Cage Should Be Safe and Secure
When buying the cage, consider two main factors to ensure its safety: the space between the bars and the number of levels of the cage.
We have already discussed the importance of the space between the bars when we talked about metal cages. Make sure the bars are not spaced too far apart, as this could allow your hamster to escape or get stuck! And believe me, this can happen quickly.
The second point to consider is the number of levels in the cage. Many cages on the market offer multiple levels to maximize vertical space.
This may seem clever, but there is then a risk of falls for your hamster. These can be dangerous for their delicate little bodies and lead to injuries.
If you want to provide your hamster with multiple levels, the best solution is to connect them with tubes. This way, your hamster can go up and down safely without the risk of injury.
Some owners even choose to connect multiple cages using tubes to provide their hamster with extra space and take advantage of the vertical space available in their home. By taking these safety aspects into account, you will offer a safe and comfortable environment for your companion.
How Much Does a Hamster Cage Cost?
The price of a hamster cage can vary significantly from one model to another, making it difficult to establish a single price for this type of product.
In pet stores or online, you will find cages ranging from a few dozen euros to several hundred. However, the average price of a cage is around, on average, the average price of a hamster cage generally ranges between 40 and 80 euros.
But how do you explain such price disparity for the same product? Several factors come into play:
- Size: unsurprisingly, the larger the dimensions, the more expensive they are.
- Materials: Some very expensive hamster cages are made from pine or other finely polished and hand-carved woods. The cheapest models are often made of metal or plastic, with price variations based on size.
- Included Accessories: just like when you buy a house, the price will vary depending on whether it is furnished or not. A hamster cage with extra equipment will naturally be more expensive than a more basic cage.
The Best Hamster Cage
After drafting this article and providing you with all the criteria to consider, here is, in my opinion, the best hamster cage. And unsurprisingly, it’s (really not cheap!). Behold:
It has everything a grand can provide
Spacious, exceptionally well-furnished, ventilated just right, it allows for excellent visibility. Its roof or front opening makes it very practical. Exceptional finishing touches, for the “Rolls” of cages.
Accessories to Add to the Cage
There you go, you’ve found the ideal cage? Now just equip it with the necessary accessories for its well-being:
Bedding
Hamsters love to dig, so you need to provide them with something safe to cover the bottom of their cage, such as wood shavings and pellets, sawdust, or recycled paper. Never use pine or cedar, as these woods can make your hamster sick.
A Food Bowl
Use a heavy stone bowl with an edge low enough for your hamster to reach, but without tipping it over.
A Water Bottle or Water Bottle
Essential for quenching their thirst. An inverted water bottle with a drip feed is better for hamsters, as they tend to spill water from a bowl and create a mess.
An Exercise Wheel:
Hamsters are very active, so an exercise wheel is indispensable.
Toys
They will keep your hamster from getting bored in its cage. Hamsters love to climb and dig, so anything with steps or tunnels is ideal, and anything that rolls is also great!
A Hideout or House
Your hamster will need a safe place to sleep or hide if it feels stressed or in danger.
Bath Sand
Hamsters clean themselves by rolling in “bath sand”. Your hamster will appreciate a container filled with “hamster bath sand” to climb into and roll around in.
Tunnels and Tubes
Create a fun and safe passage system that offers your hamster more space, stimulation, and exercise… and a place to hide.
The Location of the Cage
Finally, remember that the location of the cage is a major element to consider. Place it in a quiet area, away from drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Avoid overly noisy or crowded rooms, as hamsters are sensitive animals prone to stress. Ensure that the cage is not exposed to direct sunlight constantly, as this could cause overheating.