P@H "Large" Plastic Hamster Home - Review

[kittokitty]

I currently have 2 Roborovskis living in one of these cages. I'm going to be making them a bin cage - THIS CAGE IS NOT LARGE GRRRRRR PET SHOPS RANTY-RANTY-RANT...

Ahem. On with the review.
(Dimensions: 37.5 x 47 x 55cm)

So, as you can tell by the dimensions, this cage is too small despite the extra levels. That is probably my main concern. However, that's not all that's wrong with it. It was really difficult to assemble and the instructions were just pictures. Also, the wheel that came with it was too small and I imagine that my Roborovskis would have outgrown it very quickly, although that doesn't matter as it DIDN'T EVEN WORK!

Pros:
- Attractive design
- Comes with some of the essentials and tubes (Water bottle, hut, woodshavings, bedding, sample pack of food)
- Bars to climb on the middle section
- Large bar lid, easy access to hamster and a place to hang toys from
- Deep enough base

Cons:
- Too small!
- Included wheel does not work and is too small
- Relatively expensive - £50
- Difficult to assemble

I would not recommend this cage as a main cage, however if you don't have a pair of dwarves, it would make an excellent and attractive extension to a larger space if you're willing to pay the price and assemble it.

[racinghamster]

Given that it has upper shelving and areas that pairs could fall out over, it`s unsuitable anyway. There are two choices every hamster owner has and that is to look at every cage out there and make an informed choice regarding cage size and suitability. If price comes into it (and lets face it, that`s why many smaller cages are bought) for only £20/£30 extra, the hamster/hamsters could have a far better living accommodation and money actually saved when you consider the price of some of these smaller cages. £50 for this is overpriced given the large Ferplast Duna Maxi is currently around £70 on Amazon!

The comparison in size and price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ferplast-Max...rds=duna+multi

[RubyDG]

£50? Eeek. That's what I paid for my Mamble 100 incl delivery!

[AshTheHamster]

I can't stand small cages and P@H for that matter most of their cages aren't even suitable for a permanent living area the only time I'd use their cages only if it was an emergency; normal cage broke, vet, moving house etc Their cages are only good for travel or if you have a pair of hamsters/mice and one of them are unwell it'll make a good hospital cage, the only thing I like about pets at home is their variety of goodies for each animal from toys to treats and gadgets.. I'm hoping to be looking for a job there, they aren't bad but their cages are just small and pricey..

[racinghamster]

I always thought Pets At Home are missing a trick by not stocking large cages like the one I posted a link to and some others like the Zoozone tanks and the Ferplast Kios etc.... It`s fair to say these cages are more pricey, but the caging they are stocking and selling is barely enough enrichment for a small, active animal to not become stir crazy! They are not the only store stocking inadequate cages by any means, but they could lead the way due to their reputation as being one of the largest. It`s a real shame they don`t see this opportunity to make a difference to the small pets they sell.

The cage above is by no means a `bad` cage are there are worse cages out there, but it`s a similar version of the Ferplast cage in the same style. x

[Silver]

Oh dear more P@H bashing!

I love the Duna Fun for a single Dwarf Hamster, it's plenty big enough & with a 6.5 Silent Spinner & toys it would be a lovely home

I agree the price is high but it's what the manufacturer's say it should be sold at unfortunately.

I would how ever say no to a pair only because it's on split levels & they might fight over who owns the levels, cheeky dwarfs!

xxx

[Thin Lizzy]

I'm amazed that P@H don't sell bigger hamster cages, I have mentioned this a few times when I'm in, some of the cages are tiny, In fact my pet carrier is bigger!
P@H do have leaflets with RSPCA on it but there's no mention of cage size requirement 80cm by 50cm anywhere.
When I see these cages I get that cold feeling that someone has just walked over my grave.

[LadyPikachu]

Pikachu had the Large Wire Cage for the first few weeks of her life, it wasn't terribly small and she really did love it bless her, I think she misses the big platform that was in it. It was perfect for taming her, I am tempted to attach it to her Hamster Heaven (Why P@H don't stock those in shop I don't know) but I am not sure if I have the time or patience to deal with the extra cleaning haha! I don't understand why your cage was £50 and mine was quite a bit bigger and was only £30? Strange! Must be because of the plastic/

[racinghamster]

Their turnover profits will be higher selling small, high priced cages rather than larger cages as it makes business sense to do that, rather than listen to guidelines from an animal charity. If it`s not mandatory, they won`t follow rules.

That`s why it`s better to shop around for a better cage before actually buying the hamster and the cage in the same store. It`s like entrapment! x

[Junkfood]

Yeah that cage does look too small. Actually, finding a cage that even meets minimum requirements seems like a challenge in my area. Don't get me started. Grrrr.