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Old 08-21-2019, 02:31 AM   #1
Wereham
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Default Your thoughts on these cages

Hi Everyone,

I currently have my hamster Ambrosius in a Savic Ruffy (78x48-though I think its advertised as 80x50!)

He seems very happy in it, it fits a large wheel, the base is deep, but I still don’t think it’s big enough for him, so I’ve been looking at other options, including DIY, though many of the Ikea ones I’ve seen are too big for the space I have. So I was looking at something around 90x50,with potential for two levels.

But...the size I’m looking at is roughly the same size as my old rat cage which is a Pawhut 2 tier aviary cage 80x53 (I’ll attach photos). I’m wondering if it would be better to adapt this cage that I currently have in storage than spend money diying a complete cage that will probably end up costing over £100–for something that is roughly the same size.

Bar spacing is fine, and I’d make Perspex walls on the bottom so there is a high base, as well as full levels so there would be no worry about falling from a great height. I had to DIY it so it was suitable when I had rats so it will be easy enough to DIY for a hamster.

What do you think? I really wanted a tank to begin with but the more I think about it, I’m not sure if that’s a good idea, it’s harder to hang toys and my flat gets very hot in the summer.

Any thoughts would be welcome!
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Old 08-21-2019, 03:08 AM   #2
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Your thoughts on these cages

Do you mean so you would turn it into something like this?
https://www.zoostore.de/Mouse-and-ha...nd-7-mm-wiring

If so then i think that would be ok.

Or, if it was going to cost you £100 to build a diy cage, would it be cheaper for you to look at the cages that are around the 100cm x 50cm - i.e. savic plaza, barney, alexander etc - which are all under £100 - or where you wanting to go bigger?
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Old 08-21-2019, 05:59 AM   #3
Ria P
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Default Re: Your thoughts on these cages

I really like the set up of your cage and can see why your hamster is happy in his home. Its roughly the same size of my Syrian's Alaska cage.

If you feel that your hamster needs more space i'd go along with Luna's suggestions. The rat cage is too high because hamsters aren't inclined to climb a lot unless they try to get out and yours is happy.
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Old 08-21-2019, 11:39 PM   #4
Wereham
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Default Re: Your thoughts on these cages

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas! He does seem happy in the set up I have, no bar chewing or monkey barring (apart from the first night I got him when he was exploring!)
I think it’s just me wanting to give him more space; I’ve got some great toys and tunnels and I can’t fit much in there—but he doesn’t seem to mind!

That cage is very similar to what I was thinking of lunathehamstet1. I’d divide the cage into 3 probably the first level I’d attach just above the bottom door then I’d split it again midway dividing the top door. I’d then build the sides up with Perspex at the bottom so I could put lots of bedding, at least in one side.

I definitely wouldn’t use it as is as it’s way too high.

The other cages you’ve mentioned look great but they’re not that much bigger than what I’ve got right now. Perhaps if they had two levels.

I think one of the reasons I was looking into DIY was because it would potentially look more aesthetically pleasing and I could tweak it to how I wanted more easily—but most things I’ve looked at are around the size of the pawhut cage! And I wouldn’t have to do much to make it hamster safe.

One thing I was looking at DIYing was the Ikea Stuva storage bench, but after I’ve brought Perspex/wire meshing/stapler/metal cutter etc it would probably be close to £100. And I’ve never made anything before so I don’t know if it will turn out ok! Maybe I’ll just check out the charity shops and see if they have any cabinets that would work

I am still trying to gain his trust so I’ll be keeping him in the Ruffy for now while we bond anyway

Thanks again!
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Old 08-22-2019, 02:52 AM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Your thoughts on these cages

I think an ideal cage would be the Alexander or Barney from Zooplus I have also found 80 x 50 not quite big enough for a Syrian, with a wheel and all their stuff in. But find 100cm x 50cm to be just right, and most syrians are very happy with that size. I have the Barney cage, which has plenty of floor space being a bit deeper (54cm) - and it is easier to put the wheel where you want it due to the flat top. But it is quite a bulky cage with the extra depth.

