Housing for Syrian Hamsters
Choosing the right cage is one of the most important aspects of owning a happy hamster. Basically, the larger the cage the better. Some people prefer plastic cages and others prefer ones with bars, so I’ll give some good examples of both and also some examples of bad cages and why they are not recommended.
Recommended Wire Cages
Savic Cambridge
This is my top recommended cage based on value for money, ease of use and the fact that it fits into a small space whilst still offering adequate living accommodation for the hamster. I own 4 of these cages.
This cage use to be sold in Pets at Home, but was unfortunately discontinued. It can often be found second-hand on ebay for around £10 - £20. This cage measures 62cm x 43cm x 36cm and is available in blue or red. You can use the bars to hang additional toys, as seen in the photos. The position of the shelves can be moved to your taste or to accommodate toys and a larger wheel. The wheel that comes with this cage will need upgrading to a wheel of at least 8" in diameter for Syrian hamsters (see Wheels in the toys section). |
Savic Hamster Heaven
This cage is aptly named because it truly is pure heaven for your furry friend! I only have one of these cages simply because they take up so much space, which is at a premium in the hamstery! If i had endless space, i would have many more of these cages.
The Hamster Heaven measures 80cm x 50cm x 50cm. It used to be available from Pets at Home (RRP £80), but was recently discontinued. It can still be found on ebay for around £30 - £40. This cage is very adaptable in that it provides plenty of options for hanging additional toys such as hammocks and tunnels. This is the only cage that comes with a wheel that is large enough for Syrian hamsters. The cage comes with roof tubes, but I have removed these as my show hamsters are too large to fit through them! |
Imac Fantasy
The imac fantasy is available from Tesco Direct, who also sell the extension levels. I have also seen this cage for sale in a few independent pet stores and on ebay. Prices can vary, but are usually around £40 for a new cage and around £10 - £20 for a second-hand cage.
The ability to extend the fantasy upwards makes this an excellent cage as the hamster can be provided with a lot of floor space without the cage taking up too much room. I have 2 of these cages, each with an extension level, although they are not currently in use. I have mainly used them in the past for Chinese hamsters. The Fantasy is also suitable for Syrians, but the wheel will need to be replaced with an 8" diameter wheel. Note that a Syrian-sized wheel will only fit in the lower section of the cage, not in the extension levels (wheel shown in picture is a dwarf wheel). |
Ferplast Mary (and other rat cages)
This cage measures 80cm x 50cm x 37cm. Obviously this cage is designed for rats, but it has been tested on Syrian hamsters and the bar spacing is not wide enough to allow them to escape. The Mary is a great cage with plenty of scope for arranging your own toys, hanging tubes or adding shelves. The tubes that come with this cage (as seen in photo) are actually large enough for show hamsters!
I highly recommend checking out rat cages as whilst they are often too small for rats, they are a perfect size for hamsters, unlike many of the cages marketed at hamsters. The main thing to look out for is the bar-spacing; bars need to be no more than 1cm apart. |
More examples of good wire cages
Recommended Plastic Cages
Gabber Rex
The Gabber Rex (sometimes known as Montagna Rex) measures 72cm x 43cm. This cage is now discontinued, but often turns up on ebay for prices as low as £5 - £10.
I have had 8 of these cages in total, with 3 of them currently in use. I find them to be a great size, providing lots of space for hamsters. Once again, the wheel needs to be replaced with an 8" diameter wheel for Syrians. Personally, i like to hang hammocks, bridges and tunnels from the roof bars, which hamsters love. The Rex comes in green, yellow, blue, red and white. |
Hagen Zoozone 1 and 2
This is similar to the Gabber Rex, but is actually designed for guinea pigs, so the bars on the roof are quite wide apart and a hamster may be able to squeeze through. This can be prevented by securing wire mesh, such as chicken wire, to the bars.
