I'm New :)

lanimeli · 07-08-2017, 07:21 AM

Hi everyone! My name is Lani, it's nice to meet you.

I'm not currently a hamster owner yet, but I've always wanted one. Over the course of my life I've successfully raised cats, birds, fish, turtles, and even newts. Right now, I have one 11 year old cat. My sister recently got married and took two of our cats with her. The house feels a little empty after going from 3 cats to one so quickly

I'm looking into owning a Syrian hamster, and trying to see how much I need to save up for initial costs. I've heard so many nice things about Alexander cages, but I live in the US and I'm having trouble finding them online. If anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd be forever grateful!

AmityvilleHams · 07-08-2017, 03:18 PM

I'd suggest making a bin setup(using several bins directly connected,really simple and no harder than making standard bins plus it's extremely cost effective and one of if not the easiest DIY!).You can make a square meter bin setup for under $100(under $40 if you don't factor in tools and other materials that will last for more than just the single project)which is wonderful for a Syrian hamster.

Drago · 07-08-2017, 04:55 PM

Hello and welcome to HC!

The Alexander is an amazing cage, it really is such a shame we don't have it around here! However, we do have the Savic hamster heaven and the Marchirio Kevin 82 cage. Both are suitable for Syrians if you're looking for a cage style enclosure. If you don't care whether it's a cage style or not, you could create a bin system as mentioned above

Good luck. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask

lanimeli · 07-08-2017, 09:17 PM

Thank you for the welcome!

I know.. It's so discouraging. I've been searching online for days trying to find appropriate cages, but they're all extremely small or plain ridiculous.

Thank you for the cage suggestions

I will look into them!

I actually have been very curios about bin containers, they seem like a great alternative! I'm not sure I could do a very good job of making one myself.. I'd like to try but I also don't want to waste money and fail terribly.

Thin Lizzy · 07-09-2017, 03:33 AM

Hi Lani and welcome to HC.
There's plenty great advice here, I love that you're organised and wanting to get as much info as possible.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 07-09-2017, 05:26 AM

Hi, & welcome!
I live in the US as well & I'd go for a 40 gal breeder tank. Petco & pet smart often have $1/ gal sales. It's more aesthetically pleasing, that's 450 sqare in of floor space in one tank. Would need to buy the lid with this tank.

There is also a Zilla 40 gal critter cage made out of plexiglass. This cage come with a lid which easily slides out. This cage is my favorite & I have 3 of the 20 gal size. This tank was on sale ($1.00/ gal) at am smaller pet chain in my area (Pet Supplies Plus). Pet Smart carries this tank but I doubt they ever have sales, it's in the reptile dept & quite expensive. Not sure if pet co has them? I'd see if your local pet stores stock them & have sales on it

I don't have room for 40 gal tank. But the plexiglass is lighter to carry vs the glass. Hope this helps,

I also have a 450 Sq in bin cage with the top screened. It's nice as well. But not as nice as the tanks, good luck

cypher · 07-09-2017, 06:36 AM

Hi & welcome to HC

Good luck finding a cage, I know it can be a bit harder in the US but hope you find what you're looking for & have you hamster soon!

Pebbles82 · 07-09-2017, 08:37 AM

Hello and welcome

Sadly the Alexander cage is only available in Europe. If you like cages and can spend $100 I would get the Marchioro Goran which is one of the cages suitable for a Hamster (a slightly better size for a Syrian than the Hamster Heaven in my opinion). If you're not bothered about it being a barred cage then the alternatives are, as the others have said - a glass tank or a bin cage.

The 40 gallon breeder is a common popular size for a Syrian. Petco do dollar per gallon sales now and then. It will need a lid as well. Finding bins big enough to make a cage for a syrian can be tricky, but not impossible.

Personally I love cages, and particularly that Marchioro cage as it has a huge front opening door which makes it easy to interact with your hamster and get things in and out of the door. But it's not the cheapest option.

It's the 82cm one you need - out of stock here

Marchioro Products Marchioro Goran Rat Cage Small Pet Cages

There is another seller but can't remember who it is!

lanimeli · 07-09-2017, 04:46 PM

Oh wow! Thank you so much for the advice, everyone

I looked at the Marchioro Goran cage. It looks super nice. I've also been looking at bin cage tutorials, and i might be as difficult as I originally thought.. I also like how inexpensive they cost.

Also, I didn't know about the $1/gallon sales! Thank you for letting me know, that's actually a really great deal.

dreamtree1234 · 07-24-2017, 08:53 PM

Hi and welcome to HC, Lani! Everyone has given you wonderful advice and suggestions. I hope that you find the perfect cage and a lovely Syrian, too. Syrians are wonderful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask because we are all here to help one another out. I look forward to seeing you around on the forum and getting to know your hammy whenever you get him/her and he/she settles in more. Have fun!