Swapping cages

[WinnieTheHam]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to swap my hamsters around due to Myrcella biting her bars constantly which is really shortening her teeth almost to the point of them being completely worn down. She's very hyperactive so I am wanting to move her into the 4ft tank that Winston is in.

Winston is getting older now, he is 1 year 7 months old has lost his balance a bit but is otherwise completely fine. He does use all of his cage, but mainly just sits around in one half of his cage. But because he's a bit wobbly sometimes I am wanting to move him into Abe's bin cage which meets the minimum size requirement, and move Abe into Myrcella's cage which measures 95x60cm as he's hyperactive and more able to climb onto the second level of the cage than Winston is. I don't Have enough room to fit another bin cage, or tank due to the lids being at the top, so buying another one isn't an option really. I've tried blocking the bars on Myrcella's cage but she still manages to get to them.

I'm wanting to know your opinion on this, although I think I will go ahead with it so save her teeth. I know that they will be quite stressed with the move but will settle down soon enough. The only thing I'm concerned about with the move is Winston moving into a cage that's half the size of the one he is in now. Winston also bites bars, so moving him into Myrcella's cage will probably cause him problems too and because it has a level I don't think it's suitable for him as he's getting on a bit now.

Not too sure what to do, I'm really concerned about Myrcellas teeth and the only way I can really help them grow back is giving her soft food and moving her into a cage without bars.

[souffle]

I'd go ahead and do a really good clean of all the cages then do the swap. Moving some of the bedding as you move the hams will help transfer the smells.
For Mycellas health she needs to be stopped from the chewing so her teeth regrow. It seems she is obsessed with it and needs the move to stop her.
I think Winston will be just fine in the smaller cage and hopefully some of his toys etc can go with him so he feels at home.

[CMB]

A small cage would help an older hamster as they have the walk less distance to get food, water, go to bed and go to their toilet area. They still need a wheel and toys but not as many as a young energetic hamster.

The young hamster will benefit from not having bars to chew, more space etc.

They both may be unsettled at first but should settle down again.

Move their substrate, nest, hoard, wheel and toys to the new cage so it smells familiar to them.

[WinnieTheHam]

I did the swap last night. Abe is completely fine with the move and is enjoying the larger space, Myrcella and Winston are a bit stressed but they will settle down soon. Thank you both I'll update you on how Myrcella's teeth get on.