Cages

pinkneon · 03-03-2016, 08:58 AM

Hi!

So, it's been quite a long time since I last had a hamster, and am thinking of getting one again soon. However, I have totally forgotten the dimensions for the cages should be (for Syrian's). Also, am taking a look at some possible cages, and wondered if anyone has ever used them, or has any thoughts on them?

The first one is called "Ferplast Karat Hamster and Mouse Glass Cage". It comes in 3 sizes - small, medium and large. The dimensions for each are
Small: W 59.5cm x D 39cm x H 52.5cm
Medium: W 78.5cm x D 45.5cm x H 52.5cm
Large: W 98.5cm x D 50.5cm x H 61.5cm
Here's a link to it : Ferplast Karat Hamster and Mouse Glass Cage (by clicking on the tab to choose the size, the picture of the cage changes slightly)
I like the glass tank at the bottom, as it won't make any mess on the table or floor where the cage sits, and would probably not use any of the stuff it comes with and use other stuff instead, but wondered what people thought of it?

The second is called "Little Zoo Ricky 100 Rat and Rodent Cage". Dimensions are
W 60cm x D 100cm x H 64cm
I'd probably remove the large rat tubes to make more space. Also, it doesn't mention the size of the bar spacing.
The link is Little Zoo Ricky 100 Rat and Rodent Cage

The third is called "Savic Freddy 2 Rat Cage". This comes in two sizes, small and large. The link is Savic Freddy 2 Rat Cage It doesn't mention bar size though

The fourth is the Mamble rat cage. It comes in two size - 80cm and 100cm. Demensions are
Mamble 100 measures: 100x54x64cm
Mamble 80 measures: 80x50x43.5cm
It doesn't mention bar sizes though. The link is MAMBLE 80cm / 100cm Rat Hamster Cage With Shelf Tubes Litter Tray Bowl & Bottle | eBay

Or if anyone knows of any other cages that would be suitable, please suggest! Oh, and they need to be easy to assemble take apart and possibly easy to transport in a car.

Thanks

CMB · 03-03-2016, 09:06 AM

Hamster heaven, Barney, Alasks, Alexander are good cages. Lots of people on here have them. Check the cage reviews on here and online.

Tanks are also good, but you may need to make a lid.

Zoo zone 1 or 2 and maxi Duma are plastic tank style cages and are reasonably priced.

Some rat cages are high and falling can cause harm to a hamster. A full level shelf would be needed (with access hole, ladder/tubes) to minimise fall risks.

pinkneon · 03-03-2016, 09:35 AM

Thanks. Just looking at those now. Do you have to make adjustments to the zoo zone ones? Only they say they are for rabbits and guinea pigs.
Apart from a very slight size difference, what is the difference between the Alexander and the Barney? I used to have an Alexander, and I loved it, but it was quite heavy!

CMB · 03-03-2016, 09:42 AM

The barney is slightly smaller and comes with less shelves and houses. The Alexander has a slight slope from the side of the cage to the roof.

Serendipity posted the Savic hamster heaven large 100cm is possibly coming out soon.

An IKEA detolf is extra long 163cm. It's a display cabinet, but makes a great hamster tank for £40. You need something to stand it on and possibly make a lid.

What species of hamster were you going to get? It may help with cage choices too.

Pebbles82 · 03-03-2016, 10:51 AM

I have the Barney 100cm. I don't know if it's any lighter than the Alexander - it's about 4 or 5 centimetres lower with a flat top, but otherwise the same size - except it is a bit deeper than the Alexander at 54cm deep which is good. I really like it, but as CMB says - there is a new 100cm Hamster Heaven coming out in May/June. Which isn't much help if you want a cage now. I would definitely go with a 100cm cage for a Syrian. I got the 'minimum' 80 x 50 and have been wanting to upgrade ever since. I feel 100cm is just right for a Syrian and enough space for their larger toys, wheels and houses and still enough room to explore. I felt the Barney needed an extra shelf or two, so the Alexander is still a great bet. If you can afford the 100cm Karat cage though, I think it is amazing. I very nearly got one, despite the price. But because of my current set up and existing large nesting box and not wanting to change it much, I felt the doors and shelves wouldn't be in the right place for me for access. The shelves can be moved around, but I reckon it needs an extra shelf or two as well to prevent fall risks and the house probably needs to be near one of the front doors to be able to access your hamster and spot clean easily.

I find the Zoozone meshing offputting and there are other options. I did a video of my top ten favourite hamster cages with some measurements in, and pros and cons if it helps - although opinions vary of course.

When I made it I still had the 80cm Savic cage but it really was not quite big enough for a large Syrian.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSKzn0g3sVk

flowerfairy · 03-03-2016, 11:51 AM

I like the maxi duna multi. You can often get them on amazon for around fifty pounds. I also like the barney.

pinkneon · 03-03-2016, 12:42 PM

Ok thanks. I am planning on getting a Syrian. I am staying with family until April or until I can get housing in my hometown, whichever comes first, and so I am thinking I may get something now, then I can always upgrade once I have my own place. The hamster cage will be in my room at my family's house, but we'd still have to be able to transport it once I get my own place. There is a very large desk in my room here that the cage could sit on, but I don't want anything too heavy that's difficult to transport. So something light would be ideal. If possible I would disassemble it before travelling and put the hamster in a carry thingy as this would mean we'd have more room in the car! Unless I am able to get a bin cage somewhere, in which case I can use that now, still transport the hamster in the carry container but put all it's things in the bin cage!! I don't really have the means to make one, so if anyone knows someone selling one please let me know!

pinkneon · 03-03-2016, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flowerfairy

I like the maxi duna multi. You can often get them on amazon for around fifty pounds. I also like the barney.

Thanks. Have found the maxi duna multy (Ferplast Cage Maxi Duna Multy Small animals - Buy cages and parks online Miscota) but I just wondered how close together the bars are on on the top? If the hamster stood up on top of a toy could it get through the bars. Also, would it fit in one of the large hammy wheels in, or would I be better getting the flying saucer?
There is also the just the duna multy (Ferplast Duna Multy Cage for Hamsters Small animals - Buy cages and parks online Miscota) though it's a little smaller, but as it says it's for hamsters I am assuming the bar size is fine?

CMB · 03-03-2016, 01:00 PM

Maxi duna bar spacing is 1cm so should be ok unless the hamster is small.

People have got this instead of the zoo zones as their bar spacing is bigger and a Syrian may get out unless the bars are covered with fine wire.

pinkneon · 03-03-2016, 01:06 PM

Thanks CMB, will keep this as an option for now, as living here my family don't want too much mess on the carpet lol so need either a very deep tray on a cage, or a plastic one. I will most likely upgrade to something much bigger when I move. Question though, I couldn't see where the water bottle goes? Is there a hole for it or do you need to get like a stand to hold one in? (Though I did find some nice ones online earlier!)