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Old 08-04-2017, 05:55 PM   #1
Smudge8
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Default Old Hamster New Cage

My hamster is getting very old now (2 years 2 months) and he has a 3 layer cage but he's starting to fall off the platforms, he's done this twice in the last week so I'm going to buy him a large new cage with one level, is this a good idea. If yes how can I re cage him without him becoming stressed or ill?
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Old 08-04-2017, 06:59 PM   #2
Cinnamon Bear
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Default Re: Old Hamster New Cage

If you use most of his bedding & toys that have familiar scents, he should adjust. It may take a few days to adjust or he might adjust right away. Is there any way to remove the levels in his current cage? I'm sure you've thought of this
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Old 08-04-2017, 10:32 PM   #3
cypher
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Default Re: Old Hamster New Cage

It is a good idea, he'll be much safer & more comfortable in a cage with one level & it will be easier for him to get to food & water without struggling or risking falls.
As CB if you use the substrate from the current cage he should settle fairly quickly, don't do any cage cleaning other than spot cleaning for a few weeks before or after so everything keeps his scent, try to move his nest material over too & keep the house he's used to sleeping in.
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Old 08-05-2017, 01:54 AM   #4
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Old Hamster New Cage

Aargh just lost my post! Shortened version! I think the maxi duna multy would be a good upgrade. Another member on here did that with an older hamster who had a tiered cage and it worked well. Our last Syrian had 100cm Barney cage and when he got older and climbing was risky he really appreciated the floor space without the levels. So something like the Barney (without the shelf) or the maxi duna multy would be good. Both are quite futureproof and suitable for a Syrian or dwarf hamster in future.

Our hammy was still quite fast and active on the flat in old age, but I had to set things up carefully so he couldn't climb or fall. The maxi duna would be easy to set up. But they do need overhead cover so they don't feel too exposed. What I did in the Barney was move the shelf right up to roof level so it couldn't be climbed on but could still be sat under. And hung a big hammock across the top which couldn't be reached or chewed but made it feel safe underneath. Large cork logs make good floor toys and overhead cover in a large floorspace cage as well.

I personally think older hamsters adapt better to a cage change as they're more chilled, but it is important to move all the old substrate across (spread it out on top of new as you'll need more in a bigger cage) and to keep the layout similar (eg house and wheel in same position).

This is the maxi duna multy

Cage Maxi Duna Multy

This is the Barney

Barney Pet Cage | Great deals at zooplus!

I think the maxi duna would be a better option for an older hamster as easier to set up and less fall risks, but the Barney is cheaper. I already had the Barney cage for our Syrian. This is how it was set up for him in old age. At this stage I left a couple of things on his house roof and a step up there, because he couldn't hurt himself or fall if he climbed on the house roof, but eventually I removed the step and toys from the house roof.

Attachment 42227

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Attachment 42231

Last edited by Pebbles82; 11-26-2022 at 05:54 PM.
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Old 08-05-2017, 02:03 AM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Old Hamster New Cage

I also did a little video on ideas for setting up a cage for an older hamster if it helps

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=NIxHqvr9wTY



Also I think it can help to let them play in the new cage, partly set up, a day or two before moving them in, so it's more familiar and gives a transition so it's less stressful.
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Old 08-05-2017, 03:07 PM   #6
Ruth Edwards
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Default Re: Old Hamster New Cage

Here's Daisy in her new cage the maxi duna multi . She loved it from the start despite being a mature ham. And she can't chew the curtains through it. She can pile the bedding up really high to make a burrow.duna small.jpeg
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