Exo-Terra as a Hamster Cage?

[LokiWolf]

Hello! I haven't been on Hamster Central for some years, but I am thinking of coming back now.

So I haven't had hamsters in nearly 4 whole years and with me moving to a larger room in the house, I will have proper space to house a large enough enclosure for one. I've been looking at DIYs and tanks to find something that would work best for me. While I was watching some videos on YouTube, I noticed in the background some reptile terrariums and most of those open in the front instead of the top like most tanks used for hamsters.

So looking into terrariums I saw they can come in long, low tanks, similar to 40 gallon breeder tanks that are commonly used for hamsters. The most common brand is Exo-Terra and I really like they have locking doors and was wondering if they make good hamster cages?

There's a couple used Exo-Terras for sale on Craigslist, one is 36" long x 18" deep x 18" tall and another is 36"x18"x12". The 12" tall one could be too short if I get a Syrian with a 12" wheel, but the 18" tall one looks promising plus that person is asking for less money.

[CMB]

They seem like they would be good for hamster cages. They would be similar to the cages pet shops keep hamsters in. You may need to adjust them slightly. Maybe increase the ventilation/air flow.

[LokiWolf]

I thought that due to the top being a complete screened top, it would be fine with ventilation as it would be about the same as a 40 gallon breeder tank with a wired tank topper.

[Drago]

The 36x18x18 exo-terra would make a perfectly good enclosure for a dwarf hamster. Exo-Terras have very good ventilation as well so that's not really a worry. I'd go for it

[CMB]

I didn't find the correct cage when I searched. Sorry for the confusion about the ventilation.

[Drago]

Originally Posted by CMB

I didn't find the correct cage when I searched. Sorry for the confusion about the ventilation.

They don't look at all like they have good ventilation. However, I know they do just because I'm a reptile keeper and exo-Terras are what many of us use for our arboreal geckos

[LokiWolf]

Originally Posted by Drago

The 36x18x18 exo-terra would make a perfectly good enclosure for a dwarf hamster. Exo-Terras have very good ventilation as well so that's not really a worry. I'd go for it

I'm not sure if I will be getting a dwarf as I will be adopting. I would prefer getting a Syrian, but I will go with any hamster up for adoption that needs a home.

[AmityvilleHams]

I'd go with a bin cage then.If you get a Syrian you can do direct expansions so it isn't as limiting as the terrariums which may prove unsuitable for many Syrians Plus,bin cages are very cheap and much easier to move around.

[Vectis Hamstery]

I like Exo Terra vivs. I have some duprasi in them, but have kept Syrian and dwarf hammies in them before. One Syrian had to be moved out as she liked to choose the plastic strip at the front, but mostly they've been well behaved with it. The front opening doors are so handy. I either stick the water bottle to the glass using sticky back velcro or hang it from the roof using clips. They are very heavy to carry so I prefer not to have to move them.

[LokiWolf]

AmityvilleHams, I want to avoid bin cages since my new room will have a lot more people coming in it due to it going to be off the family room. I've had bin cages before, they were nice to use but they didn't look very nice in appearance. I want something that will look nice when someone walks in. I'm a little more flexible with price right now and it won't be moved around that much.

Vectis Hamstery, thank you for your short review of the Exo Terras. The possibility of hamsters chewing the few plastic bits has occurred to me and is pretty much one of the only cons I can think of. The front doors are one of the main reasons I'm looking into them. I have pretty short arms and tanks can be pretty tall, which makes it hard for me to clean the bottom of them. Doors in the front will eliminate that factor and make full clean outs so much easier for me.