Cage advice

[Thams14]

Hi, I'm looking to upgrade my daughter's hamster cage (a Syrian) and I'm torn between two:

Savic Hamster Heaven Mouse and Hamster Cage X Large

Savic Hamster Heaven Mouse and Hamster Cage X Large | Pets At Home

ProductShortDescription is available to buy online at Pets at Home, the UK's largest pet shop with fast delivery and low prices

www.petsathome.com

Savic Sky Metro Syrian Hamster Cage X Large

Savic Sky Metro Syrian Hamster Cage X Large | Pets At Home

ProductShortDescription is available to buy online at Pets at Home, the UK's largest pet shop with fast delivery and low prices

www.petsathome.com

Are either of these suitable for our we hammy? I believe the wheels won't be up to scratch, but we will purchase these separately.

Thanks!

 

[RainbowBrite]

Hello, I would go larger for a Syrian myself. I really love tank styles as you can give a lot of bedding which is great for burrowing. A cheaper option is to DIY a cage using IKEA cupboards. I am not sure how you feel about that.

Cages are so personal. I prefer tank styles as I like that you can get really deep bedding.

 

[elusive]

I would say these are more suited to dwarf hamsters, not really tall enough for a Syrian size wheel or big enough overall for Syrian.
The savic plaza would be a more suitable size.

 

[Thams14]

Thank you for the suggestion Unfortunately, we are limited for size and

Hello, I would go larger for a Syrian myself. I really love tank styles as you can give a lot of bedding which is great for burrowing. A cheaper option is to DIY a cage using IKEA cupboards. I am not sure how you feel about that.

Cages are so personal. I prefer tank styles as I like that you can get really deep bedding.

Thanks, I will look into this!

 

[Thams14]

I would say these are more suited to dwarf hamsters, not really tall enough for a Syrian size wheel or big enough overall for Syrian.
The savic plaza would be a more suitable size.

Thank you! I did see that one whilst looking.

 

[Maz]

Hello. Space is always an issue for fitting a cage in! I ended up rearranging the living room. I have the Savic Plaza. Does your hammy bar chew at the moment? If not then that could be a good option. But it does need some extras as it doesn't come with very much.

For a female Syrian, the more floor space the better. The 100cm Grosvenor cage has more floor space as it's deeper and it makes quite a bit of difference that extra depth. But it's not that tall so you're limited on wheels that would fit and how much bedding will fit.

How much space do you have?

 

[Thams14]

Thank you for the advice! Yes, she is chewing at the moment. My daughter wants Zazu in with her, but space is limited in her room (hence the cages I originally posted). I could move the cage, which would give us more space, but not a huge amount more.

 

[RainbowBrite]

Maybe if you explain to your daughter that Zazu will be happier in a bigger cage then she will understand? Female Syrians tend to need more space then males.

 

[Member ID2]

Hi, i agree, a Hamster Heaven is more a dwarf hamster cage and too low and small for a lively female Syrian.
You could end up with a bar chewing hamster.
I currently have a very lively dwarf in a Hamster Heaven and need to upgrade her to something bigger.

 

[Maz]

If she's bar chewing at the moment it's uncertain whether that will stop if you move her to another barred cage. The rule of thumb I find is that they don't bar chew in anything 100cm or bigger. There's actually been research on that. But there are exceptions. They can still bar chew in an 80cm hamster heaven. The Plaza is basically the same size as the hamster heaven but 20cm longer. So it's the width. It sits well on top of a chest of drawers for example. It doesn't matter if there's some overhang.

I also wanted to add that if you got the cage from a well known pet shop, people have returned them for a refund saying it's not big enough for the hamster. Even after getting the new cage (you need another cage obviously before you take the first one back). Even though it's been used.

How old is your daughter? It's nice she wants to have Zazu in her room - it could be an idea to try and hamsterproof her room in case she gets out again! Ie just make sure there are no holes in the skirting board or floor where pipes come up and if so block them off.

