does a cage need a clear side?

[rudegyaltam]

so pretty much every hamster cage i’ve ever seen has at least one clear/see through side. i’m wondering is this for the benefit of the hamster or the owner? as in does a hamster need to be able to see outside of its cage or is it just so that the owner is able to see the hamster?
asking because i’m thinking of buying this ikea cabinet (linked at the end), flipping it on its side and using that as a cage. it has around 740 sq inches of floor space and is about 14 inches tall, so i can comfortably fit 6 inches of bedding in the whole cage + a 6 inch wheel (if this ‘cage’ is suitable it will house a robo so a bigger wheel most probably will not be needed).
obviously if it turns out that a clear side is absolutely necessary then i will diy one but i have no experience with diy, no power tools and no idea where to even start with customising process.
any input is much appreciated!
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/metod-w...o_buy%7Ccc:216

[Gigithehamster]

Hi
I shouldn't think the cage needs it, just make sure your hamster is getting the correct light (if that's the right wording) so his/her sleeping schedule isn't messed up. Also a good access point so your hamster doesn't get frightened if you enter from above, so either a big one on the top or just an access point on the side. You could just use hardware cloth/mesh or plexiglass on the top, placed on or wrapped round?

(im no hamster or hardware expert, these are just my suggestions)
hope this helped!
Cat

[Pebbles82]

Interesting question. I assume the top would be meshed? So there'd be light from the top. I personally think they do need a side they can "see" out of or smell out of, even though they don't see well - so they can interact and get your attention. A hammy could get a bit depressed if they couldn't communicate with you easily, eg by coming to the bars/perspex to let you know they want to come out. I also think, as it would be darker, they may sleep more as if it's a big burrow, but that is just a guess.

Clear sides do help owners monitor a hamster as well as see them/interact with them.

I am not a great diy fan either but with that Metod unit I think you would need mesh or perspex on one of the sides and a meshed lid. The height would be 37cm which isn't that tall for a tank style when you have say 15cm of bedding in but it would be ok for a dwarf hamster (too low for a syrian wheel probably).

Have you see the video for the Linmon cage?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocdcl-82ybE

Also, what country are you in because sometimes diy cages don't end up that cheap and there may be a better cage you can buy for less money.