any advice please?

[emmzy]

Hello

I'm just wondering what cage would suit a Syrian hamster? I've only had Ralph two weeks (nearly) but I originally had a Russian hamster in his cage so its a bit small and definitely will be as he gets bigger.

I'm not thinking about getting a new cage yet, as I am just taming him. I have a duna hamster cage (could be a mini one? I got it as a present) so its easy access, which is prefect to be able to reach him, but I'd like a new cage for him within the next few weeks. I also, need a cage that is escape proof, as my mum is a bit nervous around him so may freak out if he escaped!!

I have been reading the forum but there is that many different cages so any advice would be so helpful.

Thank you!

[KatiePillow]

Your cage is most likely the mini duna, or the combi one (those are the only two of that style stocked in p@h which is where most people get cages from)

Cages of a similar style are the duna multy (although all distributers seem to have disappeared), the gabber rex (also discontinued, although often pop up on ebay etc) and the zoozone 1 (this needs meshing as the bar spacing is too wide) [all 70x40]
Or there's the zoozone2, which also needs meshing, but is 100x50, which is an amazing size for a syrian.

Other syrian suitable cages are barred ones,
the following are 80x50 ferplast mary (overpriced first hand, but comes up second hand), imac criceti 16, ferplast criceti 15 (great cage for the entrance, I'd really suggest this cage for access), savic sky metro, savic hamster heaven, savic ruffy 2, and lastly the barney cage from zooplus ((this is good because it could be used for a dwarf after the syrian lived in it, it also has a fair sized door))

And then, there's the Alexander. 100x50 barred cage and I'm pretty sure it can be used for dwarves too ((although it's very pricey))

[walsh366]

Ive just bought a Savic Cambridge for our Syrian (£35 from zooplus less a 10% off discount code from HotUkDeals for new customers) and its on its way in the post at the moment. The wheel in it is too small so Ill be reusing my Flying Saucer and Im posting on here at the moment to find a suitable house as the hamster is big! x

[Roxie]

Savic Mickey 2XL is another option, it's the same size as the Hamster Heaven with the same large door, but you don't get the tubes and penthouse. This is good if your like me and hate tubes . Smaller bar spacing too so it could be used for Dwarfs at some point.

[Pomegranate]

KatiePillow's covered everything really; a large single one-level space, 80x50cm or larger, would make a great home for a Syrian. Don't be fooled by tall cages, the space in these is mostly unusable and the height can be very dangerous. The only other thing is, you can also use a tank. (On the off chance you have a 4ft tank sitting unused in a shed or something. ) You just need to be careful with ventilation, and create a mesh or barred top for it.

[SnickersTheFirst]

I'd go for an 80x50cm cage or larger:
Hamster Heaven
Criceti 15
Savic Ruffy 2
Alexander
Marchioro Igor (Zooplus)

[emmzy]

Hello again, thank you so much for your replies. I've googled all of the cages that you have suggested and I've decided on criceti 15. Think I'll wait another month before I get it as I've just had a set back with taming..ralph bit me was just my nail luckily! I thought we were doing so well too! x

[KatiePillow]

Originally Posted by emmzy

Hello again, thank you so much for your replies. I've googled all of the cages that you have suggested and I've decided on criceti 15. Think I'll wait another month before I get it as I've just had a set back with taming..ralph bit me was just my nail luckily! I thought we were doing so well too! x

I wouldn't panic too much, my girl sandy went from being lovely to savaging my hand (and yours only bit your nail) and now we have a really good connection (aka, she doesn't attack me).. I'm sure it's just a blip for you and Ralph too ^.^

And good choice, I've always wanted one!

[emmzy]

I'm so scared of being bitten I know it's silly as it only hurts for a second but after my little russian hamster it's enough to put anyone off! I didn't think taming a hamster would take so much time..be worth it in the end

[KatiePillow]

Only one of my russians is nippy, another will lick your fingers to get you out of his cage, so they're all different, but I'm scared of being bitten too. I once tried the 'don't flinch' method with my chinese hamster and she came away with a chunk of my finger..but it is worth it in the end.. (one of the reasons I've only got dwarfies is because the idea of a syrian bite is a bit daunting!)
Hope he tames up nice and fast