Accurate measurement of Barney/Alexander base please.

[Boofadog]

Hi everyone

I'm looking to get a new cage before I get back into keeping a hamster. I had an Imac Fantasy with extra levels before but would prefer something all on one level. I also have a large Gerbil tank which is 90cm long by 46 wide but think I would prefer to be able to have more access to the hamster than a tank allows. I really like the look of the new larger Barney cage or the Alexander cage. The problem is I have a set place that I want to keep the cage that will determine if I can get one. I know from having a Savic Zeno 2 for my rats (now sadly deceased) that the bases actual footprint can be smaller than advertised due to shaped edges. If anyone has either of these cages could I ask if you could measure the actual footprint of the cage please? If they are really the size advertised I would probably have to go for a Hamster Heaven or an Alaska instead. I would keep and use my Zeno 2 but worry about the height (planning on a Syrian hamster) or should I go with the Gerbil tank? Any advice would be great too - thanks in advance.

[Pebbles82]

Hi. I have the Barney cage. It is much larger floorspace wise than the Alexander. 54cm deep is correct at the top of the base. 4cm might not sound much more but the whole cage does stick out a lot more and seem bulkier. The Zeno would be good but you'd need to put one or two full levels in it really which could be a pain unless you're good at diy.

Assume it's for a Syrian Hamster. I think you can't go wrong with the Alexander really - the footprint will be less than the Barney and it has lots of space and shelves and a good long built in house for a hamster. (one of the three houses has a very small window which syrians can get stuck in so that window needs blocking off if the house is used).

There is also the Savic Plaza. Not as tall as the Zeno. About the same height as the Alexander (48cm internally as measured by a member on here). The footprint I think would be the same as the Zeno as it's a similar Savic base and also 100cm by 50cm. It's a bit tall but probably ok with plenty of substrate.

The Savic Hamster Plaza would be my first choice of cage for a Syrian - I'd get one but already have a Barney.

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

Off to measure the footprint of the Barney

[Pebbles82]

Ok the footprint of the Barney is 45cm by approx 89 cm (89.5 ish). But you could have overhang if it's sat on something.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Savic Plaza has the same base as the Zeno cage you have. Looks the same to me. The Savic Plaza has a large front opening door which is a good thing - and no doors on top (so good for hanging things from). I get on fine with the small doors on the Barney and using the top door as well, but much prefer one large front opening door.

[Boofadog]

Thanks for such a speedy reply - I hadn't heard of the Plaza so i'll take a look at one of those. The length is a really key issue too with regards to the footprint - I know I can fit at least a 90cm but not sure if I can get to 100cm . The space is a worktop with a fairly high rail at the back and and indented part (round a post)

[Pebbles82]

Personally I think the Hamster Heaven is a bit low for a Syrian - although it depends how you want to set it up - we had a large Syrian and many syrians need rat sized toys which fill up the hamster heaven a lot and don't leave a lot of room or height for a 12" wheel. An 11" wheel fits fine - a 12" wheel is a bit of a push! The Alaska is a better size than the Hamster Heaven for a Syrian but personally I think one of the 100cm cages like the Alexander or Savic Plaza is the best size for a Syrian and allows for a lot of enrichment as well as floorspace.

Some people feel the need to upgrade later from an Alaska but that rarely happens with a 100cm cage so it's a better investment in a way.

Just seen your last post. A 100 cm cage will probably have a 90cm footprint - a bit of overhang at one or both ends is fine. If you're limited at the back by the worktop re depth then I would discount the Barney as it is quite deep.

[Boofadog]

Thanks Serendipity7000

So the Barney that is advertised as a 100 x 54cm cage is actually 89.5 x 45cm at the very bottom? I'll have to try and work out if it will fit the space - the last thing I want is an expensive mistake. My Zeno 2 is 80cm long x 50 wide and 70cm tall so it's base is a bit smaller than the Plaza. I'm not good enough at DIY to make a full level for the Zeno so was thinking of a Hamster Heaven or similar size.

[flowerfairy]

Hello Boofadog, I have a barney and a hamster heaven for sale. Barney in good used condition and hh unused. I am in Hampshire. Pm if you may be interested.

[Boofadog]

It might have to be an Alaska then - just to ensure it will fit where I need it to. Price is not so much of and issue , rather the space I have to put the cage. I've not been too much of a fan of the Zenos plastic side inserts to be honest which puts me off the Plaza a bit (though the big door is lovely) My concern with the Alaska was the strength of the bars - it's a bargain price though.

[mangoandmimi]

Zooplus do free returns (assuming also for large items like cages) they’ll even pick it up from your house. So you could try the Alexander or Barney and wouldn’t be the end of the world if it didn’t fit.

[Boofadog]

Thanks for that I'll check their terms and conditions on the website.