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06-03-2017, 02:47 AM
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#1
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: England
Posts: 69
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What's the best Cage type and set up for a Syrian Hamster
Hi guys.
Recently got an adult syrian hamster,
I also have a dwarf hamster and when I got Igor (dwarf) I learned a lot from this site about the best cage types and ways to lay out the cage for him.
Now I've got a syrian I want to make sure I'm getting the best type of cage and set up for her.
Thanks guys
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06-03-2017, 08:10 AM
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#3
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: England
Posts: 69
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Re: What's the best Cage type and set up for a Syrian Hamster
Sorry I didn't phrase my question very well,
I want to make sure the cage she will be living in permanently is the a good cage for a syrian hamster,
I guess what I'm really asking is: is there a best style cage for a Syrian hamster compared to other breeds of hamster such as Dwarfs,
My dwarf hamster is in a detolf,
But would a detolf suit a syrian as well, or not?
I'm glad you've linked some suggestions for cages
I've been told in the past that dwarf hamsters prefer to have a 'cluttered' cage, but is this the same for Syrians?
Is a cage with actual levels okay or should it be all on one base with levels made from wooden shelves and toys, that's what my dwarfs cage is like.
Are there certain types of toys better suited to Syrians, I know size can be a issue sometimes, my dwarf really likes things he can climb into like cubes and what not but my syrian is just too big to fit into those kinds of toys
She does like climbing onto those toys though.
I've tried looking around online at what type of cages and toys are suitable for Syrians bit most just seem suited to dwarfs
Just want to make sure she's happy
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06-03-2017, 08:30 AM
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#4
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Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Bath, UK
Posts: 3,640
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Re: What's the best Cage type and set up for a Syrian Hamster
I think that some people find that the Detolf is a little bit on the narrow side for a Syrian and going by what many of the members have here for their Syrians (I only have Chinese so can't speak from much experience) a barred cage usually seems to be the best choice providing that you are able to find a reasonably sized one. As you live in the UK, the cages I've linked to will all be available to order and have sent to a UK address.
In terms of the layout, whilst I'd say that they would appreciate a little bit more floor space than some species of dwarf might, it's still worth avoiding too much open space as hamsters are prey animals and can find large open spaces a little bit intimidating. There will be some ideas for layouts in this thread: Let's See Your Cages (May 2016)
I'm a little bit lost when it comes to toys for a Syrian I'm afraid but cardboard boxes with holes cut in the sides could make a fun little hidey-box, something like a low bridge and some cardboard mailing tubes (toilet paper inners seem to be too small for most Syrians) might be an option.
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06-03-2017, 10:58 AM
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#5
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 115
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Re: What's the best Cage type and set up for a Syrian Hamster
I have my Syrian girl in a zoo zone 2 and she loves it she was a bar chewer so it stopped that as for toys look for rat toys I make a lot using toilet roll holders and lots of boxes as mine loves nothing but to hide in a box and play peek a boo! A Sputnik is a great buy too.
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06-03-2017, 02:47 PM
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#6
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Hamster Antics
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 23,533
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Re: What's the best Cage type and set up for a Syrian Hamster
A lot of Syrian owners like the detolf I have the 100cm Barney cage.
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06-03-2017, 03:28 PM
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#7
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The Hamographer
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Peterborough UK
Posts: 2,046
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Re: What's the best Cage type and set up for a Syrian Hamster
Pip lives in an Alaska cage with quite a few home done additions, from her cave to corner platforms with access ramps to her "skywalk" which are tubes cable tied into the cage roof and sides which Pip loves.
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06-04-2017, 01:57 AM
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#8
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Hamster Antics
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 23,533
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Re: What's the best Cage type and set up for a Syrian Hamster
The "best set up" is usually an ideal that is hard to achieve! I think all types of cages can offer good enrichment and that is what the key word is these days - enrichment. So that means lots of things to do, different textures and levels, somewhere to dig and bury things, a good sized house to build a nest in or retreat to. Not too much open space above (which can be scary for them) so things like large tunnels and a shelf to sit under can provide overhead cover.
