The 60 Best Hamster Cages

The Style of The Cage

The style of the cage matters a lot if you own a hamster as they are small pets and therefore they require supervision. Therefore, it is important to check the style of the cage, if it is a plastic or a wire cage.

The size of The Cage

The size of the cage is very important as there should be enough space for hamsters to explore, run and have fun around the cage so that they remain healthy, energized and happy!

Ventilation in The Cage

Most of the cages are designed in such a way that they may fail to provide an adequate amount of ventilation which is important for the health of hamsters. A wire cage is recommended as it allows access to fresh airflow.

The Design of The Cage

Some cages are specifically designed to stimulate mental and physical needs of hamsters, hence before buying check it is necessary to check if the design of the cage is safe and secure for hamsters.

Bedding Depth in The Cage

Also, as a pet owner, it is recommended to check the bedding depth in the cage too because hamsters love to burrow so there should be space for them that allows a nice layer of bedding.

Ease of Cleaning The Cage

At times cages are designed in different styles for comfort or compact look. However, in this case, it is important to ensure if they can be cleaned easily because as pretty or aesthetic they might appear to be, they can give tough time in cleaning or maintenance.

The Pros and Cons of The Cage

It is recommended to take a look at the pro’s and con’s of different types of cages so that you are aware of things beforehand.

Wire Cage

If you plan to buy a wire cage, then your hamster would be busy climbing as this is something that hamsters love to do. However, it is important to ensure that the wires are never more than half a centimeter apart as it can be dangerous if they are any wider apart; a hamster can get stuck.

Also, never buy a cage that has a wire bottom, as this is not good for a hamster’s feet, therefore, it is recommended to add layers. This will also ensure that your pet does not hurt itself if they lose their grip while climbing.

Plastic Cage

These cages are colorful and especially designed to meet hamster needs. They are easy to clean and maintain. Also they have offer protection as they provide a climbing frame in the cage.

Also, they have spaces to add different types of accessories such as exercise balls and wheels, or toys.

However, they can easily hide in tubes that are attached to the plastic cage which can take a lot of time in dismantling it.

Glass Tanks

They can be used as a cage for hamsters as well

These are better suited for environments where there are children or danger of other animals that might cause harm to hamsters.

However, these can help you monitor the daily activities of your hamster!

1. Purchase a cage: It should be suitable for your hamster’s size, as hamsters are small and can easily squeeze between cage bars.
2. Type of Cage: Choose a cage with narrow openings is important as this way hamster will not be able to get stuck in or out.
3. Placing the cage in a quiet environment: Make sure that you place a cage in a quiet room so that they feel safe
4. Give Time: Give them time to adjust and explore their new surroundings.
5. Give Space: Avoid keeping them in an overcrowded cage with other animals if they are coming to a new home.
6. Add Bedding: Add at least 2 inches bedding in the cage to create a comfortable home. It is recommended to use aspen shavings, paper bedding or cellulose fiber bedding as they provide comfort and do not hurt hamsters unlike pine or cedar wood shavings.
7. Make them Comfortable: Provide nesting material for hamsters so that they can use it as blankets.
8. Add Different Types of Accessories: Buy variety of accessories and toys such as wheel or exercise balls to keep them energized and healthy.
9. Give spaces to hide: Add tunnels to give them ample space to hide, because hamsters need somewhere to hide when they are nervous or to sleep. A hamster hideout can help your hamster feel very comfortable.
10. Maintenance: Make sure you regularly maintain and clean the cage of your hamsters to keep it away from diseases.

1. Whenever you are planning to clean your hamster’s cage, move your hamsters to a second cage or a deep container with an exercise ball and access to food and water so that they remain busy and you can clean it easily.
2. It is important to change bedding once in a while so that their environment remains clean and tidy.
3. The cage accessories and the cage of hamster should be washed with warm water and soap. It is also important to ensure that it is dried before adding accessories or bedding back in the cage.

Use Special Hamster Bedding

You can use different types of hamster beddings to make cage life interesting and fun!

It should allow hamsters to dig around as they love to burrow, dig and build nests deep in to the ground.

There Should Be A Plenty of Things to Chew

Hamsters love to chew, therefore keeping a variety of chewing things is a great way to keep them happy and entertained. You can add sea-grass, softwood, pumice stones or coconut shells.

Add Tubes and Tunnels

Hamsters enjoy hiding and exploring, therefore creating DIY tunnels or attaching tubes to the cage will keep them busy and entertained.

Place A Variety of Toys

Adding your hamster’s favorite toys will keep them happy. You can buy a toy or even create natural DIY toys to keep your hamster healthy.

Place Some Exercising Accessories

Exercise is essential for hamsters as much as it is for all of us, therefore you can place a hamster wheel inside the cage. This will keep them energized, healthy and also, avoid problems such as obesity.