The Alexander is less bulky and slightly taller with the "racetrack" shelves which is almost another full level. It also comes with a really good built in long house in the base - big enough to fit a litter tray inside and a big cosy nest (they will use a litter tray inside a house). It is slightly more tricky to fit a syrian sized wheel in due to the shelves- most people put it centre back and leave out the centre back shelf. But then you don't get the "racetrack" of shelving. Although you can put the centre shelf at the front

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small...r_cages/174238

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small...r_cages/189303

I prefer the Alexander personally - it was out of stock when I got the Barney, but both are good. I don't think I would go bigger than 100 x 50 if your hamster is used to an 80 x 50 cage. It's a good step up without being overwhelming. The Alexander shelves can make them feel more secure from above, for a nervy hamster. On the other hand you can add whatever you want to the Barney cage which still has one good shelf. Hanging rat sputniks also give overhead cover.
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Old 08-22-2019, 03:33 AM   #6
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Your thoughts on these cages

I have just read your other post introducing Ambrosius If you haven't had him long, it may be better to wait 2 or 3 weeks before upgrading him to a new cage. When you do move him, it helps avoid stress of the change hugely, if you also move over all his old substrate (spread it out on top of the new substrate as you will need more if the cage is bigger). And don't clean anything when moving him over. Just spot clean the pee area a little. With plenty of substrate and spot cleaning you can go 2 months or more without needing to do a substrate change. Especially if you use a litter tray as then you just empty the litter tray every few days and the cage should stay clean and dry.

Avoid the temptation to clean all the items when moving them over - they will be fine for another couple of weeks (2 weeks is the usual settling in time to avoid disturbing anything so they don't get massively stressed and have chance to develop new habits and scent mark everything).

If you are interested in the Barney or Alexander, most people paint the wood shelves and houses with plastikote enamel paint. It is petsafe water based paint that makes the wood wipe clean. Doesn't really smell of anything and a little pot goes a long way. I tend to only paint the inside of the house. One of the smaller houses that comes with the Alexander has a small round window which isn't safe for Syrians who can get stuck, so that needs either blocking off with a piece of wood glued over it or just remove that house

There is also the Savic Plaza cage, which is also 100cm by 50cm. The dimensions are about the same as the Alexander in that it is fairly tall and really needs additional shelving - which adds to the cost - to prevent fall risks. Although if you have plenty of depth of substrate that should cushion any falls from the roof (they can monkey bar across the roof at night!) and any hard items can be put under or on a shelf. However it has a nice big front opening door and easy to put the wheel where you want also.

https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/p...r-and-rat-cage

Last edited by Pebbles82; 08-22-2019 at 03:38 AM.
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Old 08-23-2019, 12:48 PM   #7
Wereham
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Default Re: Your thoughts on these cages

It’s so good to get in-depth reviews on these! I think I may sell my Ruffy and get one of these eventually. I really thought the Ruffy would be the right size, but once I put a wheel/house, a hide and sand box in there’s not much room!

Ambrosius does seem fine in his current set up which is much bigger than the tank he was in at the pet shop, but I’d like to be able to make it more enriching and have him able to burrow and explore. (If I had the room for a detolf!)

But I think I’ll hold off changing him just yet until he’s properly settled in and he’s tamed. He’s not aggressive but he is skittish and nervous which is understandable, so I’m taking taming very slow and probably giving him way too many treats!

I have a Sputnik in his cage, mostly because the first night I got him he monkey barred and I wanted to make sure he had places to go and a way to get down, but he’s not really used it since. I may add a small level or get a ledge so he can walk right into it.


Thanks again

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
I think an ideal cage would be the Alexander or Barney from Zooplus I have also found 80 x 50 not quite big enough for a Syrian, with a wheel and all their stuff in. But find 100cm x 50cm to be just right, and most syrians are very happy with that size. I have the Barney cage, which has plenty of floor space being a bit deeper (54cm) - and it is easier to put the wheel where you want it due to the flat top. But it is quite a bulky cage with the extra depth.

