Wire Shelves in Cage...

[missraqui]

Hi! I'm new to the hamster world and 2 days before I got my hamster I went to the pet shop and bought a, "Kaytee Crittertrail" which is far too small. I am now looking at the, "WARE Chew Proof Four Story Hamster Cage." It is reasonably priced at $31.99. Also, I believe it is the appropriate size. It seems perfect but, the shelves are wire. I don't know if there is anything I can put over it, or if I just can't buy it, or what. Please help me!

[Esmy]

That cage has about 217 sq in of floor space and a hamster really needs at least 360sq in. The levels don't count. You could put coroplast or wood on the shelves but there would be a risk of chewing. Also, the levels are high and would need to be supported by hammocks to catch falls and prevent injuries. A cheap alternative is a bin cage but requires work. The National Geographic cages are not cheap but I think? biggest you can get size wise for commercial setups. But for the price, you might as well get a 20 gallon long or 40 gallon breeder tank.

[SinNyx]

Agree with Esmy. A hamster needs at least 75x40cm and extra shelves don't count as most prefer a wide open space. Also wire levels can cause bumblefoot and damage a hamster's feet, so they would need to be sorted, but it's best to look in to making your own cage, as suggested, maybe a bin cage or even an Ikea Detolf, which can be pretty simple to achieve.

[Pickseihd]

If you want to save money and still get a cage that meets requirements I suggest buying a long 20 gallon terrarium. The dimensions will serve the right purpose and often they come with a mesh top so there is plenty of ventilation and they can't escape. Also hammies can break their feet on wire shelving

[missraqui]

thank you all sooo much. I'm glad I did not make the same mistake again.. really appreciate it, I will look into something else for little raqui!