A tank gives the advantage of being able to give a really good depth of substrate for digging tunnels. A cage gives the advantage of being able to hang things from the roof to provide an extra level/roof run and overhead cover, plus attaching things to bars and good ventilation and gives a reasonable depth of substrate (you can have it deeper in some areas by putting cardboard round the inside of the bars in one corner eg).
I like the large cork tunnels as they can make a ramp up to a shelf, have an interesting texture and can be something to climb onto and run through. They also like round things and lots of hidey places. I have a round ceramic pot type house on the shelf and coconut shells also make good hidey places (providing the hole is big enough for a Syrian - Happy pet make one that is). They also like things they can shred so cardboard can go down well - a cardboard box hidey place (eg an old tissue box), or an egg box.
The more floor area you have the more enrichment you can add. But it is also possible to have a good set up and enrichment in a cage that isn't enormous. But that is the way to think - what can make it an interesting environment/habitat for the hamster, especially at night when they are very active and in the cage.
I also like the hyacinth tunnels which can be chewed safely and don't have sharp bits and also make a nice texture and something to hide in and weave in and out of the holes in the side of them. Plus you can wedge treats under the weave. So then they have fun finding the treats and getting them out.
So places to go, things to do, places to sit cosily and have a wash, things to run up and down and across. But not too much height or fall risks. They do like a shelf or platform to sit on and sit under and it's also a place to put the odd toy or chew on and free up more floor space for bigger items.
A flat roofed house can make an additional level as well. You can tie tunnels to the roof or side of the cage to give access to a house roof or level, joining them up so they can do circuits (rat sized tubes and tunnels are best for syrians). Chains are risky but you can get sisal string, which is safe to chew, and use that to attach them. I also use plastic cable ties to attach things to bars sometimes.
So the best set up would be one with plenty of enrichment basically. I like the Barney cage for the floor space and because it has enough height for levels and a reasonable depth of substrate, without being so tall as to be dangerous. It is 54cm deep so deeper than most cages, and it's surprising how much extra you can fit in with the extra depth.
The Alaska cage also has good floor space and is a good sized cage with a nice big front opening door and is a good option if you don't need smaller bar spacing or the Barney or Alexander is too big. In the Uk glass tanks are extremely expensive so people tend to get cages (and Zooplus is well priced) or make diy cages.
Some of it depends on the hamster and how active or maverick they are! Some are couch potatoes and will happily mooch about. Others need a lot more space and things to do. Some will enjoy something like the tank style maxi Duna Multy, others will find it is not enough (the height limits shelving and there are no bars to attach things too).
If you were looking for something futureproof (ie suitable for either a Syrian or dwarf hamster in the future) I would go for something with narrow bar spacing, like the Barney or Alexander (although you may need to cable tie corners together for a dwarf hammy as the gaps there are slightly bigger), or something like the maxi duna. But if you have a very active hammy I would go with a taller cage like the Barney or Alaska where you can fit a lot more in to keep them occupied.
You also need to think ahead to when a hamster is old as well, and they can't use levels and shelves, or they have to be taken out for safety - they still need enough floor space as they can be active but not good at climbing. So most people go for something at least 70cm by 40cm, depending on the size of the hamster and their personality.
Personally I prefer to go large - you can set it up to be cosy for a shy hamster. But if a hammy is happy in something smaller then that's ok too.
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06-04-2017, 01:59 AM
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#9
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Hamster Antics
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 23,533
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Re: What's the best Cage type and set up for a Syrian Hamster
I would love to have a detolf. Although it is not as deep as some cages, it is not a bad depth and you can do a lot with it and have areas of deep bedding. I haven't heard of an unhappy Syrian in a detolf. What it lacks in depth it makes up for in length.
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