Syrian Hamster housing recommendation please

[alx009]

Hi, just been given a syrian hamster in a 18 x 11 x 9" cage
I would like to give it a bigger cage, what do you recommend?
I used to have a imac 3 tier with a wodent wheel but sadly sold it on Ebay as I did not think I would be getting any more hamsters.
This was a few years ago so maybe some newer better cages are available now?
I like a cage on several levels... Must be as big as possible!
Thanks for any recommendation on cage and also for a wheel please!

[cypher]

You'd be better off getting a larger cage with less levels than one with several levels, they do better with one large area, a deep base & you need the height to fit in a 11-12" wheel.
Zooplus is a good place to look, alexander, alaska, barney & hamster heaven all being good cages sold there.
Check out the housing section here too where you'll find lots of discussion on cages & photos of other members cages & set ups which might help you choose.

[Shannonmcn]

Can I ask where you are? If you're in europe or the U.S. or elsewhere then the cage recommendations will differ.

Levels don't matter much to a hamster, they are burrowers rather than climbers by nature and can do themselves damage falling from heights since their eyesight isn't that great. So I would recommend the largest single level cage you can afford/fit in the available space rather than a tall cage. If it's a barred cage you can always put in hammocks or platforms.

Generally my adice would be to go for something at least 80x50cm (31"x20") This image give a little bit of an overview of the kind of cages that are commonly used but the prices and availability are UK based.

[WinnieTheHam]

For a hamster levels aren't really the most ideal because when the hamster gets older they'll struggle with climbing to each and every level. There are many amazing cages which members on here use.

Some people use the Detolf, which is actually a glass display unit from IKEA. If you lay it on it's back and take the shelves out it's a really big and lovely cage for any hamster. it measures 164cm x 37cm x 43cm and is £40 at IKEA - DETOLF Glass-door cabinet - IKEA

The Alexander cage has levels and some wooden houses which come with the cage. It's an excellent cage and many people use this too, it measures 101 x 52.5 x 51 cm. This is £69.99 at zooplus - Great deals on small pet cages at zooplus: Alexander Small Pet Cage

The Barney cage is relatively the same size as the alexander but it doesn't include as many wooden objects. It measures 100 x 54 x 45 cm and is £49.99 - Barney Pet Cage | Great deals at zooplus!

A syrian hamster needs at least 11" wheel. The Karlie wonderland wheel is great if you're looking for a more natural look as it's made out of wood. It's usually silent but the odd ones can rattle a bit. They cost £11.99 - Wonderland Exercise Wheel: Great Small Pet Accessories at zooplus

The Wodent wheel is another wheel that a lot of people recommend

[alx009]

Originally Posted by Shannonmcn

Can I ask where you are? If you're in europe or the U.S. or elsewhere then the cage recommendations will differ.

Levels don't matter much to a hamster, they are burrowers rather than climbers by nature and can do themselves damage falling from heights since their eyesight isn't that great. So I would recommend the largest single level cage you can afford/fit in the available space rather than a tall cage. If it's a barred cage you can always put in hammocks or platforms.

Generally my adice would be to go for something at least 80x50cm (31"x20") This image give a little bit of an overview of the kind of cages that are commonly used but the prices and availability are UK based.

I'm in the u.k.
I will do some more research...
Someone on this forum recommended The Langham Large Rat Hamster Mouse Cage with Two Floors - is there a danger the hamster could fall off the ladder?!

[ayemee]

I can highly recommend the Karlie wonderland wheel. It looks nice and natural in the cage and is extremely quiet.

[alx009]

Originally Posted by Shannonmcn

Can I ask where you are? If you're in europe or the U.S. or elsewhere then the cage recommendations will differ.

Levels don't matter much to a hamster, they are burrowers rather than climbers by nature and can do themselves damage falling from heights since their eyesight isn't that great. So I would recommend the largest single level cage you can afford/fit in the available space rather than a tall cage. If it's a barred cage you can always put in hammocks or platforms.

Generally my adice would be to go for something at least 80x50cm (31"x20") This image give a little bit of an overview of the kind of cages that are commonly used but the prices and availability are UK based.

Thank you, I like that image!
Currently have a mamble in my basket on Amazon - still thinking!

[cypher]

The mamble is quite a good cage, it's a nice size, you will need to be careful about making it safe if you go for that though as it is very high & you'll need to add things like extra shelves or hammocks so your ham doesn't climb the bars & fall.

[alx009]

Originally Posted by cypher

The mamble is quite a good cage, it's a nice size, you will need to be careful about making it safe if you go for that though as it is very high & you'll need to add things like extra shelves or hammocks so your ham doesn't climb the bars & fall.

Thanks. I was going to buy a Trixie 6274 Hanging Bridge for Hamsters 29 x 25 x 9 cm - as that popped up when I added Mamble to basket...
Quite happy to buy some hammocks or shelves instead though...
This hamster is lovely, I just want her to be happy with as much space and fun as I can afford...

[Shannonmcn]

Viovet.co.uk and zooplus.co.uk are generally much cheaper than Amazon (though not for the mamble). The Barney on zooplus is £50 and not as tall as the mamble so while its a touch more expensive you won't have to buy as much to fill up the height and make it safe.