P@H "Large" Plastic Hamster Home - Review

[Abileviosa]

I bought this when I got my Syrian, Marina, around two weeks ago!! In the past I've had robos but never a Syrian so I didn't know better, and the assistant in P@H told me it would be perfect for my Marina Anyway, I assembled most of it in the shop (as the boxes Marina was given to me in were flimsy and she chewed her way through TWO in a few minutes, the assistant was a bit useless as it was obvious she needed something sturdier, I assume most hamsters would!) I took it home and found that there was no house or food bowl, which was disappointing as I paid £50 for it! Anyway, I overlooked that as my hamster seemed happy enough. Filled it with bedding etc and literally within the first hour after putting it together the highest floor kept collapsing, I realized that she was much too big for her wheel (why do P@H sell "Syrian" cages with such tiny wheels???)
I put her in a big bin container because of the top level collapsing, and took the cage back the next day. Ridiculous that these are sold for Syrians. Bearing in mind my baby was only 8 weeks old so she wasn't even a big hamster. Disgusted with P@H and purchased the large wire cage (which, for £15 less is much better, but still much too small) instead. Am in the process of making a large bin cage for her, and I will be keeping the wire cage as a spare (or an add on!!)

[kittokitty]

Originally Posted by Abileviosa

I bought this when I got my Syrian, Marina, around two weeks ago!! In the past I've had robos but never a Syrian so I didn't know better, and the assistant in P@H told me it would be perfect for my Marina Anyway, I assembled most of it in the shop (as the boxes Marina was given to me in were flimsy and she chewed her way through TWO in a few minutes, the assistant was a bit useless as it was obvious she needed something sturdier, I assume most hamsters would!) I took it home and found that there was no house or food bowl, which was disappointing as I paid £50 for it! Anyway, I overlooked that as my hamster seemed happy enough. Filled it with bedding etc and literally within the first hour after putting it together the highest floor kept collapsing, I realized that she was much too big for her wheel (why do P@H sell "Syrian" cages with such tiny wheels???)
I put her in a big bin container because of the top level collapsing, and took the cage back the next day. Ridiculous that these are sold for Syrians. Bearing in mind my baby was only 8 weeks old so she wasn't even a big hamster. Disgusted with P@H and purchased the large wire cage (which, for £15 less is much better, but still much too small) instead. Am in the process of making a large bin cage for her, and I will be keeping the wire cage as a spare (or an add on!!)

It's ridiculous, isn't it? Although I wouldn't blame the P@H assistant. Most of them love animals (why work in a pet shop if you don't?), but what they learn about hamsters is usually from P@H training. I feel ripped off too! Even more so when I found out that the Hamster Heaven is just £9 more... GRRRRR!

[DrKMcK]

Although that cage is not suitable as a permanent home, it is good as a travel cage if you are going to the vet or are staying a few days away from home, and, more importantly, as a hospital or safe cage for a very elderly hamster. I keep 3 small cages around for this purpose at all times. They have also come in handy when a rescue needs immediate help. I am sure the makers weren't thinking in these terms, but there is a use for smaller cages.

[kittokitty]

Originally Posted by DrKMcK

Although that cage is not suitable as a permanent home, it is good as a travel cage if you are going to the vet or are staying a few days away from home, and, more importantly, as a hospital or safe cage for a very elderly hamster. I keep 3 small cages around for this purpose at all times. They have also come in handy when a rescue needs immediate help. I am sure the makers weren't thinking in these terms, but there is a use for smaller cages.

True, but I prefer the "medium" cages for that seeing as they're not as heavy - and they're only £30

[DrKMcK]

Definitely don't spend more than they are worth.

[Thin Lizzy]

I know the cage you mean, it's not had great reviews in the past.

People that had bought it and had problems with it got a replacement cage.
If you're still feeling peeved off, why don't you phone up and tell them you're not happy with it.
They're really good like that.

[kittokitty]

Originally Posted by Thin Lizzy

I know the cage you mean, it's not had great reviews in the past.

People that had bought it and had problems with it got a replacement cage.
If you're still feeling peeved off, why don't you phone up and tell them you're not happy with it.
They're really good like that.

Probably a little too late now, I got it at Christmas :P

[Thin Lizzy]

I don't know! They are pretty reasonable when it comes to an unhappy customer.

[racinghamster]

Pets At Home sold my nephew a small Gerbilarium for the baby Syrian they bought for their son. One of the metal bars came loose, so they took the cage back and guess what? They exchanged it for.....a Rotastak Creepy Castle!! I don`t know what`s worse, a bust Gerbilarium that`s too small or a plastic nightmare!

However...my nephews son became allergic to the hamster and guess who too him in? Me I then bought him a Savic Mickey 2XL and the Syrian called Boris lived with me until he passed on aged around two.

The moral of this story is, always take back what you are unhappy with. If it`s not fit for purpose, the customer is always right. Especially if your holding the receipt! x

[Thin Lizzy]

The last thing a company as big as P@H need is bad publicity.
I've found them very helpful in the past when I've not been happy with a product and taken it back.
I spend a lot of money there, the last couple of months really crazy spending lol!
It's hard to go in there and just get what I need, I always come out with more stuff and a lighter purse.