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Old 10-19-2013, 11:47 AM   #1
Micky93
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Thumbs up The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

The Alaska cage.

The Alaska cage is available from here: Small Pet Cages ? Alaska Hamster Cage: Free Delivery on orders £25+ at zooplus!

I purchased the Alaska cage after acquiring Phoebe, a rescue Syrian, and needed a cage big enough for her size but also that would fit in the space available. The cage dimensions are 84 x 48.5 x 44 cm (L x W x H) and therefore fit with the required minimum cage size recommended by the RSPCA and allow a generous amount of room for toys, wheels, general whizzing about and adapting to suit the needs of each individual hamster.



It comes with a standard dark red base, allowing it to blend in with the surrounding room environment, rather than be a statement piece in itself (i.e. the bright coloured base & shelves of the imac fantasy). The base is also very deep (15.5 cm depth), allowing for a deep layer of substrate, bedding and digging material to be available for the ham to have access to. I would say it is as deep, if not a tiny bit deeper, than the base of the larger Alexander cage (also available on zooplus).

The bar spacing is 0.9 cm and a mixture of horizontal bars at the front and back, and vertical bars on the sides of the cage. The cage comes with 6 metal clips to secure the bars down onto the base safely, and there are two handles on the roof of the cage to allow easy movement of the cage. Whilst not exact on the weight, it is very light and easy to move, unlike the Alexander which is quite heavy in comparison.




There are two doors, one on the front and one on the roof, for access, both of which are large and provide superb accessibility to anywhere inside the cage. Personally this has been amazing for helping bond and tame with Phoebe. On the front door there is a security clip which hangs down from the top of the cage to allow extra confidence in knowing that your ham couldn't open the door and escape.



With the cage you get a black plastic shelf level with a white cat(?) head bed area and silver ladder/slide. The shelf isn't the highest quality, and can come across a tad flimsy, however for the time being I'm more than happy to use it without the fear of it going anywhere and Phoebe seems to like it. The head house is too small for a Syrian though, but I leave it in as Phoebe enjoys climbing on it. Similarly the ladder/slide and access hole may be too small for slightly larger syrians, and therefore an alternative ladder/steps may want to be used, or a different shelf altogether.

Overall I think this is a fabulous cage for the money, and would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. I managed to get hold of it for £39 whilst on offer, however current RRP is £49. It is worth keeping an eye on it though as there are often money off deals and it is hardly ever at full RRP price. You also can currently get 10% off your first order with zooplus, or 5% off if you sign up for their newsletter.

Overall Pros:
- Great size, fits with RSPCA standards.
- Huge doors allowing for amazing access.
- Safety clip on the front door.
- Deep base for substrate.
- Can be flat packed for storage.
- Good price, get a lot of cage for the money.
- Lightweight and very easy to move.

Overall Cons:
- Can be fiddly to put together; not helped by useless instructions!
- You will need pliers when assembling.
- Bars aren't super strong, and will bend if weight is applied (suspended Phoebe's senior wodent wheel from the top bars without any issue, however heavy weight such as another cage would be too much).
- Not the most amazing shelf.
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Old 10-19-2013, 12:02 PM   #2
njwilde
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Default Re: The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

I couldn't agree more with both pros and cons. I think this cage is unbeatable price-wise (I paid £28 for mine on offer, the normal price was just 40 as well) but putting it together is a bit frustrating, I even get a bit annoyed when cleaning as the plastic shelf fits so awkwardly in there. but as far as room is concerned it s great and my demanding Eleanor (crazy Syrian) loves it, especially the hiding possibilities. She only uses the plastic house as some sort of bathroom to clean her self.
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Old 10-27-2013, 03:42 PM   #3
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Default Re: The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

Thanks for the reviews, I have been considering this from Zooplus. It is a shame that so many of the houses, holes and tubes in hamster cages are too small for most Syrians. I have mostly given up on anything that says it's hamster sized and go for the rat option.
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Old 11-08-2013, 03:47 PM   #4
Nicnagger
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Thumbs up Re: The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

I have just bought three of these cages and they are great. The one problem I have is putting the top back on after cleaning but after a few wiggles its on I would recommend this cage my hammies love it
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Old 11-10-2013, 11:54 AM   #5
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Default Re: The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

Looks like a decent cage for the price and a really good size too
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Old 11-19-2013, 03:05 PM   #6
HelloHammie
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Default Re: The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

I recently ordered the Alaska for my 10 month old Syrian and am looking forward to receiving it. I ordered it on Saturday so should hopefully be here by Thursday. Seems really good for the price and you really can't grumble for £35 .
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Old 11-20-2013, 03:24 AM   #7
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Default Re: The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

Really great review
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Old 11-20-2013, 03:25 AM   #8
Micky93
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Default Re: The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

Thank you to all the lovely comments

Quote:
Originally Posted by HelloHammie View Post
I recently ordered the Alaska for my 10 month old Syrian and am looking forward to receiving it. I ordered it on Saturday so should hopefully be here by Thursday. Seems really good for the price and you really can't grumble for £35 .
Ooh exciting! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I adore this cage, and prefer it over the design of the Alexander. Obviously the Alexander size tops all, but the door placement and size, lightweightness of it etc is just brilliant.

Have fun with your new cage! I'm sure your hammy will love it
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Old 11-20-2013, 02:21 PM   #9
HelloHammie
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Default Re: The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Micky93 View Post
Thank you to all the lovely comments



Ooh exciting! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I adore this cage, and prefer it over the design of the Alexander. Obviously the Alexander size tops all, but the door placement and size, lightweightness of it etc is just brilliant.

Have fun with your new cage! I'm sure your hammy will love it
Yeah I'm sure he will
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Old 02-08-2014, 12:34 PM   #10
CricketFairy
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Default Re: The Zooplus Alaska cage review.

When you say the bars aren't super strong do you just mean weight? A Hammy that likes chewing isn't going to bite through them?
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