Drum Roll..... Welcome to Chico's Story!!!

[Sillywabbit]

Hope I'm doing this right, it's my first post... I'm getting my 10 year old a Hamster for his Birthday, my Parents have bought the cage, lovely and quite big, But!



I keep looking at it and feel worried about putting a young hamster in it, is quite tall,and has very high platforms, also some of the bars go accross, and has tubes etc is this safe for a baby? I'm worried it would climb and fall?



Should I get one of the smaller and lower ones, and use this one later if at all ???? ....



Also I keep reading different advice on using sawdust, is it safe or should I use something else?



Sorry to be a pain, but I really don't want to do anything wrong, as we have never had a Hamster before, So any advice very welcome.

Thanks

[babyboos]

Cage choice is one of the biggest things with a hamster.. we have lots of questions on suitable housing here at Hamster Central. It is good to speak to other hamster owners who have tried many types out and test driven them from the point of view of a hamster. I personally favour Ferplast Rainbow cages for Syrians, but others use various enclosures ranging from storage tubs to plastic modular units. I would stear away from the plastic modular units unless you can find the Tube Line range from Ferplast as they have nice wide, ventilated tubes.



I would not use sawdust - check out this previous thread for some great information on Bedding and Nesting Material



Carefresh is on special offer at Pets at Home just now

[Emma]

The main points to consider about the cage that you have is the tubes and the drops. Tubes are often too narrow for adult syrian hamsters - so watch for this. You're right to worry about drops - cages with levels should overlap so that there isn't a great height anywhere for the hamster to fall (because they will just jump off heights sometimes!)



Do you know the make/name of the cage that you have, or could you post a photo of it?



Everyone has their own personal faves when it comes to cages (I'm also a Ferplast Tube Line fan, but I think as a stand alone single cage the Savic Cambridge is also fabby and nice looking too!). Have a look through the housing section - there's quite a few posts about cages, to confuse you even more!



I'd never use sawdust as it is too fine and dusty for the hamster. Some people advise against using pine wood shavings as they fear that they cause liver damage in small pets - I don't really agree with this (it may cause some changes that are relevant in the laboratory but I do not believe there is any evidence it actually causes disease in pets). Wood shavings can cause problems for some individual animals who are more sensitive, as they can be irritant to the skin or breathing. My personal choice for litter are a mix of Carefresh and Bob Martins 100% Paper-based litter (like Carefresh, but smaller bits and cheaper). There are loads of other choices out there too though - aspen, hemp, megazorb....

[Sillywabbit]

Thanks for replies... I'm definitely going to get another cage! not happy and I would worry. I can't see a name on it, I will have another look later..and the only photo I have is one that looks similar... the tubes in it are 5cm diameter. I may be able to use that?



Ok no sawdust...eek such a lot to get right... Have only had Guinea pigs in the past so this is all new.. I'll get there

May drive you all mad though Sorry

thanks again... xxx

[Sillywabbit]

Yippeeeeeeeeeeee SORTED... Only found one similar to the advice given..Savic it's the Rody. I'm happy now, hope you agree it's ok, at least it's safer for baby, and I realise now a much easier cage for my 10 year old to cope with...... I will add some fun items for Hammy....

Now very happy, erm only one thing missing oh yes we need the Hamster!

Thanks again everyone... xxx

[babyboos]

This will be a good cage for a baby hamster definitely and as you say good access on top for your child to interact with the hamster without fear of it running away.



Where are you located we may be able to recommend a good hobby breeder or rescue centre near you?

[Sillywabbit]

Hi,

Thanks it's a load of my mind.. sounds silly but I was really really worried.

We live in Kent near Rainham...x

[Skwee]

I'm probably being stupid right now as I'm tired but isn't Ems in Kent? She'll be up to get a hamster from me soon I hope

[babyboos]

Ems (i_love_paddy) is from Kent and a hobby breeder. I am sure she will be along and know someone, if she herself cannot help just now - there are a few breeders in Kent so you should get lucky



I would definitely give Jacky Carter a call 02086585452 She does not have a website but does a lot of work with rescue pets, and always has many hamster babies and adults looking for new homes. Jacky is based in Beckenham in Kent.



http://www.whitehaven-stud.co.uk/ have dwarf hamsters Aylesham in Kent, and cost £3 each



Sams Pets http://www.sams-pets.co.uk/index.html also sell dwarf hamsters for £3.00 in Kent



But I would recommend a Syrian hamster for a 10 year old.

[Sillywabbit]

Ok thanks for that, I have just had a phone call, someone has some (think) babies and quite near home, will see what type..

Will let you know...exciting this. lol x