Hello

[Mweekie]

Heya,

I just wanted to introduce myself.

I am 39 years old (nearly 40) and I live in the UK.

Currently, I don't have a hamster as I lost my little Russian Dwarf, Gizmo, on the 5th January. He was coming up to 2 years old and died suddenly of what I believe is Wet Tail.

I am planning on getting a new Russian Dwarf in February (when I get paid) but need to get a new shelf, wheel and other toys. I have the bulk of the main things like water bottle holder, food bowl, woodshavings and bedding.

I used to belong to a different forum - but it doesn't get used very much - so I am pleased to find this is what seems to be a lively and active one.

My other pets include:
Winnie - Cat (11 years)
Inca - Corn Snake (13 years)
Annie - Corn Snake (5 years - approx as rescue)
Toffee and Latte - Female Gerbils (18 months - will be 2 in June)

I've owned several Syrian and Russian Dwarf hamsters in the past - but I have to admit, I have a real soft spot for Russian Dwarfs. I've owned 3 (including Gizmo) and each of them have been the friendliest I have ever known. My past Syrians have been a mix of very friendly to almost psychopathic lol.

I am looking forward to reading up the information on here.

Mweekie xx

 

[Maz]

Hi Mweekie I remember you from other forums Great to see you and exciting you'll be getting another Russian dwarf soon.

 

[Mweekie]

Hi Maz.
I remember you from another forum as well - just can’t remember which lol.
Just working out a budget for my new little addition - but also debating on getting another Bucastate tank (which is what I have for my gerbils) and maybe stack it on top.

I had a large tank for Gizmo but unfortunately he completely freaked out inside it and seriously wasn’t happy - so I transferred him into a smaller tank and then he became the friendliest little guy I’ve owned. He had everything he needed in the smaller tank - space to burrow, toys, platform, wheel etc.

The bigger tank has unfortunately broken now so it’s not usable - so looking to see whether the Bucastate would be more suitable. Also, would my new little furry, do the same thing as Gizmo (and need to be transferred) or should I just go for the Bucastate and hope for the best?

Mweekie xx

 

[Maz]

I think the key these days is to have plenty of bedding and lots of clutter and coverage, with sprays and large cork logs, plenty of hides etc so the space doesn't freak them out A Bucatstate sounds lovely. I'm just wondering if it would bother him being so close to the gerbils ......... but maybe not in an enclosed enclosure like that - others may know more than me about that

But I guess it could be a space issue if you don't stack them. There are cheaper options than the Bucatstate, but maybe it was the stacking you were thinking of? The Bucatstate's are very popular now though. Personally I still use barred cages, but it doesn't necessarily work out cheaper as I bought perspex bedding panels for them. This was a set up for a dwarf hamster (below)

Although if you already have a barred cage, then it's just a case of buying the perspex panels. A place called Viking Laser makes tailor-made ones to fit most cages. There's also the Meewoofun tank style, if you're used to tanks, but that wouldn't stack or sit on top maybe.

I think the Bucatstate 2 is still available and that tends to cost less than the Bucatstate 3. They do have good front access, which is another reason they're popular. But you'll know that as you already have one! Some of the Meewoofun versions have front access as well.

There's a great place that sells cork logs and you can choose which one - ie which shape and size you want! They always come immaculately clean as well!

Cork caves and hides are perfect for decoration, hiding and nesting

Cork Caves / Hides. Caves and hides are perfect for decoration, hiding and nesting. The Cork Shed UK. Full Worldwide Delivery on all cork products.

www.thecorkshed.co.uk

I'm sure @Daisy will remember you too And maybe one or two others, but people come and go now and then when having a break from hamsters. I currently have two Syrians.