There are some larger tank style cages but then it's space again. One option, if you have space in another room, is to have the hamster in there, and your daughter can take her to her room for out of cage time and play time. You just transport them in something safe - they will often just hop into a hamster ball and you can pop the lid on and carry the hamster ball to where you want to let them out and then set it down and take the lid off. Hamster balls aren't really recommended for use as a ball though as they're too small and too risky with accidents.

The detolf idea somebody mentioned would be good, if you have space for that in another room - it can actually be quite a nice thing to look at in a room as well, if it's stood on top of Kallax units which provide a lot of storage underneath too. Except with that there is some diy involved as it needs a lid making out of wood and mesh.

There's the maxi duna multi which is a perspex tank style. It's the same size as the Savic Plaza at 100cm but easier to manage. I'm not sure if it would quite give enough enrichment for an active syrian though.

What was it about the hamster heaven that appealed to your daughter? Was it the colourful contents etc? There are ways you can be quite creative that are fun, to make a plain cage just as fun and colourful.

If you have a look at these two threads it might give some inspiration They show other peoples set up ideas and also things that people make for toys for hamsters, that don't cost much and it's fun to do. It can become a hobby in itself!

Show us your cage set ups

www.thehamsterforum.com

Cardboard creations

This is a thread to show how many things you can make for your hamster or enclosure, out of cardboard :-) Cardboard is your friend.

www.thehamsterforum.com

 

[Maz]

Also what is your budget? I think this would be a good cage for an active syrian - not too large to fit in but has plenty of floorspace. It's top opening so she's less likely to forget to close the door It's expensive though. But it does come with good shelves. Then all you need is a good house (one made out of a shoebox is a good size), plenty of substrate and a 28cm wheel. It's £135 though. The Plaza is only about £80 but not as deep.

Ferplast Criceti 100 Hamster Cage

Ferplast Criceti 100 Hamster Cage Influenced by the stricted European standard regarding the dimension of caged, the Ferplast Criceti 100 Hamster Cage has been designed to ensure plenty of space and living comfort is provided for your little friend. Devid

www.petscorner.co.uk

It'll fit on top of a chest of drawers with a big of overhang probably. If you put a mat under it then it won't slip about and will be secure on the surface. Or on a coffee table or something.

To fit ours in I actually moved a piece of furniture out of a room onto the landing and got some tall shelves - which gave me more storage and I had a lot more floor space. I was actually much happier with the result! I had loads more storage on the tall shelves, which went up the wall - and a lot more space in the room!

If that's too expensive then the Grosvenor XL one has the same floorspace. It's showing as out of stock but Amazon sell it too. It's much cheaper. It's similar in that it is top opening and comes with a good shelf. It's much less expensive at about £67.

Hamster & Rat Cage Grosvenor XL 100x54x39cm - Black

Spacious 100x54x39cm hamster & rat cage with wooden shelf, ladder & bowl. 1cm bar spacing ensures security. Collapsible for easy storage.

www.littlepetwarehouse.co.uk

For a wheel - this is a cheap and cheerful one that's popular, safe and quiet. She will love that!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trixie-61011-Rotating-Hamsters-Assortment/dp/B00365P9NY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=trixie+28cm+wheel&qid=1672936788&sr=8-2

 

[Thams14]

Maybe if you explain to your daughter that Zazu will be happier in a bigger cage then she will understand? Female Syrians tend to need more space then males.

I will most certainly give that a go

 

[Thams14]

Hi, i agree, a Hamster Heaven is more a dwarf hamster cage and too low and small for a lively female Syrian.
You could end up with a bar chewing hamster.
I currently have a very lively dwarf in a Hamster Heaven and need to upgrade her to something bigger.

Thanks I am hoping once the next cage is bought, I won't need to upgrade further down the line.

 

[Thams14]

If she's bar chewing at the moment it's uncertain whether that will stop if you move her to another barred cage. The rule of thumb I find is that they don't bar chew in anything 100cm or bigger. There's actually been research on that. But there are exceptions. They can still bar chew in an 80cm hamster heaven. The Plaza is basically the same size as the hamster heaven but 20cm longer. So it's the width. It sits well on top of a chest of drawers for example. It doesn't matter if there's some overhang.

