Syrian cage advice please

[Bee123]

We bought a syrian hamster (female) about 6 weeks ago and now realise we have a cage that is too small. It's 80 x 50cm. Not sure why these are sold as suitable for a syrian if they are not!

She has started chewing the plastic platform, so clearly isn't happy.

What cage do people find works best for a 'spirited female hamster that needs lots of space but is also quite skittish. Single level and add in your own platforms with ladders etc? Or something that already has a second level built in?


I have read some of the resources on this site already which are so helpful, but just asking for extra opinions. I'm worried that 100cm won't be big enough. I think she would chew through a wooden frame cage too. I also thought glass/solid wall cages weren't advised as they can get too warm? The room our hamster is in gets quite warm in summer, so don't want her to come to harm.

 

[Maz]

Hello So sorry you're having this issue - it happens a lot. A few years ago, an 80 x 50 cage was seen as a "minimum" although even then, many people already used 100 x 50 as it was just seen as the sweet spot for a hamster with 80 x 50 being a bit limiting. It's annoying that pet stores are still selling cages that are too small. At least it's not massively too small, so she'll be ok until you get something sorted

Female Syrians though, do tend to need a lot of space generally! So if you're going to be upgrading, and have the space, then yes getting larger than 100 x 50 would be a good idea! A 120cm cage or enclosure for example, and thankfully there are quite a few choices in those these days Some expensive, some not so bad.

I'd say something like either the Savic Aura Plexi, which is 120cm barred cage with perspex above the base and holds 10" of bedding and has a large front door for access and a large top door, or the Bucatstate 3 120cm, which is a perspex tank style, with top opening and also a front opening door.

I think you're right to avoid anything wood as female syrians are notorious for chewing out of wood cages very quickly!

Ventilation is another aspect to consider. The ones suggested have adequate ventilation but if you're concerned about heat in summer, then the barred option will give more ventilation. @Yorkie on here has the Savic Aura 120 plexi for a female Syrian

I've added our recommended cages list below, so you can have a look through that and please do ask any further questions after looking at that, as we've all had various experiences we can share

Hamster Cages 2026

Here is a list of suitable cages available for hamsters in 2026. 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