 

[Maz]

The new Omlet cage is also popular That is kind of part tank, part barred cage. It's bigger than 80 x 50 but fractionally smaller than most 100 x 50cm enclosures in terms of floor space

Unfortunately it's also expensive at £189. But there is 10% off for a first order. Although it's expensive it does come with most things needed- a good silent wheel and some really good cardboard multiroom houses. So then it's just bedding and other floor items to add. There's also the Skyline Marakesh which is a great tank - but that's even more expensive! They're on this thread

Hamster Cages 2025

Here is a list of suitable cages available for hamsters in 2025. Whether you prefer tank style or barred cages, front access or top access, there is, thankfully, plenty of choice in the Uk and Europe. Choice in the US is mainly tanks and tank style or diy. Both tank style and barred cages...

www.thehamsterforum.com

 

[Socks' Mum]

I am sorry to hear you have lost your lovely little dwarfie. RIP Gizmo, play well over the bridge

 

[Maz]

I think @Tulsi might remember you too

 

[Mweekie]

I think the key these days is to have plenty of bedding and lots of clutter and coverage, with sprays and large cork logs, plenty of hides etc so the space doesn't freak them out A Bucatstate sounds lovely. I'm just wondering if it would bother him being so close to the gerbils ......... but maybe not in an enclosed enclosure like that - others may know more than me about that

But I guess it could be a space issue if you don't stack them. There are cheaper options than the Bucatstate, but maybe it was the stacking you were thinking of? The Bucatstate's are very popular now though. Personally I still use barred cages, but it doesn't necessarily work out cheaper as I bought perspex bedding panels for them. This was a set up for a dwarf hamster (below)

Although if you already have a barred cage, then it's just a case of buying the perspex panels. A place called Viking Laser makes tailor-made ones to fit most cages. There's also the Meewoofun tank style, if you're used to tanks, but that wouldn't stack or sit on top maybe.

I think the Bucatstate 2 is still available and that tends to cost less than the Bucatstate 3. They do have good front access, which is another reason they're popular. But you'll know that as you already have one! Some of the Meewoofun versions have front access as well.

There's a great place that sells cork logs and you can choose which one - ie which shape and size you want! They always come immaculately clean as well!

Cork caves and hides are perfect for decoration, hiding and nesting

Cork Caves / Hides. Caves and hides are perfect for decoration, hiding and nesting. The Cork Shed UK. Full Worldwide Delivery on all cork products.

www.thecorkshed.co.uk

I'm sure @Daisy will remember you too And maybe one or two others, but people come and go now and then when having a break from hamsters. I currently have two Syrians.

View attachment 12391

Hi Maz.

Currently for when I had Gizmo - I've got an Exo Terra terrarium for when I had him.
I've got a Bucastate 2 for Toffee and Latte (my 2 gerbils) and was thinking it might be worth paying out for a second one for my new Dwarf and stack it on top.
But with there being nothing wrong with the Exo Terra tank (only a small amount of wear and tear as had it for quite a few years) - it might be easier for me to make use of that and if I find my new little addition does want more space - then splash out on a new Bucastate 2 then. Getting the same version Bucastate 2 as the one I have for my gerbils would be easier for stacking as well - as it'll fit nicely on top of their tank.
I'd rather not get a cage - as I have a cat who has a knack for getting her small paws through the bars - she nearly took one of my previous Syrians - although Lily decided my cat's paw was food and chomped on it lol . So a tank would be best for me.
I really do appreciate the advice though - going to look at the other options on the thread you listed.

Socks' Mum - aww thank you for your little message .

Mweekie xx

 

[Maz]

Ooh that sounds lovely - an exo terra. Definitely keep that - they have got ridiculously expensive now. They always were expensive but now it's just ridiculous. All cage and enclosure prices went up after the pandemic (when you could actually get any). It seems gone are the days when you could buy a 100cm cage with a house and shelf and basic wheel for £45! (That was the Barney cage which now costs £87 I think). I suspect import costs are a lot of it as well.

An exo terra is such a great option. For those who aren't aware, it's basically a glass tank but has doors at the front and well made.