The Zoozone comes in two sizes, known as the Zoozone 1 and Zoozone 2. The Zoozone 1 is about 70cm x 45cm and the Zoozone is about 100cm x 45cm. The water bottle hole is a bit high for hamsters, so you can provide them with a bendy log bridge to step onto. A wheel will have to be purchased separately. The Zoozone is available from some independent pet shops, online stores and ebay.The Zoozone 1 usually retails at around £30 and the Zoozone 2 at around £40. Alternatively, both can be purchased from ebay for prices as low as £10. I was able to purchase a Zoozone 2 for £5 including toys! |
D.I.Y Cage (aka bin/tub cage)
A cheap and spacious hamster cage can be created out of a plastic tub (or bin in the USA). These can be bought cheaply from many places such as Ikea or Staples. I would look for something that is at least 65xm x 40cm. Personally, i like the 84L Really Useful Box which measures around 70cm x 40cm.
These tubs can be fitted out to your own personal taste by adding toys, bridges, a hut, a wheel or even an extra level if you're DIY-savvy! Many people, such as those who have cats, like to use the lid on their tub cage. If you wish to do this, you will need to drill plenty holes into the lid and high up around the sides of the cage (where the hamster can't reach them). Those who are good with tools could also cut out a section on the side of the tub and attach a metal grill. For more information on making a tub cage, I recommend this guide written by Manda at Mythic hams: http://mythichams.webs.com/diyhamster.htm |
Not Recommended Cages
The following cages I do not recommend, mainly because I feel that they are too small. In my opinion, a Syrian cage needs to be at least 60cm x 40cm, preferably with an extra shelf, and able to accommodate an 8" diameter wheel.
Any cage labelled as a 'starter cage': In my opinion these cages are simply too small for provide adequate enrichment for any animal. These cages may look OK when you buy your baby Syrian, but not once she triples in size!
Rotastak: These cage systems are not able to accommodate an 8" wheel and are only large enough if you spend a fortune buying extension modules. The tubes are also too small for a pedigree Syrian.
Habitrail Ovo: This system is far too small unless you spend a lot of money buying several extension units. It is also not possible to fit an 8" wheel in any of the compartments. The tubes may be fine for young hamsters, but once your hamster gets older, he may not be able to climb them. The tubes are also too narrow for a pedigree Syrian. Finally, the drinking bottle is totally unsuitable, forcing the hamster to lie back in an un-natural drinking position.
Any cage with a wire floor: Avoid these floors at all costs because they hurt the feet of animals and can cause a condition known as bumble foot. If you have a cage with a wire floor you can attach some plastic or a piece of wood to it or simply weave some cardboard through the wires.
As a general rule, put yourself in the position of a hamster when choosing a cage. Think to yourself 'would I enjoy walking on a wire floor, having to lie on my back to drink or living in a room only twice my body length?'. Don't choose a cage simply on how it looks, the pretty colours or how appealing it is to your child. Don't let your heart rule your head - think of the animal's needs first. Afterall, they are the one who has to live their whole life inside it.
Any cage labelled as a 'starter cage': In my opinion these cages are simply too small for provide adequate enrichment for any animal. These cages may look OK when you buy your baby Syrian, but not once she triples in size!
Rotastak: These cage systems are not able to accommodate an 8" wheel and are only large enough if you spend a fortune buying extension modules. The tubes are also too small for a pedigree Syrian.
Habitrail Ovo: This system is far too small unless you spend a lot of money buying several extension units. It is also not possible to fit an 8" wheel in any of the compartments. The tubes may be fine for young hamsters, but once your hamster gets older, he may not be able to climb them. The tubes are also too narrow for a pedigree Syrian. Finally, the drinking bottle is totally unsuitable, forcing the hamster to lie back in an un-natural drinking position.
Any cage with a wire floor: Avoid these floors at all costs because they hurt the feet of animals and can cause a condition known as bumble foot. If you have a cage with a wire floor you can attach some plastic or a piece of wood to it or simply weave some cardboard through the wires.
As a general rule, put yourself in the position of a hamster when choosing a cage. Think to yourself 'would I enjoy walking on a wire floor, having to lie on my back to drink or living in a room only twice my body length?'. Don't choose a cage simply on how it looks, the pretty colours or how appealing it is to your child. Don't let your heart rule your head - think of the animal's needs first. Afterall, they are the one who has to live their whole life inside it.