Just something I'm thinking about...

[barley]

Would a 60cm (L) x 30cm (W) glass fish tank be suitable for any species of (single) dwarf hamster?

Somebody has one that I could have, and you know how it is. You start thinking.... ''I already buy the substrate/bedding/food, what's one more for to cater for?''

[racinghamster]

That`s smaller than my Gabber Rex Perspex tank barley but if it was to give a wee needy dwarf hamster a safe home, then I might say yes, it could work once a shelf was put inside and a good wheel! I`m not really a fan of glass tanks personally. The size isn`t great in all honesty. x

[barley]

Originally Posted by racinghamster

That`s smaller than my Gabber Rex Perspex tank barley but if it was to give a wee needy dwarf hamster a safe home, then I might say yes, it could work once a shelf was put inside and a good wheel! I`m not really a fan of glass tanks personally. The size isn`t great in all honesty. x

Thanks for your reply

I was thinking of 1 Robo, but it sounds like a non-starter then, oh well, was worth asking!

I have to use tank style cages I'm afraid (Rupert is in a Maxi Duna) as my flat is not the warmest and they keep cosier I find. Also I have a dog... I am 99% sure he would never harm, and can't reach anyway, but it makes me happier knowing I have a closed-in cage.

[racinghamster]

Yes, I much prefer the tank-style caging too barley. Cosier and just easier I think. It`s a shame the tank is that bit smaller than necessary. I don`t suppose it would be that bad, but when you consider the space inside you have to wonder whether long term it would be suitable. If you take the stance that if a hamster has a good wheel, say the silent spinner, this is where they run off their energy, so therefor a smaller cage shouldn`t matter too much. Deep digging, a cosy nest box and that should be fine. It a matter of looking at the bigger picture really. x

[barley]

Originally Posted by racinghamster

Yes, I much prefer the tank-style caging too barley. Cosier and just easier I think. It`s a shame the tank is that bit smaller than necessary. I don`t suppose it would be that bad, but when you consider the space inside you have to wonder whether long term it would be suitable. If you take the stance that if a hamster has a good wheel, say the silent spinner, this is where they run off their energy, so therefor a smaller cage shouldn`t matter too much. Deep digging, a cosy nest box and that should be fine. It a matter of looking at the bigger picture really. x

I'm going to pick the tank up this evening so I can have a look at in person and see what I think. If it just doesn't look anywhere near big enough I'll put it on eBay.

Could a Robo use an 8'' wheel or do they need something smaller? I still have Ruperts old 8'' Trixie wheel from before I upgraded him to an 11'' Karlie. And I have small nest houses and toys that I brought online for him but when they arrived they were too small for Syrian, so they've never been used. I have a shelf that I brought to go in his cage too but I couldn't find a way to attach it to the Maxi Duna. So I have virtually everything ready to go which is what got me thinking.

Although, of course, if the tank is too small then I won't use it. I wouldn't want to keep any hamster in a cage that is not big enough for them.

Robos are ok on their own, aren't they?

And thanks again for your help - please rest assured I am taking everything on board and will not get one until if/when I am sure I could make a good home from the tank.

[racinghamster]

Go for it. And yes, a single robo is fine, especially an adopted one of one going free on Gumtree. The 8" Trixie wheel is fine too. You have everything a wee robo will love. Just a cardboard tissue box without a floor would be fine as a nesting box as they love digging down under it into the substrate and plain white ripped up tissue paper for nesting. That`s it. x

[barley]

I'll keep you updated

Just doing my monthly Viovet order. Just added a little food bowl and a water bottle, y'know, just incase! They can be spares for Rupert is nothing comes of it!

Yes, if I did get a Robo, I would 100% go for an adopted/rescued one. x

[racinghamster]

Sounds like a plan. x

[barley]

Well I've got the tank and I am sure it is larger than the dimensions they told me! Just popping to my mums now to borrow a tape measure so I can measure it!

[racinghamster]

Even better if it is! x