Hi
I know what you mean. I had 2 hamsters when I was a child and although they were clean, well fed and had lots of handling they lived in an awful Rotastsck cage. I can't believe they still make them these days - pretty much same design too.
My children and 7 and 4 and a hamster joins our family in two weeks time. I'll be honest though - he's pretty much going to be my pet
.... although the children will be very hands on with him.
He's going to be super spoilt with a lovely large cage, the best wheel and the best food I csn get him.... I'm pleased knowledge has advanced since those old days but. As I say they fact people are still sold tiny cages saddens me.
All the best with your little hamster.