The Alexander is less bulky and slightly taller with the "racetrack" shelves which is almost another full level. It also comes with a really good built in long house in the base - big enough to fit a litter tray inside and a big cosy nest (they will use a litter tray inside a house). It is slightly more tricky to fit a syrian sized wheel in due to the shelves- most people put it centre back and leave out the centre back shelf. But then you don't get the "racetrack" of shelving. Although you can put the centre shelf at the front

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small...r_cages/174238

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small...r_cages/189303

I prefer the Alexander personally - it was out of stock when I got the Barney, but both are good. I don't think I would go bigger than 100 x 50 if your hamster is used to an 80 x 50 cage. It's a good step up without being overwhelming. The Alexander shelves can make them feel more secure from above, for a nervy hamster. On the other hand you can add whatever you want to the Barney cage which still has one good shelf. Hanging rat sputniks also give overhead cover.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
I think an ideal cage would be the Alexander or Barney from Zooplus I have also found 80 x 50 not quite big enough for a Syrian, with a wheel and all their stuff in. But find 100cm x 50cm to be just right, and most syrians are very happy with that size. I have the Barney cage, which has plenty of floor space being a bit deeper (54cm) - and it is easier to put the wheel where you want it due to the flat top. But it is quite a bulky cage with the extra depth.

The Alexander is less bulky and slightly taller with the "racetrack" shelves which is almost another full level. It also comes with a really good built in long house in the base - big enough to fit a litter tray inside and a big cosy nest (they will use a litter tray inside a house). It is slightly more tricky to fit a syrian sized wheel in due to the shelves- most people put it centre back and leave out the centre back shelf. But then you don't get the "racetrack" of shelving. Although you can put the centre shelf at the front

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small...r_cages/174238

https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small...r_cages/189303

I prefer the Alexander personally - it was out of stock when I got the Barney, but both are good. I don't think I would go bigger than 100 x 50 if your hamster is used to an 80 x 50 cage. It's a good step up without being overwhelming. The Alexander shelves can make them feel more secure from above, for a nervy hamster. On the other hand you can add whatever you want to the Barney cage which still has one good shelf. Hanging rat sputniks also give overhead cover.
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Old 08-23-2019, 01:12 PM   #8
Wereham
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Default Re: Your thoughts on these cages

I definitely won’t upgrade him soon, I’m very indecisive lol and he seems happy right now so I have time to find the perfect cage as we get to know one another.

Thanks for the tip Re: cleaning him out or transferring him over, He’s pretty clean, pooping in the corner mostly (though it is under his water bottle!).

When I got him from the petshop she let me take all of the nest he’d made and one of his chews which helped immensely. He made a little mountain over his wooden house and burrowed underneath it. So cute!

I’ve partially cleaned him out once since I had him, mostly because his previous bedding went yucky, so I took that out, kept what was pee free for his bedding and topped him up with more. He really didn’t need more cleaning than that. Though I’ve noticed he liked to pee on his wheel!

I think one of the reasons the Ruffy is frustrating is the slightly curved corners, it makes it difficult to add a corner littler tray or have anything flush to the sides.

When I do finally change him over I’ll rotate all his toys in his current cage so they all smell like him. I seriously need to stop buying toys for him lol!




Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
I have just read your other post introducing Ambrosius If you haven't had him long, it may be better to wait 2 or 3 weeks before upgrading him to a new cage. When you do move him, it helps avoid stress of the change hugely, if you also move over all his old substrate (spread it out on top of the new substrate as you will need more if the cage is bigger). And don't clean anything when moving him over. Just spot clean the pee area a little. With plenty of substrate and spot cleaning you can go 2 months or more without needing to do a substrate change. Especially if you use a litter tray as then you just empty the litter tray every few days and the cage should stay clean and dry.

Avoid the temptation to clean all the items when moving them over - they will be fine for another couple of weeks (2 weeks is the usual settling in time to avoid disturbing anything so they don't get massively stressed and have chance to develop new habits and scent mark everything).

If you are interested in the Barney or Alexander, most people paint the wood shelves and houses with plastikote enamel paint. It is petsafe water based paint that makes the wood wipe clean. Doesn't really smell of anything and a little pot goes a long way. I tend to only paint the inside of the house. One of the smaller houses that comes with the Alexander has a small round window which isn't safe for Syrians who can get stuck, so that needs either blocking off with a piece of wood glued over it or just remove that house

There is also the Savic Plaza cage, which is also 100cm by 50cm. The dimensions are about the same as the Alexander in that it is fairly tall and really needs additional shelving - which adds to the cost - to prevent fall risks. Although if you have plenty of depth of substrate that should cushion any falls from the roof (they can monkey bar across the roof at night!) and any hard items can be put under or on a shelf. However it has a nice big front opening door and easy to put the wheel where you want also.

https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/p...r-and-rat-cage
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