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Old 01-04-2021, 07:37 PM   #1
brieshamsters
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Default minimum cage size?

i wanted to know you guys’ opinion on cage size minimums. are they necessary? not necessary? what do you think the minimum should be? does it vary species to species?
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Old 01-04-2021, 10:19 PM   #2
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: minimum cage size?

Yes they are necessary, without them so many hamsters would be worse off. Personally, i think the absolute minimum should be 80x50cm, but I use approx 100x50cm for any species, unless for medical reasons or older hamster or one that doesn't like a big cage ( always an exception to a rule of thumb).
I actually think they need more space, but you have to be realistic and without animal organisations and pet stores being on board it's never going to happen.
When I have a home big enough i hope to make my hamsters cages even bigger, if they like it.
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Old 01-05-2021, 05:50 AM   #3
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Default Re: minimum cage size?

I believe that it is difficult to truly have a minimum cage size because unless it became law, it technically would only ever be a guideline and difficult to enforce.

However if there was an absolute minimum cage size, I think they would have to carefully evaluate the needs of many examples of each species of hamster as the differing behaviours of each species means that they're going to have different requirements and they will also have to consider the needs of unwell hamsters, hamsters in pet shops, elderly hamsters and babies and it is for that reason that I don't believe that an enforceable absolute minimum should be as high as 80x50cm.

I personally don't believe that a big cage is everything, after all what is a big cage without adequate substrate or enrichment? To go down the route of enforcing cage sizes could distract from the other very important aspects of hamster care and I personally feel that a hamster that is in a 70x40cm cage with enough substrate and plenty of toys is going to be better off than one in a bare 80x50cm cage.

I usually use cages of about 60x40cm for my Chinese and Robos because that is what I have found works best for them based on my experience but I have larger cages available to be able to upgrade them if needed. I realise that I am fortunate to have that option as the average pet owner will not want to keep a range of different cages available to be able to do that.

I feel that a better approach is the way in which cages are sold and marketed rather than bringing in legislations which would then take valuable resources to enforce. I feel that larger cages should be more readily available and at more affordable prices and the pet shops could be recommending them more to potential new hamster owners.
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Old 01-05-2021, 06:38 AM   #4
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Default Re: minimum cage size?

Fluffagrams, that is a very good point, what goes in the cage and the setup is just as, if not more important than the actual cage size. A large cage with nothing in it is not going to be good for hamsters.
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Old 01-05-2021, 07:04 AM   #5
Ria P
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Default Re: minimum cage size?

I think there should be a 70cmx40cm minimum size requirement for manufacturers to eradicate production of Savic Spelos, habitrails and the likes, no hamster should ever be subjected to living in.

Last edited by Ria P; 01-05-2021 at 07:21 AM.
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Old 01-05-2021, 08:08 AM   #6
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Default Re: minimum cage size?

I think I'd say an absolute minimum of 50 by 40 for dwarf hamsters and 60 by 40 for Syrians with a recommended size of 80 x 50 minimum for all species. Although some dwarf hamsters are happier in something smaller than 80 x 50. The Savic Spelos is actually very useful as a hospital cage for a sick hamster! Because it has a front opening door. But it should be labelled/sold as "only suitable as a hospital cage for a sick hamster"!

The RSPCA focus on enrichment rather than a specific minimum cage size these days - but their recommendation is a bit too vague. They say "as big as possible" which is a bit like "how long is a piece of string?". But the general idea is - plenty of space with plenty of enrichment - eg lots of bedding and plenty of floor toys, a level etc, suitable sized wheel and they are specific about a nesting box being dark inside.

Some Syrians have been ok in a 60 x 40 cage (Savic used to do the Savic Bristol cage which was quite well designed). But they would need a lot of out of cage time and it depends on the hamster. Some Syrians can be huge and need bigger stuff so need a bigger cage for it to fit in. Some are quite small and the space can be used more effectively with smaller wheels and houses and tunnels etc. For an average or large Syrian they really need rat sized toys. Wheels can be anything from minimum 8" diameter to 12" diameter. But 11" is the size that most people go with. 12" isn't really necessary but they do run well in a 12" wheel and there is a very good silent 12" wheel.

My view basically is that a Syrian needs a house that is big enough to build a big house and the cage needs to be big enough to hold a large house and large wheel. And still have plenty of floorspace. 100cm by 50cm is ideal for that but 80 x 50 can be ok if set up carefully and using space saving type wheel and house.

In Germany the minimum welfare cage size is 100cm by 50cm with a recommended cage size of 1 metre square.

There is no legislation regarding cages which can be sold and that sadly means if pet shops stock really tiny cages and are allowed to sell them - people will buy them. So it takes pressure groups and forums to educate people!

Last edited by Pebbles82; 01-05-2021 at 08:13 AM.
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Old 01-05-2021, 10:34 AM   #7
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Default Re: minimum cage size?

I'd like to add that while minimums can be helpful, you then encounter the issue of people who buy or create cages of these sizes and then assume their hamster should be perfectly happy in them and could surely never want more space.
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Old 01-05-2021, 03:57 PM   #8
brieshamsters
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Default Re: minimum cage size?

what AmityvilleHams said is my issue as well, i live in the US and everyone preaches a 450 sq in (or 2,900 sq cm) which causes many people to buy cages of this size and wonder why their hamster still isnt happy

i personally agree with a 5,000 sq cm minimum and am upgrading my one girl from a 40 gallon breeder (648 sq in - 4180 sq cm) to a 75 gallon aquarium (864 sq in - 5575 sq cm) and moving my girl that’s currently in the 75 gallon to a DIY enclosure with 1,500 sq in of floorspace (9677 sq cm)

i also agree with what fluffagrams said though, a large enclosure is nothing without plenty of enrichment and substrate. i do find it difficult to fit all of the toys and things i want to include in anything smaller than 1000 sq inches (6451 sq cm) personally.
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Old 01-05-2021, 04:49 PM   #9
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Default Re: minimum cage size?

Yes it can get confusing when square inches are quoted in some countries and sizes in Cm quoted in others

My slight issue with the x number of square inches is it doesn’t allow for the depth/shape of a cage. For a Syrian it is generally agreed on that a cage should be at least 50cm (20 inches) deep. As opposed to long and narrow (despite the number of square inches).
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Old 01-06-2021, 09:40 AM   #10
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Default Re: minimum cage size?

the Bare minimum in the U.S is 450 square in, but it can =vary in different countrys
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