Other pets that can use hamsters' cages?

[Goldliver]

Greetings,
Well the topic said for itself, I'm just wondering what other pets that I can keep using a hamster's cage? and not just the cage, the bedding and food too. I'm planning to make use of my spare cage and I need to know what other pets can use it? Thank you.

[Paulline]

I use hamster cage for mice. Problem can be only with bar spacing. This species have similar nutritional needs (?), so you can use the same food for them. For mice I recommend add to food millet.

[SinNyx]

It depends how big your cage is and the bar spacing. A lot of hamster cages are even too small for hamsters, so not good for other animals. I've seen some people keep mice in hamster cages but as said above, bar spacing is an issue.

Other small pets like gerbils need a tank rather than a cage, so hamster cages aren't really suitable for them either.

You also shouldn't use hamster food for other species of animals. Although mixes look similar, different species need certain levels of proteins/fats/fibre, which is crucial to them. Some species of small pet are even better off with nugget based food rather than things like muesli which most hamster owners use.

[hammy2]

What cage do you have? It's very important to do in depth research about a pet before you get them to make sure their needs are met. Most hamster cages are designed for Syrian hamsters as the bar spacing is too wide for mice or dwarf hamsters. And the size of the cage is far too small for larger rodent species like degus, rats, squirrels, chipmunks etc. Gerbils will chew and destroy anything plastic. So if you your thinking of getting a new pet the best thing to do is sell your hamster cage or put it in storage and starting from fresh. Regarding hamster food, that is only suitable for hamsters it contains the right fruit and fiber a hamster needs so shouldn't be given to anything else. Eg a rat would need more fruit and less fiber. Also a rat can't use shavings because is very bad for rats respiratory problems.

[racinghamster]

It would help if you say what cage you have (brand?) and it`s dimensions? Mice do better on Rat food rather than hamster food, although they would eat it and probably do well on it as long as it wasn`t a high protein mix and had millet seed/spray added. Mice and rats usually eat much the same mixed dry foods. I wouldn`t recommend mice though unless you have a tank-style cage or a cage with 9mm bar spacing or less. They are also quite prone to respiratory problems and tumours. x

[charcobain]

My mice use a cage advertised for hamsters, it's a Ferplast one with two levels and a tube. They do fine in it, mice don't need tons of space depending on how big your colonoy is. Be wary with bar spacing, as babies they can fit through anything, mine are now adult fancy mice and one likes to poke her head through the bars! Also, they can eat and live on hamster food but I do reccomend getting them specific mice mixes. Toys should be fine too, as well as the bedding, be careful if you're using wood shavings though, as they're prone to respiratory problems, don't use anything dusty or scented! Aspen should be fine, recycled cardboard and paper (not the type you write on, the type like carefresh, im sure you know! ) Avoid sawdust, "safe fluffy" beddings that resemble cotton wool and straw!

I forgot to mention that like racinghamster said, a tank style would be better to reduce risk of escaping, but they are known to get quite smelly and need cleaning more often, but i've found that my mice could probably escape if they really wanted too, they're smart, but because they're happy and content, they dont bother trying!

[Goldliver]

the cage is quite similar to this. ok lets say i dont use hamster's food, but just the cage and hopefully the bedding?
what about sugar glider, hedgehog, gerbils etc... cn pls tell me a bit about the small pets if its appropriate or what changes i have to make? thank you

[Goldliver]

sorry for the inconvenience caused by the large image...

[SinNyx]

Definitely can't put any of the animals that you listed in that. Why not another hamster? It's the best option if you want to use the same things.

[Goldliver]

ohh im thinking of the same too,, just need some feedbacks,, thank you
im getting a hamster i think