Exo-Terra as a Hamster Cage?

[AmityvilleHams]

How about a double Detolf?It's much larger,requires very little DIY(takes a few days for curing and a lid made of course),but unlike bins tends to look much nicer.It would probably be around the same price point as the vivarium or slightly more,but gives just over three times the space This is definitely a good thing,as you'd most likely avoid any potential issues of the cage being too small and there'd be no harmful plastic ingestion risks!

Depending on how you make the lid,it would still be fairly easy to access as it is a fairly short but still tank style cage(with a hinge fronted ranged lid for example).

[LokiWolf]

The Exo Terra I am looking at is the same footprint as a 40 gallon breeder, which is what most people recommend now. The guy is asking for $90 for the Exo Terra plus some lamps, extra bulbs, and a heating pad; I'm going to send an email asking if he'll take less for just the Exo Terra. It's a very good price already for a very expensive brand, which I found a seller selling them the cheapest new online at $159, most places sell it at least $200. I can also try covering up the plastic in case of chewing, but that's IF the hamster chews it.

A single Detolf is $70 each and that's before the price for Aquarium sealant and making a secure locking top, which I will need since I have cats (even though they have never tried to open past cages). Yes, even a single Detolf is more space, but it also will be more work and doesn't guarantee the hamster will be safe. To do a double Detolf will be more expensive and also mean more work to attach them together.

[Drago]

A double detolf would definitely be a much better option, but I see no problem using the exo- terra either. Because it's not the largest of cages, you'll need to ensure it's packed full of toys and stimulation, and has lots of bedding. Otherwise, you shouldn't run into too many problems. If your hamster happens to need more space, I'm sure you'll upgrade if you must

[LokiWolf]

I will upgrade from the Exo Terra if needed and I do plan to fill it with tons of toys, activities, and a digging zone.

[Drago]

If that's the case, go for it, take advantage of such a good deal!

[Pebbles82]

I love the idea of an Exo terra and think it's a great idea - unless you have a very chewy hamster. As Vectis mentioned the ventilation strips at the front are plastic and could be chewed. I'd also only go for the 45cm height as the top mesh is very fine and could also be chewed in the lower one. But there are ways round things, so if you did end up with a manic chewer of a hamster, you could replace the mesh on top with a normal mesh grid lid, or you could protect the inner plastic strips with something.

It's a tricky one - with a 40 gallon tank you can have much more depth of substrate. The Exo Terra is limited to about 6 inches. But the exo terra has great access and you could maybe section of a deeper substrate area at the back.

Another option might be this terrarium which someone on here got, and comes with a lid. About the same size, a bit cheaper but no front opening doors.

The 36" one

https://www.petsmart.com/reptile/hab...ium-20350.html

Have you ruled out a cage? There are very few good sized cages in the US but this is one of them and it is a great cage with a huge front opening door. You can set it up how you want and don't need to use the plastic shelf it comes with. I've seen some excellent set ups in this cage and the large rat tube it comes with is great. You can attach a silent runner wheel to the bars as well and it's tall enough for a 12" wheel without being too tall.

It's not easy to find.

Marchioro Products Marchioro Goran Rat Cage Small Pet Cages

[LokiWolf]

In the case that buying the cheap Exo Terra doesn't work out and I can't find one in that price range again, I believe Petco is still doing their $1 a gallon sale on fish tanks, so I would rather get a large tank, 40 or larger, and buy a wired tank topper than buy a regular terrarium since they are basically the same.

Yes, I have already ruled out regular cages. Since I have cats, wire cages make me nervous about a paw going through the bars. I also just don't like the look of wired cages.

[Pebbles82]

I forgot you'd found a good deal on a used one I would go for it then!

[Amylittlehands]

I'm in the middle of setting up my hammies Exp Terra home!



Big enough for her 12" wheel. We'll be adding some perpex tall enough at the front to avoid her chewing the runner but atm she's not going it. We have a "second level shelf on the way to give some more running room and adding more ventilation at the back. It looks like enough as it is but better to be safe.

She loves the floor space! Can't wait to have it complete

[CMB]

It's looking good so far. The level will add another dimension/enrichment and the Perspex will stop the substrate falling out when you open the doors.