[Pebbles82]

I think I'd say an absolute minimum of 50 by 40 for dwarf hamsters and 60 by 40 for Syrians with a recommended size of 80 x 50 minimum for all species. Although some dwarf hamsters are happier in something smaller than 80 x 50. The Savic Spelos is actually very useful as a hospital cage for a sick hamster! Because it has a front opening door. But it should be labelled/sold as "only suitable as a hospital cage for a sick hamster"!

The RSPCA focus on enrichment rather than a specific minimum cage size these days - but their recommendation is a bit too vague. They say "as big as possible" which is a bit like "how long is a piece of string?". But the general idea is - plenty of space with plenty of enrichment - eg lots of bedding and plenty of floor toys, a level etc, suitable sized wheel and they are specific about a nesting box being dark inside.

Some Syrians have been ok in a 60 x 40 cage (Savic used to do the Savic Bristol cage which was quite well designed). But they would need a lot of out of cage time and it depends on the hamster. Some Syrians can be huge and need bigger stuff so need a bigger cage for it to fit in. Some are quite small and the space can be used more effectively with smaller wheels and houses and tunnels etc. For an average or large Syrian they really need rat sized toys. Wheels can be anything from minimum 8" diameter to 12" diameter. But 11" is the size that most people go with. 12" isn't really necessary but they do run well in a 12" wheel and there is a very good silent 12" wheel.

My view basically is that a Syrian needs a house that is big enough to build a big house and the cage needs to be big enough to hold a large house and large wheel. And still have plenty of floorspace. 100cm by 50cm is ideal for that but 80 x 50 can be ok if set up carefully and using space saving type wheel and house.

In Germany the minimum welfare cage size is 100cm by 50cm with a recommended cage size of 1 metre square.

There is no legislation regarding cages which can be sold and that sadly means if pet shops stock really tiny cages and are allowed to sell them - people will buy them. So it takes pressure groups and forums to educate people!