Ordered new cage

[Pebbles82]

Last week I decided to get Charlie a Barney cage as he's been needing an upgrade and more space for some time. It's not too different from what he has now, except bigger, so less stressful than say a glass tank or something totally different. I then worked out all the bits and pieces I'd need to sort out the height and falls, added it all up and thought I could buy a more expensive cage instead! That didn't need lots of extras buying.

So then went round the houses for days looking at all the options and just came back to the Barney again! And then decided on the Alexander. Just as I was about to order the Alexander it went out of stock. So decided to stick with the Barney only to find the price had gone up. Also I'd planned to get a different wheel and the wheel went out of stock. So went back to looking at cages the Wobust wheel will fit in. And got bamboozled. Then found the wheel on ebay so bought it and ordered the Barney!

I wanted to get something sorted quickly before we get busy on moving schedules again, so Charlie gets used to being settled into it, and something that will go anywhere (we're not likely to have room for a detolf!) so ordered it from German Amazon rather than wait till the end of the week for a Zooplus delivery. It's slightly different - same cage but darker coloured base and different coloured bars. Called the Barney Super. It cost a little bit more, but then the Zooplus price had gone up anyway.

Been going to do this since May! First I waited till after our holiday and the change of scene and then waited till we had moved - which we haven't. But it seemed like it was fairly imminent for a while.

I'm aware Charlie is 18 months old now so want something suitable for retirement as well as for now, so not too high or with lots of levels, so it's taken ages working out how to set it up to allow for both Think I've worked it out and am getting quite excited.

Anyway, having worked it all out on paper I'm happy with the decision, and had £50 towards something from parents at Christmas, just for myself, not for all of us! So that helped a bit.

The cage is due to arrive on Tuesday. If I'd gone with my first decision it would have been here 2 days ago lol.

[virtualkeith]

congrats Serendipity! I know you've thought about a larger cage for a while now. I think the Barney is great choice. If I ever wanted a larger cage, that's probably what I would go with. Enjoy! What wheel did you get?

[cypher]

lol! it's never simple is it! I'm sure Charlie will appreciate the extra space & it will all be worth it though.
Look forward to seeing his new set up.

[Pebbles82]

Thanks. Had to compromise between doors and large syrian sized layouts for a middle aged hamster plus a priority was the most possible floorspace in a 100cm cage. I was tempted with the maxi duna multy but Charlie likes hanging things to sit under. But those hanging things have to be safe from fall risks. I also looked a tank style cage but it wasn't as deep as the barney. Anyway, think I've made the right decision.

Keith I would have loved that Raptor wheel you have, as it looks so stable and fits to the bars - but don't think it's available easily in the Uk and a bit pricey. I got the new Silent Runner 12" one, which is not so deep as the Wobust and which also screws to the bars with a special fitting. Similar style to the wodent wheels. Trying to tailor a cage around the Wobust wheel was getting silly. I do still have a spare Karlie wheel but that went the same way as the first one (hanging forward on its ball bearings). Charlie broke the first one (I think he's too heavy for them lol), little boy broke the new one by dropping something on it from a height (accidentally). I just hope this silent runner is ok! Otherwise I'm stuck for a large syrian sized wheel. He's just too big and chunky for most of them. The Silent runner is the same depth as the Karlie wheel - just hope it isn't rubbish.

His current set up should work well with the Barney doors and I might stick the long flexi tube in one of the doors so he can come in and out when the playpen is set up.

So the set up will be basically the same layout as now, same house and most of the same toys, plus a couple of new ones for access. His house and wheel will be in the same position, but he'll have the extra 20cm and the shelf on the left, plus a larger shelf than he has now, at the back. And a couple of grass hammocks in strategic places. I just joined Amazon prime on a monthly trial basis, to get all the delivery free and quick! Actually decided to order the standard Barney from Zooplus as well, in case one of them arrives badly damaged (or in case the 'super' version is a bit too different or something) and send one back. And see which one gets here first lol. I do think he's getting bored in his cage and needs more floor space.

[racinghamster]

Good choice Serendipity, the Barney seems to be one of those cages that gives decent size, is not too high and has internal accessories that fill the space too, so all in all, you can`t go wrong. With the narrow bars it`s a universal cage also, so could house anything from mice to a Syrian! Hope the cage arrives okay and can`t wait to see Charlie in it! No doubt you will be keeping as much of his layout the same where possible? x

[Pebbles82]

Yes will be keeping his layout the same With mostly the same items (same house, sputnik etc) and adding a few new ones. It's about 43cm high internally, which I think is quite high - about 7cm taller than his current cage), so most of the new bits are to prevent falls (such as grass hammocks and things to raise the floor height a bit). I've ordered a cork tunnel which will raise the floor height a bit and give access to the shelf - if it works lol. If not I'll just have to pile the substrate high.

[RubyDG]

I know exactly what you mean by trying to be practical and putting things off for later because you keep waiting for something specific to happen first - sometimes life just doesn't cooperate! I'm glad you decided to just buy the cage though - the Barney is a good price for the size and I don't think you can really go wrong with it. Plus I'm sure Charlie will be very happy in it....once he gets over you messing with his stuff You better post pictures!

[Bertiebobbins]

Woohoo! Happy new cage Charlie!

[Fluffagrams]

New cages are always a little bit exciting for owners. You'll have to let us know how he settles in to his new home.

I quite like the Barney cage but can't really justify buying one at the moment despite the fact that May would love all the opportunities for hammocks that a barred cage can provide.

[Amys_Mum]

Good choice! Would love to see the hanging set up and what you have bought. I need that for Harvey but can't work out what I need or where to buy it, but the floor toys aren't enough now.