Wire / bar gap for dwarf hamster

keithscarfe · 01-12-2011, 09:18 AM

I have read that a cage for a dwarf hamster should have the bars a smaller distance apart than those for a syrian or larger animal but I cant find anywhere that gives an actual measurement. Does anyone know what this gap should be? I have a rotastack type cage and am wondering if the gaps in the bars at the top of the large round sections might be too wide and it might escape.
Thanks.
Keith.

**Hope** · 01-12-2011, 09:23 AM

Hi and welcome

8mm is ok for most dwarfs, Baby chinese or roborovskis may be better suited to a tank type cage.

The gaps on the rota stack are pretty small so you should be ok, a word of warning though - dwarfs have furry feet and can not climb vertical tubes to it would be best to lay your set up out horizontally rather than vertically.

KatiePillow · 01-12-2011, 09:23 AM

I think it's between 8mm and 10 mm, 8mm for a robo and 10mm should be fine for any other dwarves

(unless you have a little one or a baby)

keithscarfe · 01-12-2011, 09:51 AM

Ok thanks for that will check measurements. Yes I was told they cant climb vertically in these cages so this is exactly what I want to do, lay it out horizontally. I dont think the rotastack is the best thing for this type of hamster but I bought the cage before the animal so it will have to do. At the moment, the hamster is just in the main plastic compartment. I want to slowly build the cage bigger with the other compartments i have as it gets used to it.
Cheers.

debs · 01-12-2011, 10:03 AM

i have mine all in Mini Duna

mangoandmimi · 01-12-2011, 10:21 AM

rotastaks as you said arent the best, but enlarge it a bit and it'll be fine

i just have my robos in a bin

cheap, pretty simple and... yeah easy to clean

KatiePillow · 01-12-2011, 11:52 AM

I'd think before you expand it too much,I know often building a massive rotostak cage can be more expensive than just buying a new cage,

but it's good that you're setting it up horizontally and do know it's not an ideal cage

hope the hammy doesn't escape, make sure all the lids are secure and I'm sure it'll be fine

keithscarfe · 01-13-2011, 04:26 AM

Thanks for all the replies. Bars are exactly 10mm apart so I think (hope) it will be ok. The hamster is a dwarf Russian about 10 weeks old so not too small. I don’t think she can get through but just want to be sure.
I built the next section and attached it yesterday evening and no escape so far. She seems to like the extra exploring. Will add another section next week.
Thanks.