Advice

Drago · 01-09-2017, 01:39 PM

One of my neighbors who owns two Syrians has decided to get a Chinese hamster, now I'm not an expert on Chinese care as I have always, and most likely will always, own Syrians. However, they plan on keeping him in a 20 gallon long and I'm not sure if this is correct or not, but isn't the 450 sq in the new minimum? The 20 would appear okay had 360 still been the minimum, but if it's not this would mean it's too small correct. I told her the minimum was moved up, but she says that if 360 was fine last year, it's fine this year. So Chinese owners out there, would you say a 20 is suitable? What do you suggest I say to her to convince her to get a larger cage, are there any new studies out by members or labs that show why the minimum was changed. All advice would be helpful, I want her new ham to have a good future. Thank you in advance.

Lilac_Dreams · 01-09-2017, 01:50 PM

I would say 20 Gallon long would be fine for a Chinese, if that Chinese likes that space. Chinese Hamsters tend to do better in smaller spaces, especially when they first arrive at their new homes. Some do better in bigger spaces, some prefer smaller. It's up to the hamster what it likes

Pebbles82 · 01-09-2017, 03:39 PM

No it's far too small

I'd say a 30 gallon minimum. Chinese hamsters are very active and climbers and also like to tunnel and dig. A 40 gallon breeder would be ideal.

The length is ok in a 20 gallon long tank but it's only 13" deep so too narrow to give adequate floorspace really.

A 40 gallon breeder would be 6" longer and 5" deeper (ie 36" x 18")

AmityvilleHams · 01-09-2017, 03:45 PM

A 20 gallon long could potentially work as a temporary enclosure during taming,but a bit bigger for an adult Chinese would be better.

Something to offer in terms of information is that yes the minimum in the US used to be 360 square inches but absolutely had to change because it constantly was proven to be inappropriate for hamsters,and even the 450 square inch minimum is still known to not be quite enough.That being said I was involved with that whole disaster of a change,so I do have a decent perspective on it and why it was so necessary but still not exactly enough

Drago · 01-09-2017, 05:09 PM

Thanks all for the help, and confirming what I thought. I'll show her this and hopefully it will change her mind. If it doesn't though, maybe I'll go out and buy her a 40 gallon breeder. I want her ham to have the best life possible, thanks again

velma · 01-10-2017, 03:07 AM

I'm not sure how big a 20 gallon tank is but it entirely depends on the Chinese hamster. They do like digging and climbing over things but they also like to be enclosed, I have found. They can be quite timid so a smaller space can make them feel mote settled. My chinesey ham Lewis is currently in a mini duna.

The same can be said for all hamsters though - it's entirely down to what suits them. Cage size is only one factor. The cage could be the "right" size but if the enrichment isn't suitable for that ham then it doesn't mean a lot.

It is up to the owner to make the decision about what her hamster is housed in. To be honest, if you pitched up at my house with a new tank because you thought mine was too small I think I'd be a little a frosty and not too impressed.

Minimums are a Tricky thing. The NHC has an absolute minimum that any hamster in any circumstance should be in. But it is not a recommended size. Beyond the NHC's absolute minimum, the forum does not support any particular recommended size. It is up to the owner to do their research, get to know their ham & trust their judgement to get a cage that suits the needs of both ham & owner. Every country has a different reccomended minimum & in the UK, several different welfare charities all have their own size so there is not one set standard.

Pebbles82 · 01-10-2017, 08:06 AM

Actually I was thinking 20 gallon/chinese - when writing I remembered your Chineseys Velma and that some of them are happier with less space

. I think the problem with the 20 gallon long tank is the shape of it really. It is not very deep at all front to back. (13" which is about 33cm) but is about 30" long I think - or 75cm - which isn't huge but an ok length - but 33cm deep is really narrow. I think the 30 gallon tank is longer but still narrow whereas the 40 gallon breeder is a good depth (about 40 to 45cm). If that is too big for her or the hammy then a bin cage could be better (ie in between those sizes).

Drago · 01-10-2017, 08:39 AM

You do make a good point about it being up to the individual hamster. I suppose I'll leave the subject alone with her, and she certainly loves her two Syrians so she probably won't have her new little one in a cage that he doesn't feel comfortable in. Thanks to all for answering! Chinese hamsters are the species I have the least knowledge in