Boxes

There are several big cardboard boxes that are lying around the house un-used

These can be used to make a large cage with bedding for hamsters to burrow and play around.

Plastic Storage Boxes

It is the most inexpensive and easiest way to make interesting cage.

The clear storage boxes should have ample space so that they can be customized by adding your hamster’s favorite toys or accessories.

Long Fish Tank

If you have an old fish tank lying around in your home, then you can utilize it by making a cool cage for your hamster.

Get a bigger cage: A hamster will be happier in a bigger cage as they love to run around, explore, burrow and chase each other.

Add Cage Accessories: Adding accessories or toys such as ladders or tunnels inside a cage of hamster will keep them active and busy. Also, they love cozy environments; therefore, old t-shirts and blankets can be placed inside for their comfort and so that they can cuddle too!

Add Obstacle Courses: To keep hamsters mentally active it is important to add an obstacle course in the cage of hamsters. It can be done by using creative ideas to construct a custom maze such as adding twisting tunnels or bridges can keep them both, mentally and physically stimulated.

Allow Floor Time: Exposure to the outside environment is vital for the health of hamsters, therefore they should be given floor time to explore. It is, however, important that they are supervised during this time.

Bring another Hamster: Hamsters love to socialize and are known to be the healthier and happy with another hamster.

Give Healthy Food: Hamsters love variety of food and variety of food will keep them healthier and happy.

Playing with Hamsters: There a lot of games that you can play with your Hamsters.

Hamster Balls

These are an amazing choice if you plan to keep your hamsters healthy. It is recommended to pick a ball that has holes for ventilation.

The ball should be placed on a carpeted floor as it can move fast on a hard floor surface that can cause your hamster to flip over.

Also, there should a time limit for your hamster to 20 minutes as it can become stressful after a while.

Tubes and Tunnels

Tunnels and tubes provide fun as well as exercise for hamsters.

They can also be attached to cages that allow hamsters to hide, explore and play in.

You can also make DIY tunnel networks using toilet paper rolls, cardboard container or pipes.

Exercise Wheel

This is one of the most favorite things of hamsters as they love to run on exercise wheels. It is highly recommended to add an exercise wheel in a cage so that they feel homely.

However,

It is important to buy an exercise wheel that has a mesh or a solid bottom so that little hamster paws don’t get stuck between the bars.

Chew Toys

Hamsters grow teeth throughout their lives, so it is crucial for them to chew regularly to keep their teeth down to a normal size. So if they don’t have enough things to chew on, they can simply chew away cage bars

Therefore,

Toys with chewing material should be given to hamsters so that it fulfills their chewing instincts and maintains their dental hygiene too.

DIY Toys

DIY toys can be made easily by using products that are unused and lying around the house such as card boxes or toilet paper rolls

These can also fulfill their chewing habits.

1. Boxes: There are several cardboard boxes such as shoebox or tissue box that are lying around the house unused. These can be used to make castles, hide-outs or even offered as snacks for hamsters.

2. Paper: It is the most inexpensive and easiest way to make interesting toys. Paper can be used to make chains, balls, tents, boxes by simply folding or crumbling plain paper

3. Hamsters Tunnels: Hamsters love to burrow. Therefore, different types of tunnels can be made by wrapping paper tubes or tissue rolls together that can be used for exercising, a hideout spot for a nap, or even a quick bite to eat.

4. Fleece Accessories: Hamsters love to hide and snuggle in cozy places, tents can be easily made out of an old blanket, towel or t-shirt that can become their new favorite snuggly spot!

All you have to do is,

1. Pay Attention to Your Hamsters: Initially, as pet owners observe your hamster’s personality. If he or she shy, curious or a quiet pet. It can be done by paying attention to your hamster’s reaction to something such as when giving a treat or food. This is how you will plan the rest of the games or activities for your pet!

2. Find A Safe Play Space: Safety should always be a priority when it comes to pets. It should be that part of the house or room that is safe. Generally, a floor is the best location, but any part of the room can be turned into a pet-safe zone by removing any kind of electrical cords, by eliminating floor-level hazards such as dropped medications or poisonous plants

3. Experiment New Activities: Start with testing out different activities; this allows you to find out what exactly your hamster likes to do. Try to experiment with different types of toys during this stage, once you start knowing about your hamster!

4. Think like a Hamster: Imagine what it would be like to be a hamster, try to think like a hamster, their likes and dislikes and play with them accordingly.

5. Follow A Routine: A routine is important, therefore it is important to keep a schedule of your hamster’s playtime, lap time and sleep time. For a playtime routine, try to announce the start and the ending time. Explain the games to your hamster so they get in the habit of listening and responding to you!