Cage ladder too steep?

[alpacassei]

I also did the same thing when I got my first hammies! Bought them a too small cage that was upgraded after 2 months

Making a bin cage would be your best option for now tbh. Russian dwarfs really need a minimum of 70x40cm floor space so try to find a bin that meets those dimensions. You’ll want a bin thats atleast 40cm tall so you can fill it with lots of deep substrate for Speedy to burrow in! Russian dwarfs are excellent burrowers and its the cutest thing to see them poke their little heads up through the substrate

[betho16]

Ah thank you both so much for your replies, I have noticed I haven't put enough shavings in for him so tomorrow I'll definitely top it up which should definitely make a difference to the ladder. I'll move the water bottle too as I don't want him getting hurt! Bu yes I'm in the UK and will 100% look into those bins, thanks so much for the suggestion!

[Pebbles82]

If you got your current cage from a well-known pet store change, they tend to be quite good about exchanging cages, or giving a refund, even after it's been used. Pets at home "extra large" hamster cage is also suitable - it's not extra large but it's a reasonable size and not too tall Not too expensive either - and the wheel looks better.

http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pe...me-extra-large

[betho16]

Ah that's interesting, yes I got it from Jollyes actually, it was this cage here: https://www.jollyes.co.uk/little-zoo...cage-blue.html That'd be brilliant if I could return it ahah!

[Pebbles82]

I'm not sure about Jollyes - I think someone did return one there. The difficulty would be needing a new cage before returning the old one - unless they say you can bring it back when you've got a replacement. Just tell them it's not safe for a dwarf hamster.

[Pebbles82]

It's difficult to tell how tall it is, but the base is quite shallow so you're limited on how much substrate you can put in. I remembered a quick easy way to get round the height issue though, and that is put cardboard strips round the inside of the bars above the base (eg cut up a cereal packet) and put extra substrate in the cardboard will stop it falling out and the substrate will hold the cardboard in place. Maybe 5" deep. That will effectively reduce the height of the cage and your hammy will enjoy it as they can dig tunnels. It might mean moving the shelf up a bit further.

That would make it safe for now.

[alpacassei]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

If you got your current cage from a well-known pet store change, they tend to be quite good about exchanging cages, or giving a refund, even after it's been used. Pets at home "extra large" hamster cage is also suitable - it's not extra large but it's a reasonable size and not too tall Not too expensive either - and the wheel looks better.

http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pe...me-extra-large

Betho, if you go for a cage over a bin, the p@h one is a good choice for a Russian dwarf! I also recommend the Ferplast Criceti 15 or the Duna Multy. I think I have a preference for Ferplast cages lol

[betho16]

Okay brilliant I’ll definitely look into them, thanks so much for all the suggestions!

[chloeeruth98]

Hi there to u both! Little Speedy might struggle with that ladder, yes, especially coming down, as hamsters can fall quite easily. I agree with Serendipity over the size of the cage, it's so frustrating though Ik when you've paid for a cage and everything! I feel for u as the same happened with me... but as Serendipity says, bin cages are really good. Dwarfs especially need as much base floor space as possible; ledges, tubes etc are good extras but don't count as floor space. Another idea could be that if you were willing to DIY a cage, there are some great ideas on YouTube, for the IKEA detolf or for building from scratch. Hope this helps x