I also wanted to add that if you got the cage from a well known pet shop, people have returned them for a refund saying it's not big enough for the hamster. Even after getting the new cage (you need another cage obviously before you take the first one back). Even though it's been used.

How old is your daughter? It's nice she wants to have Zazu in her room - it could be an idea to try and hamsterproof her room in case she gets out again! Ie just make sure there are no holes in the skirting board or floor where pipes come up and if so block them off.

There are some larger tank style cages but then it's space again. One option, if you have space in another room, is to have the hamster in there, and your daughter can take her to her room for out of cage time and play time. You just transport them in something safe - they will often just hop into a hamster ball and you can pop the lid on and carry the hamster ball to where you want to let them out and then set it down and take the lid off. Hamster balls aren't really recommended for use as a ball though as they're too small and too risky with accidents.

The detolf idea somebody mentioned would be good, if you have space for that in another room - it can actually be quite a nice thing to look at in a room as well, if it's stood on top of Kallax units which provide a lot of storage underneath too. Except with that there is some diy involved as it needs a lid making out of wood and mesh.

There's the maxi duna multi which is a perspex tank style. It's the same size as the Savic Plaza at 100cm but easier to manage. I'm not sure if it would quite give enough enrichment for an active syrian though.

What was it about the hamster heaven that appealed to your daughter? Was it the colourful contents etc? There are ways you can be quite creative that are fun, to make a plain cage just as fun and colourful.

If you have a look at these two threads it might give some inspiration They show other peoples set up ideas and also things that people make for toys for hamsters, that don't cost much and it's fun to do. It can become a hobby in itself!

Show us your cage set ups

www.thehamsterforum.com

Cardboard creations

This is a thread to show how many things you can make for your hamster or enclosure, out of cardboard :-) Cardboard is your friend.

www.thehamsterforum.com

Thank you! My daughter is 10 - going on 20 I did buy a ball when we got Zazu, but I've since learned, as you say, aren't recommended and thus we don't put her in it now. I have space in another room, but really not much (we live in a small house). Well, we looked at cage sizes that would fit in my daughter's room and drew up a shortlist from that. My daughter then chose from that (she did like the colours).

 

[Thams14]

Also what is your budget? I think this would be a good cage for an active syrian - not too large to fit in but has plenty of floorspace. It's top opening so she's less likely to forget to close the door It's expensive though. But it does come with good shelves. Then all you need is a good house (one made out of a shoebox is a good size), plenty of substrate and a 28cm wheel. It's £135 though. The Plaza is only about £80 but not as deep.

Ferplast Criceti 100 Hamster Cage

Ferplast Criceti 100 Hamster Cage Influenced by the stricted European standard regarding the dimension of caged, the Ferplast Criceti 100 Hamster Cage has been designed to ensure plenty of space and living comfort is provided for your little friend. Devid

www.petscorner.co.uk

It'll fit on top of a chest of drawers with a big of overhang probably. If you put a mat under it then it won't slip about and will be secure on the surface. Or on a coffee table or something.

To fit ours in I actually moved a piece of furniture out of a room onto the landing and got some tall shelves - which gave me more storage and I had a lot more floor space. I was actually much happier with the result! I had loads more storage on the tall shelves, which went up the wall - and a lot more space in the room!

If that's too expensive then the Grosvenor XL one has the same floorspace. It's showing as out of stock but Amazon sell it too. It's much cheaper. It's similar in that it is top opening and comes with a good shelf. It's much less expensive at about £67.

Hamster & Rat Cage Grosvenor XL 100x54x39cm - Black

Spacious 100x54x39cm hamster & rat cage with wooden shelf, ladder & bowl. 1cm bar spacing ensures security. Collapsible for easy storage.

www.littlepetwarehouse.co.uk

For a wheel - this is a cheap and cheerful one that's popular, safe and quiet. She will love that!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trixie-61011-Rotating-Hamsters-Assortment/dp/B00365P9NY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=trixie+28cm+wheel&qid=1672936788&sr=8-2

Thank you for that, will check those out. I had set a budget for £100, but it's not set in stone. I could go a bit more if need be

 

[Maz]

10 is a good age to be responsible for and in charge of a hamster. Which one did you choose in the end?

