Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Navigation
Front Page
Forum
Gallery
Wiki

Ads by Google


Go Back   Hamster Central > Hamster Species > Chinese Hamster

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-24-2013, 10:33 AM   #1
melody
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 7
Default New to Chinese hams, which cage?

We brought a beautiful winter white hammie who lived for 2.5 years then sadly died, then we brought a Campbell's hamster last Feb who is lovely and friendly and very much still with us.

We are now thinking of buying a Chinese hamster. Please could you tell me what are the main differences we will find between the two breeds and also what is the best cage money can buy for a Chinese and also for a Campbell's for that matter.

Thank you
melody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2013, 11:30 AM   #2
racinghamster
PM Fluffy for custom title
 
racinghamster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central Scotland
Posts: 13,415
Default Re: New to Chinese hams, which cage?

Hi melody. Are you in the UK or elsewhere? If in the UK, the best cages for Chinese are the Ferplast Kios (7mm barred cage) or a Zoozone 1 tank (but the grill at the top would need meshing). There are others on the market to look at but these two seem to be the most favoured for Chinese and for any of the dwarf hamster species.

To answer your question though, the main differences between Chinese and the other dwarf species, is that the Chinese are much better climbers and `cling` onto things well. For ground dwellers, they can look and behave more like mice. They also have the intelligence of mice.

They are shy and curious little creatures but can be bold once they get settled, although taming a Chinese can take time and patience. It really depends on the hamster, it`s age and whether it has been handled a lot.

I would imagine your Chinese would come from a pet shop/store? If that`s the case, he or she might need time, but they are really lovely and I have a real soft spot for the Chinese.

A word of caution though. Don`t be tempted to buy a pair. Chinese hamsters usually end up fighting and fighting badly, so it`s best to keep one alone, be it male or female. You might also consider rehoming one that is already on it`s own.

So the main difference between both would be that Campbells are not as good at climbing as the Chinese, but both love to dig, especially the Chinese, so the Kios cage by Ferplast has a deep base. Both cages can be added to with shelving and a decent wheel and accessories. Chinese love to hide, so they do appreciate egg boxes and little hidey holes!
__________________
Get A Life, Get A Rodent!

Last edited by racinghamster; 08-24-2013 at 11:48 AM.
racinghamster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2013, 11:47 PM   #3
melody
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 7
Default Re: New to Chinese hams, which cage?

Him and thanks for your reply. Had a look at the first cage which looks great but just a bit too long, also saw the Ferplast Duna Fun. Is this a food cage form dwarfs?

We find with our Campbell's we wake her in the day to come out and play, we just call her name and then lift her out. She often nips but not hard and seems happy enough to be stroked and take food from our hand. Would the Chinese be similar once tamed?

I did read they are the least likely to bite but don't know how true that is.

Thanks again x
melody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2013, 11:48 PM   #4
melody
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 7
Default Re: New to Chinese hams, which cage?

Also yes I am in the Uk x
melody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2013, 12:01 AM   #5
racinghamster
PM Fluffy for custom title
 
racinghamster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central Scotland
Posts: 13,415
Default Re: New to Chinese hams, which cage?

The Ferplast Duna Fun is okay. I`ve never had one but I don`t really like that it`s just a Duna with a bit on the top. It doesn`t seem as if much can be done inside this cage apart from use the plastic levels inside it. I would also consider the drops and the fact that it only has a barred rim that runs around the middle, rather than having actual bars that a Chinese could utilise.

Chinese are not known for biting, but there are exceptions. I wouldn`t wake a hamster during the day because it`s not their time for being fully awake unless they get into a routine where they come out for short periods during the day while eating, but that`s usually to take some food back to the nest and have a drink. My Chinese female always came out a few times during the day, but that was usually for a drink and a quick nibble and then she would run back to bed.

She never really looked for playtimes until after 5:00pm in the afternoon or a bit later. But allowing them a daily routine gets them used to this.
__________________
Get A Life, Get A Rodent!
racinghamster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 03:27 AM   #6
Susie
Senior Hamster
 
Susie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Dorset, UK
Posts: 486
Default Re: New to Chinese hams, which cage?

The Zoozone 2 is also a great chinese palace, my Enzo loves his ZZ2
For adult chineseys hamster heavens and the Criceti 15 is a decent cage..also the alaska cage and Kios cage.
__________________
Susie is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.43 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Copyright © 2003-2022, Hobby Solutions
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:58 AM.