Barney cage for a syrian hamster?

astrid · 11-23-2017, 08:47 PM

Hey, I am planning for my future hamster and one of the things I am really not sure about is the cage.

Looking into the cages that are available, the Barney cage stood out as one of the bigger ones (internal dimensions 97 cm x 52 cm). My biggest concern is its suitability for a syrian hamster. I have seen many comments that Syrian hamsters need 1000 + square inches of space.

So my question for the experienced owners, do you think the Barney cage is big enough for a syrian hamster to live in and be happy? Or would it require upgrading at some point?

AmityvilleHams · 11-23-2017, 09:16 PM

It may need upgrading eventually,but sometimes a hamster does better settling into a cage around that size first and then being given a future upgrade.Watch out for any bar chewing,pacing,leaping,corner digging,and similar warning signs that indicate something isn't right with the cage.

If you were able to remove the side of two Barney cages and zip tie them together that could give a direct connection and would give just under a square meter of space though,which would be one option for a future upgrade.Modular additions(such as tube connections)wouldn't count towards adding actual floor space though,as it would be an interrupted connection!

astrid · 11-23-2017, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

It may need upgrading eventually,but sometimes a hamster does better settling into a cage around that size first and then being given a future upgrade.Watch out for any bar chewing,pacing,leaping,corner digging,and similar warning signs that indicate something isn't right with the cage.

If you were able to remove the side of two Barney cages and zip tie them together that could give a direct connection and would give just under a square meter of space though,which would be one option for a future upgrade.Modular additions(such as tube connections)wouldn't count towards adding actual floor space though,as it would be an interrupted connection!

Thank you for your reply! I guess I'll carry on saving for the Living World Green Eco Habitat (large)

cypher · 11-23-2017, 10:42 PM

Many people here use the Barney cage for their syrian hams & it's absolutely fine, a good size & a good cage.

Pebbles82 · 11-23-2017, 10:53 PM

It's a great cage for a Syrian. And sometimes it depends on the personality of the hamster. You can get some very reclusive lazy Syrians and some totally maverick ones where no cage is big enough!

I've had two Syrians in the Barney and I think it's just right - not too big, not too small. I didn't find an 80 x 50 cage big enough for a Syrian because they need quite big stuff to have enough enrichment. The Barney is deeper than most 100cm cages - almost 2" deeper (54cm) and that does make quite a lot of difference to the floor area.

Going bigger can be good too, but you would need a lot of stuff in the cage. A large cage that is half empty is not as good as a smaller one with good enrichment. By enrichment, meaning, plenty of substrate, lots of tunnels, hidey places, textures, levels, and a good sized house for building a big nest.

An alternative to the Barney is the new Savic Hamster Plaza. It has a big advantage in that it has a large front opening door, which is good for taming and interacting with a hamster, and as there is no door on the roof you can use the whole of the roof for a roof run - eg tying rat tunnels to it or sputniks. It is 100cm by 50cm so not quite as much floor area as the barney but it's a good cage. It's also a bit taller than the Barney so needs extra levels - that adds to the cost.

I think the size of the cage isn't the whole picture. Interaction is different with a tank style like the Eco Habitat where you have to come in from the top. But it is a lovely large cage.

Personally I prefer barred cages - the ventilation is better, you can attach a lot of things to the bars.

http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pe...r-and-rat-cage

One advantage a tank style has is if you want to have lots of deep substrate. I still get quite a lot in the Barney - it doesn't fall out of the 7mm bars much.

Another option is the Alexander cage - I've never heard of a Syrian who wasn't happy in that (well maybe rarely). It has a whole extra level and comes with a good built in long house.

Do you have a particular kind of set up in mind? That might help decide what to go for as well.

CMB · 11-24-2017, 01:21 AM

The Barney cage is a good size cage for a syrian hamster and most hamsters seem to do well living in it, without the need to have a bigger cage. It may be worth considering the Alexander cage. They are about the same size, but the Alexander cage has extra accessories.

velma · 11-24-2017, 05:17 AM

I think it looks a lovely cage for a Syrian. As has already been pointed out, it really depends on the personality of the hamster. My current boy Pip for example is very lazy so doesn't really use a lot of space. You sometimes see different "recommended minimum sizes" but really there is no one size fits all approach. A a forum, the only size we do suggest is the NHC's guideline (which can be viewed on their website) of the absolute minimum floor space any hamster in any situation should live in but it's an absolute minimum not a recommended size. beyond that it's down to the hamster's needs & your own personal living situation.

SabreRose · 11-24-2017, 07:02 AM

I had my Syrian in the Alexander (alomost rhe same size as the barney) and she was very happy.
The thing I didn’t like (and the problem with the barney too) is those doors on the front are very small and can be annoying.
If you’re going that route, I’d suggest the hamster plaza instead.

astrid · 11-24-2017, 08:07 AM

Thank you all for your replies! I think I am currently leaning towards getting a barred cage to begin with but with a view to possibly upgrading in the future if my hammy seems to want more space.

I am terrible at decision making though

I am currently torn between all the mentioned cages (the Barney, the Alexander and the Hamster Plaza). The Barney is the lowest (and therefore probably with lower falling injuries risk) and has the biggest floor space (but just a little bit?), the Alexander has the deepest base for the substrate and some wooden platforms... The Hamster Plaza has a great front door that would allow better interaction with the hamster.

If I did end up getting the Hamster Plaza, what shelves should I get to reduce the falling hazards for the hamster? Or is there anything else I could do to be on the safe side?

cypher · 11-24-2017, 08:27 AM

You could try putting cardboard around the base of the bars to deepen the base for substrate & lessen the height & fall risk.
You can buy bolt on shelves or free standing shelves that you could use to make levels.
Ranch house cages sell a variety of shelves.
It's quite easy to make a free standing shelf yourself if you just get a piece of wood the size you want then using a ham safe strong glue fix some dowels to the base for legs.