Cage size

[Lydia1981]

Hello


This is Tilly's cage, I think it's too small so want to get a new one or add ons for this cage
It's a Rotastak, I have read mixed reviews about Rotastak but Tilly has made this into her home for the 2 months we have had her.

Under the blue shelf, she has made a big bedroom for herself so I don't want to disturb that
Attachment 35344

I have seen lots of Rotastak which I can add on, just not sure which ones the best,

Also I want a new wheel as the bit in the middle sticks out, it's the bit that the cage attachment is stuck to, i want a wheel for that will clip on.

She has a playpen which she loves and a ball for outside the cage, it's just the inside I want to improve and make bigger.

[CMB]

The square Rotostack cages are much better that the original round rotastack cages. A bigger cage would be better than add ons. Continuos floor space is best. 80cm by 50cm is a minimum size, but bigger is better.

Most rotostack add ons are too small for a hamster especially a Syrian and are expensive.

[Lydia1981]

Just read this aswell
The RSPCA recommend that the minimum size of cage for a Syrian hamster should be 75cm x 40 cm x 40 cm. (29 ½ inches x 15 ¾ inches x 15 ¾ inches). There are a number of different companies which manufacture cages suitable for Syrians.

What is the best cage then for Tilly and wheel?

Thanks

[CMB]

Barney cage, Alexander cage, zoozone 2 are about 100cm by 50cm. The Alaska is another good cage, a bit smaller than the others.

You could use a fish take or make a bin cage (modified storage box) and IKEA items can be converted or made into hamster cages.

Syrians need a wheel approximately 12" so they can run without arching their back. There are reviews here on various cages and wheels that would help you decide.

[RubyDG]

I am assuming you are based in the UK, if not then let us know and I'm sure one of the forum members will be able to tell you the best cage options in your country.

The Barney as CMB suggested is a good cage and likely one of your best cheapest options, also probably about what you would pay for a Rotostack attachment. Zooplus is generally the most cost effective place to buy it (the price also includes the cost of delivery) Barney Cage. Now is a good time to get it as the price has dropped down to £49.99. Zooplus also has the Alexander cage which is a little more expensive but comes with loads of shelves.

[Pebbles82]

The others have put the links to some really good hamster cages Don't do what I did and end up upgrading twice ha ha. We also started with rotostak and I was going to get the cage you did as an add-on when I read our 3 tier plastic thing was too small - then realised it was nowhere near the 70 x 40 or 80 x 50 it says in some places - minimum recommended size. So I bought an 80 x 50 cage thinking it was huge - but our Syrian grew very large and needed big stuff in the cage so have now bought a 100cm cage, which I think is just right.

If you can possibly fit 100cm Barney or Alexander you would have a happy syrian and the cage would do any hamster in the future as both have small bar spacing. Next best option is the Alaska at 82cm.

[Amys_Mum]

We've bought the Barney after returning a rotastack and trying two other cages! We have a karlie wonderland bogie wheel 12" which is a great size for an adult syrian and virtually silent.

[Pebbles82]

I'm sure your hammy will love it You'll need plenty of substrate in the base as it's quite tall (not as tall as some but deeper substrate cushions falls and encourages them to dig tunnels). This can actually work out cheaper and mean using less substrate over all as you just need to spot clean the top and only change half each time - to explain this better, here's Erin's Hamsters cage cleaning tips, which I think is great, and really helped me and has meant our hamster isn't so stressed by it now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jVnEjrXbww