New Robo Dwarf Hamster Owner

[vanna05]

Hi all,
I just recently got a new Hamster for my 9 y/o of course her wanting the "cute small one" means me as mom will be doing most of the work. Which I don't mind...
This being the first week has made me a bit nervous though.
We got him the Critter Trail Turn about Habitat as it's first cage (I just learned that it would be best to get a bigger wider cage so that is my next goal) I'm just a little nervous, any tips?

Right now he has me rather nervous due to the fact that although i know we should leave it alone to adjust to it's new setting he just stays in the extended wheel and sleeps (as well as eats and poops etc.) My daughter is going nuts b/c seeing it she wants to clean it out already and where I do see her point I just don't want to freak it out more.
The initial plan was to let him get into his ball for awhile after it wakes up as I can clean the cage better. BUT, plan change. I really don't want to interrupt his comfort for now.
Hes been sleeping alot lately but I read that was just from the stress of the first couple of days. We got him on Friday 2.10.2017..
I know PRO hamster owners are reading this, shaking their head like go get a fish. LOL. Please understand this is a new journey of learning for both me and my daughter included
Thanks

[cypher]

Unfortunately with modular cages or any cage with tubes new nervous hamsters will often hide away, eat, sleep & pee in the tubes, it really does become unhealthy very quickly & while it is generally best to just leave them to settle for a few days & only spot clean wet areas for the first month when this happens you do have to intervene.
Is there any way you can remove the part he's in & block off the hole?
If you can't you really need to either buy another cage with no tubes or you could make a simple bin cage.
A ball can be useful for getting them out as they will often be happy enough to climb into it but don't leave him in the ball or use it for out of cage time, it can be dangerous & very scary for dwarf hams, best to put him either in a pet carrier or a plastic storage bin (without the lid!) for out of cage time, interacting or just when cleaning the cage.

[vanna05]

Nope, I tried to brainstorm a series of ways to block it off. Hopefully I'll be able to get to the Pet store soon (no vehicle) to get a new cage if not a block type of thing. I can take the tube off but it leaves that opening. and I don't want to risk any accident for him.
I really hope I am not messin this little guy up. He got up and went to explore the bottom area and ate and i heard him w the water bottle. I am just hoping i can get that cage or a cage to put him in to clean. that way he doesn't speed away.. Thanks for the advise. This site is really interesting and informing. Glad i came across it

[Drago]

Hello and congrats on your new ham! If you want to skip the trouble and high prices of pet store cages (which 95% of the time are too small) just go to a local store and purchase a bin! Bin cages are VERY simple to make, and are excellent due to their customizability and ability to be expanded if your ham needed more space. The only modifications needed to make a bin suitable would be to add mesh to the sides and top so the bin is well ventilated! Go for the largest bin you can possibly find, I'm not sure of bins in the U.K. but the US has a very spacious bin known as the IRIS Christmas tree storage bin which is a nice bin to use! I agree with cypher on using a playpen or carrier as a playpen or holding cage when you're cleaning out. You could also use a bathtub! There's a thread on this forum which instructs you on how to make a nice and cheap playpen if you'd like to go check that out As for cleaning out, I'd leave it for at least the first two weeks, instead remove soiled bedding so it won't smell. You're doing a good job so far and have the right idea going out to get a better cage! Keep up the good work and if any other questions pop into your head, ask them!

[AmityvilleHams]

Instead of wasting money on a pet store cage,just make a bin cage.They're cheap,easy,and much better than the large majority of storebought cages!

I know in the US the smallest robo-appropriate bin is $7 from Walmart(Walmart exclusive size).The bin is 60 cm x 40 cm,and you can get half inch mesh from Home Depot for $16(possibly even less if you look hard enough)which despite being an investment will work for several cages so it isn't as expensive as it sounds.Tools are simple,a wood burning knife($13 or so at Walmart as an example,but do look around)and wire cutters(should be available for less than 8 dollars(wouldn't let me use the number without making a face))along with a pack of zip ties(under $4,most likely only $1-2 and you should have leftover zip ties as well if you get a big pack).

There's only one storebought cage in the US that would just barely work for a robo,and that is marketed as a rat cage but is too small for rats though it is fine for a robo or Chinese.It's regularly priced around $50 or more though,unless you're lucky enough to catch a sale price of under $40.It is definitely way more expensive than a DIY cage would be Tanks could work as well,but they're still very expensive and fairly impractical as well.

Of course,there are some options in the UK and elsewhere,but in the US there just aren't many options and those options which could work tend to be ridiculously overpriced.