Syrian Hamster Cage Sizes?

[CoolcatNatNat44]

I read somewhere that the rspca say you should have a 80x50 cage size... can anyone find the link? I cant find it anywhere?

[Pomegranate]

They used to specify a minimum of 75cm x 40cm x 40cm, but they've overhauled their info and now there's no particular minimum (which seems like a backward step?).

Environment - Hamsters - Pet rodents

[CoolcatNatNat44]

Thats a bit odd? Silly rspca lol

[Gizmodo ^_^]

Originally Posted by CoolcatNatNat44

Thats a bit odd? Silly rspca lol

It is :/, hope they come out with an even better minimum xD

[geraltartemis]

Originally Posted by Gizmodo ^_^

It is :/, hope they come out with an even better minimum xD

Update: It's 8 years later now, and they still haven't updated these guidelines.

[flowerfairy]

I know. How frustrating.

[Pebbles82]

I pestered them about this! Change of policy. They still publish guidelines for guinea pigs and rabbits. For hamsters it just says plenty of space after allowing for wheels, toys, houses etc, especially at night when they’re active. They also say they should have nesting box with an angled entrance that is dark inside. I think most people accept 75 x 45 to 80 x 50 is still the minimum size to accomplish all those requirements and have enough space for enrichment.

In Germany the minimum welfare size is 100 x 50 and a recommended size if 1 metre square if that helps!

[Pebbles82]

This is the reply I received two years ago. For some reason they don’t want to suggest a minimum cage size. They describe what a cage needs to contain and allow for so it hints at a cage large enough for exercise and plenty of enrichment but is frustratingly vague and non committal. No help to new owners who end up having to buy a second cage a few weeks after the first when they find the first is unsuitable/too small. Rant over!

“Thank you for your enquiry.
We no longer list housing dimensions for small animals as we feel it is the quality of the space provided as opposed to the quantity that is important. In the wild hamsters can cover large areas and we do say that they need plenty of space. However, we have moved away from stating dimensions as there is little evidence-based information available. Instead we take an outcome-based approach.
Within an enclosure hamsters need to be able to perform all their natural behaviours, such as storing food in a larder, exercising, burrowing and nesting. Their environment needs to be interesting and stimulating to prevent boredom, and it is important to provide enrichment such as toys and items to chew. For hamsters that are group housed, there needs to be enough space and resources for them to perform the same behaviours simultaneously.

We hope this information is helpful.

Kind regards

RSPCA Advice Team”

[Pebbles82]

You need enough space to provide “quality”. The reply annoyed me is it is a cop out! People need guidelines as to height and a minimum floor size, an ideal floor size and set up etc. So people have to look elsewhere for guidance. Most other uk animal charities and rescue centres still recommend 80 x 50 ish minimum

I wrote again saying it would be very helpful to owners to have size recommendations as before and received another waffle reply referring me to the vague guidance again on their current hamster advice sheet. The reason given for not publishing cage sizes was there was no research or evidence on the topic. I sent two examples of research done in Germany and was informed it would be passed on but they are very busy.

Whatever the reason they don’t want to commit to suitable cage sizes to give an idea for suitable enrichment and exercise.

It is true though, a large cage with nothing in it is not a good environment and enrichment is the key. But also hard to provide enrichment and normal behaviours in a cage that isn’t big enough.

[mangoandmimi]

The thing is there is evidence - evidence that very clearly backs why the Germans use the minimum that they do. I even think it’s written in English but it’s about Syrians (who are the biggest problem really). Then there is a bedding depth study that elaborates further. Its a bit more difficult for dwarfs but Syrians really do need a minimum I think.