Cage Upgrade Plan...Comments Please!

loyal_tree · 01-18-2009, 01:21 AM

I am going back and forth on which cage to buy for my hams. I have pretty much narrowed it down to a Zoo Zone 1 or 2, but therein lies the question...not sure which ZZ to get.

I have two Robo girls in one cage, and two Campbells boys in another. I have a lone dwarf that loves her tubes, so I don't know if I will get her a new cage as I can always connect some together. I would love to get them each a ZZ2, but keeping those cages is going to be hard. I would like to get everyone stacked up on shelves, but finding a shelving unit that wide is difficult! I don't have a lot of room to work with and I found a bookshelf wide enough, and just about deep enough for a ZZ1 (two inches short - no biggie), but it's 3 inches too short lengthwise for the ZZ2.

Basically, I'm feeling conflicted about getting the ZZ1's because just knowing there is a bigger cage available makes me feel guilty.

I know ZZ1's will be enough space for two, but I want to give them the best!

I can get both cages for the same price, so that is not an issue.

I plan to get a Syrian in the future that I'd like to have in a ZZ2, but I think a ZZ1 would be okay too. I just wish shelving units were easier to find that wide, without looking totally industrial because I would like it to still look like it belongs in my house!

I just need to decide which way to go, and feel good about my decision if I go smaller. Every time I think I've decided ZZ1's I get a little twinge of indecision. (<---How many times can you use the word decision or variants of it in two sentences...geez!) Maybe someone knows where to get really wide shelving units in the US? This is kind of a random post I know, but I would be interested on your thoughts on this.

cornishrobos · 01-18-2009, 04:48 AM

Hi there! I personally wouldn't be guilty about buying a Zoo Zone 1. It is more than big enough to house 2 dwarf hamsters!!

I felt a bit like that when I bought my 2 lone dwarf hamsters Imac Fantasy cages, I thought they wouldn't be big enough for them and wanted to buy the add ons but once I put their toys and house etc over the 2 floors, I realised it was plenty big enough!! You'll probably find that out with the zoo zone 1. You'd also find it easier to find a shelving unit that would hold the zoo zone 1 than you would a zoo zone 2 being that they are so long!

I have my pair of Robo dwarfs in a Zoo Zone 2 cage and it's a fantastic size for them but it is huge, luckily we have the room for one but only one, hence why my others are in Imac Fantasy's. Rolo my 5th robo is in another sort of cage but we don't like it now we've got it, so we are getting another one and it will either be a Zoo Zone 1 or a Duna Deluxe.

Anyway i've waffled on a bit, basically if you've got room for Zoo Zone 2's then have them, if not then Zoo Zone 1's would be more than adequate for them!!

Have a look on the cage thread in this section and see what you think of some peoples set up, it might help with your decision! The pics of my lots set up are in that thread!!

haziebabie · 01-18-2009, 08:23 AM

Space in my house has been a big factor in deciding what cages to get too. In fact I initially managed to find space for one hamster and cage then she has surprise babies so I have done well to squeeze in 2 more!

I think a zoozone 1 will be more than fine for your dwarf pair though. However if you are feeling guilt now then won't it be worse if you have to look at it every day.

I really do think that the zoozone 1 will make a fantastic home but you have to decide if you will be happy.

cornishrobos · 01-18-2009, 10:26 AM

I remember reading your story about your unexpected litter! Bless, sounds like you've done a good job with them and you've kept them, which would be something i'd do too.

I would have more hamsters if we had the space here but unfortunately we don't!! I''ll end up like I was when I was growing up, I used to breed and show Guinea Pigs, Goldens and Abyssinians and my dad had a shed built for me in the garden. That's not all though as my Dad and Uncle used to show and breed Dutch and Lilac Rex Rabbits, so not only was there my Guinea shed there was also a big L shaped shed with my Dads rabbits in our garden but also a big shed at my Grans for their rabbits and one at my Uncles!!

Anyway sorry to go off topic!

loyal_tree · 01-18-2009, 10:47 AM

Thanks guys. I feel a bit better now. I think I'm going to go ahead and order the ZZ1's...

I'll be alright

Then later if I need to add a ZZ2 for a Syrian I'll have to find a table for him to set on.

UPDATE: I found a solution to this madness tonight! I found a shelving unit wide enough for a ZZ2 that's not an ugly, industrial looking one:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...2-184874B&bc=c

I couldn't help myself this morning and ordered a ZZ2 knowing I had nowhere to put it. Luckily I found that shelf! There is barely enough room for me to squeeze it into my already crowded home. What we do for these crazy little animals huh?

souffle · 01-19-2009, 04:36 AM

Glad you have found a solution loyal tree.
Either the ZZ1 or ZZ2 is fine for two dwarfies and even the 1 is fine for a syrian. You do need to mesh the roof bars though.

loyal_tree · 01-19-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by souffle

You do need to mesh the roof bars though.

Yup, next stop is the hardware store!