Where to start?

[Millie]

Hi everyone!

So I used to post on this forum way back when I was 14 (cringe) but I haven't actually owned a hamster for around 4 years (or maybe longer ).. I have always loved hamsters and my partner has agreed to letting me have one again. However, I'm feeling really out of the loop and unsure where to start.

Since my last hamster, Evie, so many new cages and accessories have been released.. and I don't know whats the best one out there at the moment! So I'm in need of advice where to start.

What cage would you recommend? What bedding? What wheel? etc.

I have previously had a zoozone 2, a rotastack and a 3 tier cage. All of which I no longer own

Thank you in advance, I really appreciate any suggestions!
Millie x

[worldturns]

I could never manage that long without a furry friend. how ever did you manage!
there are some great cages on zooplus if you want ideas. I suppose part of your decision should be what type of hamster! that of course will dictate wheel, cage etc.
as for the substrate most like care fresh or fitch https://www.fitchrecycling.co.uk/fit...r/bedding.html
wheels you have the silent runner (which I have) trixie wheels in plastic or they do a wood version, the silent spinner. there are loads out there but do look at them all it took me over a month to decide on a wheel and two months on a cage.
my Penny is a plastic chewer which ment I had to put her in a tank type habitat.
there is a thread on the housing page called show us your cages if you want more ideas

[Rads]

Hi Millie,
Welcome back, can I suggest having a look at the Zooplus website for cages and other Hamster accessories ie wheels, they have very good prices.
Pip lives in an Alaska cage which she likes there are a few that are bigger.
The cage is well made with good access with doors on top and at the front for cleaning etc.
Pip has a 28cm Trixie wheel these are nice and cheap and almost silent.
Hope this helps.

[Drago]

Hello and welcome back! Lovely to see you've decided to get back into hamsters

I suggest reading through the forums to get very specific info on care. However, I will cover the basics of what has changed.

Cage size: the minimum cage size (what is considered humane) is now 450 sq in rather than 360. However, recent studies have suggested that for the larger species such as Syrians, 1,000 sq inches+ would be best

Bedding: Fitch is widely regarded as the best substrate available, so if you're in the UK, try to get hold of this. However, in the US, kaytee clean and cozy is definitely the best you're going to get

Wheel: the best quality brand out there is the silent runner hands down! However, the wodent wheel, Carolina storm, and trixie all come in close seconds

What species are you planning on getting? Knowing this will help us recommend cages! Good luck, make sure to re-read everything and ask lots of questions

[Millie]

Originally Posted by worldturns

I could never manage that long without a furry friend. how ever did you manage!
there are some great cages on zooplus if you want ideas. I suppose part of your decision should be what type of hamster! that of course will dictate wheel, cage etc.
as for the substrate most like care fresh or fitch https://www.fitchrecycling.co.uk/fit...r/bedding.html
wheels you have the silent runner (which I have) trixie wheels in plastic or they do a wood version, the silent spinner. there are loads out there but do look at them all it took me over a month to decide on a wheel and two months on a cage.
my Penny is a plastic chewer which ment I had to put her in a tank type habitat.
there is a thread on the housing page called show us your cages if you want more ideas

I know! I have missed having a little fluff ball to cuddle! I'm going to get a syrian hamster, as I haven't had experience owning any others.
Thanks for your suggestions! I will definitely check them out, I love looking through the forums to get inspiration.

My last hamster Evie lived in a zoozone and I soon found out that she liked to have a nibble at the plastic too! I keep tropical fish too so I do actually have several spare tanks.. hmm thats got me thinking now

Also, Penny is a lovely name! What type of hamster is she?

[Millie]

Originally Posted by Rads

Hi Millie,
Welcome back, can I suggest having a look at the Zooplus website for cages and other Hamster accessories ie wheels, they have very good prices.
Pip lives in an Alaska cage which she likes there are a few that are bigger.
The cage is well made with good access with doors on top and at the front for cleaning etc.
Pip has a 28cm Trixie wheel these are nice and cheap and almost silent.
Hope this helps.

Thank you! Sure, I'll have a little browse on there. I like the look of the alaska cage, so would you recommend it?
What type of hamster is Pip? I'm planning on getting a syrian.

[Millie]

Originally Posted by Drago

Hello and welcome back! Lovely to see you've decided to get back into hamsters

I suggest reading through the forums to get very specific info on care. However, I will cover the basics of what has changed.

Cage size: the minimum cage size (what is considered humane) is now 450 sq in rather than 360. However, recent studies have suggested that for the larger species such as Syrians, 1,000 sq inches+ would be best

Bedding: Fitch is widely regarded as the best substrate available, so if you're in the UK, try to get hold of this. However, in the US, kaytee clean and cozy is definitely the best you're going to get

Wheel: the best quality brand out there is the silent runner hands down! However, the wodent wheel, Carolina storm, and trixie all come in close seconds

What species are you planning on getting? Knowing this will help us recommend cages! Good luck, make sure to re-read everything and ask lots of questions

Hi there! Thank you, I'm excited to get back into it. It's been too long without a little furry friend! How many hamsters do you have?

I have been having a browse over the forums and its interesting to see whats changed, that's why I wanted to get some suggestions before buying. I'm planning on getting a Syrian, I've only owned Syrians in the past.
Is there any specific cages you would recommend?

I am in the UK so I will definitely get hold of fitch bedding. Do you know if they sell it at pets at home? If not, I'll find it online for sure.

Wheel wise, I would need something quiet as possible so it being called 'silent runner' is a good start

Thank you for all you help!

[CMB]

Fitch is not available in Pets At Home. Fitch has a website where you can order from. It comes in large bales so you need space to store it.

[Millie]

Originally Posted by CMB

Fitch is not available in Pets At Home. Fitch has a website where you can order from. It comes in large bales so you need space to store it.

Oh I see! That's good to know, thank you Does one bale last a while?

[CMB]

It should do 10kg bale.