RSPCA's new guidelines(?)

FreddyAndMe · 10-10-2016, 10:55 AM

I recently went looking at hamstery stuff on the RSPCA website (as you do!) and I found that on the main website they actually don't say any dimensions that you should stick to when housing a hamster anymore! I remember reading 80X50cm on a PDF file a while back but I can't seem to find that one again but the one they now link from their website just says 'the largest cage you can afford'.

So what does this mean? It almost feels as if they're trying to excuse people who don't want to pay £70 for the big cage at the pet shop and can't be bothered to look online for the right advice. Or have they done more research that shows that hamsters actually don't need that much room? The latter factor I highly doubt, but it could be a possibility, if a minute one at that.

Does anyone have any intel on what the aim is here, because the old info was up-to-snuff from my knowledge!

Fluffagrams · 10-10-2016, 12:06 PM

Some people have disagreed with the removal of the cage sizes from the RSPCA's website and I don't think it has anything to do with excusing those people who don't want to provide the right cage but is more to do with the focus shifting more towards enrichment and providing what is appropriate for the individual hamster than trying to enforce a 'one-size-fits-all' kind of approach.

Perhaps the wording could have been improved because it might imply that you coud go out and justify buying an inappropriate cage because that's all you can afford but that's not for us to debate on and should be taken up with the RSPCA themselves.

chesca_27 · 10-10-2016, 12:39 PM

There is no official space requirement but I think that 80x50 cm is a good guideline for all hamsters.

Once you understand your hamster's specific needs though, you should adjust it as necessary so if they need more space - give it to them. If they are more comfortable in a smaller space, then give them a smaller cage.

It is up to the individual owner and what they see fit though. That's just my opinion as some hamsters do better in smaller cages and some do better in bigger cages.

Hope this helps

Ice_Fire · 10-10-2016, 03:05 PM

I think that the wording is problematic, because it could result in people thinking that a smaller, but cheaper cage "will do". However, sadly I wonder if those people would bother enough to check what the RSPCA recommends anyway?

Another way to read it is to think that maybe they removed the actual sizing so that people don't limit themselves to that size cage. The largest cage you can afford implies that as an owner, you should really try your best to get the best possible cage, rather than stick with the minimum size and think that's you, automatically the best owner ever.

Pebbles82 · 10-10-2016, 05:31 PM

It is a bit vague. Elsewhere in their literature they say something like they need lots of space, especially at night, after allowing for toys, wheel, house etc. Also a bit vague, but I guess you could have an 80 x 50 cage with big stuff in and not much floorspace left, or a huge cage with very small items in, so the floor area needed might depend on the amount and size of the cage contents. Also the focus seems to be on enrichment now - as no point having a big cage without much enrichment. I also think it could be worded better.

Golden_Syrian_Hammmies · 10-10-2016, 09:23 PM

Yes I agree it is a bit vague. I do like their website and for the novice hamster keeper has a lot of good info on their for hamster care. I like the way they mentioned that hamster keeping is complex as they are complex little creatures and every one is different in terms of personality and needs. What I don't particular like with ref to cages is that it mentions a "multilevel" cage to allow your hamster to climb which might suggest these tall cages that are inadequate with all the levels in. But I also personally think cage climbing is rather dangerous especially if the cage is a taller one and with items in the cage they can hurt themselves on and not to mention a shallow substrate. I just don't like the thought of any hamster climbing and throwing themselves of the bars :/

FreddyAndMe · 10-10-2016, 11:42 PM

My hamster climbs up his Alaska snd throws himself off, I always get worried when he does it and it is one of the reasons I dislike my cage.

I still don't get where they are going with these recommendations, though - like one of you said, a person could pick up a very expensive but small cage from a pet shop and say that is all they could afford, but then they couldnot enrich the hamster because a big wheel would not fit inside. Bit dodgy I feel!

Talking about wheels, does anyone know if they have wheel size reccomendations?

chesca_27 · 10-11-2016, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreddyAndMe

My hamster climbs up his Alaska snd throws himself off, I always get worried when he does it and it is one of the reasons I dislike my cage.

I still don't get where they are going with these recommendations, though - like one of you said, a person could pick up a very expensive but small cage from a pet shop and say that is all they could afford, but then they couldnot enrich the hamster because a big wheel would not fit inside. Bit dodgy I feel!

Talking about wheels, does anyone know if they have wheel size reccomendations?

As long as your cage is set up in a way where he can't hurt himself, he should be ok. It's part of the reason I chose not to have a barred cage.

The wording is definitely a bit off - they could improve on that definitely.

This thread should help with wheels.

Fluffagrams · 10-11-2016, 01:56 AM

I don't think they're going to re-introduce the actual dimensions back into their guidelines as there's too many variables and other matters to consider. However, any concerns over the wording of the RSPCA's guidelines should be addressed with them directly so that they have the opportunity to review it and amend things if they deem it necessary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreddyAndMe

Talking about wheels, does anyone know if they have wheel size reccomendations?

I think that their only recemendation is that the hamster is able to run on the wheel comfortably without any arching of the back which I think is perfectly adequate and sensible advice considering that hamsters are going to vary a great deal in terms of size.

FreddyAndMe · 10-11-2016, 11:38 PM

I will agree with the wheel recommendations - that sounds about right. Some people will say you need a certain sized wheel but it's actually wrong for that hamster because they are all different, so I think they have that right.