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Old 07-24-2016, 03:38 AM   #11
POLAR WHITES
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

Second hand fish tanks are often cheap off the internet doesn't need to hold water so they can go cheap.
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Old 07-24-2016, 03:42 AM   #12
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

If a secondhand fish tank is an option it would be better to just go with something over 100 gallons.Even then,unless it can be purchased for under $100 it's better to just go with the double Detolf setup especially if both Detolf's and a stand can be found secondhand.
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Old 07-24-2016, 03:45 AM   #13
POLAR WHITES
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

The problem I have found with a detolf is that not everyone has the 5ft space needed to place one on its side. So even though the money value is good if you have the room for it, it's not pratical
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Old 07-24-2016, 05:43 AM   #14
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

I guess I didn't realize that hamsters needed that much space. I knew they needed a lot, and a lot more than CritterTrails and the like, but not as much as some are saying. I think I will try to find two large totes and stack them on top of each other, and have either a ladder/ramp going into the bottom or some tubes. If two walls are cut out and meshed (that is what I'm going to call it) then does the top or the ends need to be meshed?

I want my new hamster to have space, but stacking bin cages would fit a lot better in my bedroom and leave some $ left over to spoil my hamster. If I could find two large bins, that would be enough space, right??
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Old 07-24-2016, 05:53 AM   #15
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

Stacking bins,as I've said before,aren't going to give the same space as a cage with actual floor space that is suitable.

A lot of people don't really know much on their actual needs,but a lot of that is due to complacency with minimal research and assuming that something is fine when in reality it very rarely is.It's very common for hamsters to still chew silicon in a 40 gallon or larger tank by the way,which is just as much of a sign that the enclosure could be too small as bar chewing.

How big of a floor space can you actually fit?It might not have to be 5 feet long but knowing an exact amount can definitely help,and going the DIY route could be better and make it easier on you to figure out what works best in your space.

Just to give an example of some dimensions,40 inches x 40 inches is 1600 square inches(over a square meter).This might be a good option,but if you can fit more length and need it to be a bit less wide you could do something like 44 x 36.

Something to remember is hamsters are completely different from rats in that they are terrestrial animals.This basically means they are ground dwelling instead of tree dwelling,so they would require length and width but height is only a consideration for wheel size and bedding depth.Other than that,they don't really benefit much from height but benefit a lot from actual floor space.It has to be one continuous floor space for it to count though,which means modular cages(even those made from bins)aren't appropriate.Levels also do not count,so for example having a 24 x 24 cage with an extra level would not be the same as a 48 x 48 cage.The only thing that counts is actual continuous floor space.
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Old 07-24-2016, 06:16 AM   #16
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by HamsterCrazy1 View Post
I guess I didn't realize that hamsters needed that much space. I knew they needed a lot, and a lot more than CritterTrails and the like, but not as much as some are saying.
You may find that your hamster doesn't need such a big space. I know plenty of people who keep their syrians in cages considerably smaller than those mentioned in this thread and the hamsters are fine. I've got syrians in cages smaller than those suggested in this thread and they're totally fit, healthy and happy. I really wouldn't worry too much if you can't meet the standards some follow, almost all standards are opinion based and if you find a cage that works for you then thats great and chances are your hamster will be fine in there

I've also found that bar/silicone chewing isn't always a sign the cage is too small, my hamster Nelly chewed when his cage was too large, Pumpkin chews because she hopes it'll create an escape route (she's an expert escape artist) and is better behaved in her current cage than she ever was in a bigger one, Dolly chewed because she could... Bar chewing can be a sign the hamster would prefer a different environment, but it certainly isn't always the case and definitely doesn't always mean the cage is too small.
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Old 07-24-2016, 08:38 AM   #17
POLAR WHITES
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

Width: 78 cm*
Depth: 56 cm*
Height: 43 cm*
Volume: 130 l*
Would make an excellent bin size diy cage.
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Old 07-24-2016, 09:16 AM   #18
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

That sounds like the Ikea Samla
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Old 07-24-2016, 09:22 AM   #19
POLAR WHITES
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

Yes it is but I'm unsure if she is able to get one so I thought I would just put the size down so I hope that can help her x
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Old 07-24-2016, 09:42 AM   #20
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Default Re: Deciding on a cage

I linked the 78cm Samla on the first page I think - so yes it's available! It would certainly be the cheapest option (if you don't mind a bit of diy). I guess if the wheel was fixed to the side of the bin through a hole, it would give more floor area for a Syrian.
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