 

[Maz]

Thank you for that, will check those out. I had set a budget for £100, but it's not set in stone. I could go a bit more if need be

It's a pain - I wasted a lot of money on an unsuitable cage the first time and end up upgrading again! They're not cheap but sometimes getting the right thing saves money in the long run. It's difficult but most hamsters, with enough space, will be happy in a cage with plenty of substrate. The more of that you can give, the less often you need to clean them out and it keeps them happy. It works out cheaper on substrate as well - the more you put in the less you use over a period of time. You just "spot clean" mostly and don't need to change it for two or three months if they use a litter tray. Cage cleans can really stress them (which can cause them to start bar biting as well) so not cleaning everything at the same time is the way to go - so something always smells familiar.

Also not sure if you knew but Syrians will use a litter tray Which makes life a lot easier - you just empty the litter tray once or twice a week and the rest of the cage stays clean and dry. They are contrary little things though and will only use the litter tray if you put it in the place they have decided is a toilet area! Usually a corner of the cage. If you put it in a different corner they will ignore it lol!

Females come on heat every 4 days too - some of them can have a distinct smell (musky) at this time - others not so much - just in case you notice.

 

[Thams14]

10 is a good age to be responsible for and in charge of a hamster. Which one did you choose in the end?

My daughter tends to get over excited when playing with Zazu, so I'm trying to teach her to calm down a bit. We chose, but have not bought, the Savic Sky Metro Syrian Hamster Cage X Large. The reason was we felt the other one had two shelves and thought it might have been too crowded. I'm not sure if that's actually the case, but that's the conclusion we came to.

 

[Maz]

I think that one is better than the Hamster Heaven. It's the same cage basically and same size, but with just the one shelf there's room for a 28cm wheel. However they do tend to block up the external tubes and nest and pee in them - and they can sometimes even get stuck in them if they grow very large - so some people remove the tubes and block them off. The cage comes with the tube blockers.

It sounds like a good upgrade and hope it suits her. She might need plenty of out of cage time as well.

I'm sure the over excitement will settle down! Bathtub taming can be a fun experience.

If upgrading the cage as well it needs to be done quite carefully to avoid a setback with taming and bonding. Changing cages is also stressful but he stress can be avoided if you transfer all the bedding from the old cage to the new one (you'll need more bedding for the bigger cage so spreading the old on top works well). Without cleaning anything. That might sound bizarre but it can make the difference between them being manically stressed and bar biting for two weeks, or settling in within 2 or 3 days. Also any cage items or toys you put in the new cage, not cleaning those either. I also save the nest and hoard and move those over as well. Their nest is their most precious thing and they get very upset if it's taken away - same with the hoard. Unless it's pee'd in then you have to remove it - but otherwise it stays clean - they clean themselves a lot and are actually very clean little things - it's just their pee that smells (hence the litter tray helps). Their poops aren't dirty really and they sometimes hoard some of those as well. They can just be picked out as and when (and sometimes they eat some - which is normal!).

 

[Thams14]

It's a pain - I wasted a lot of money on an unsuitable cage the first time and end up upgrading again! They're not cheap but sometimes getting the right thing saves money in the long run. It's difficult but most hamsters, with enough space, will be happy in a cage with plenty of substrate. The more of that you can give, the less often you need to clean them out and it keeps them happy.

Also not sure if you knew but Syrians will use a litter tray Which makes life a lot easier - you just empty the litter tray once or twice a week and the rest of the cage stays clean and dry. They are contrary little things though and will only use the litter tray if you put it in the place they have decided is a toilet area! Usually a corner of the cage. If you put it in a different corner they will ignore it lol!

Oh, a litter tray - that's wonderful I will most definitely try that, thanks. I clean Zazu's cage every few days and replace the bedding completely. That's expensive because I buy Carefresh, which isn't cheap. I've read advice about spot cleaning instead of a full cage clean, but I'm not sure how that works (like, how do you know what parts to clean).