Can a hamster live in a guinea pig cage? (Great choicet ype)

Brit_0817 · 03-08-2016, 04:32 PM

Hi, I'm thinking about getting a Dwarf Hamster, and am if the space between these bars seem to big? This cage is from Petsmart, and is about 476 sq. inches. It's called Grreat Choice® Pet Home.

BrittanyCaple · 03-10-2016, 07:00 AM

Do you have a picture of the cage?

AmityvilleHams · 03-10-2016, 07:07 AM

Guinea pig cages tend to have bar spacing that is far too large,so you'd have to cover the whole wire frame with mesh.Plus,for 40 dollars or less you can make a bin cage that is larger than that or just save up extra money for a tank or DIY cage!

AnyaAndLyra · 03-10-2016, 08:04 AM

If the bar spacing is small enough for a small rat, yes. I say rat because some cages will say they can also be used for rats. Just make sure they mean small rats and not adults. If money is not an issue for you and yours looking to give your hamster a larger barred cage, I would suggest going for a cage meant for small or young/baby eats as they are about the same size as syrians.

cypher · 03-10-2016, 08:38 AM

If you're thinking of getting a dwarf hamster you need a cage with bar spacing of no more than 1cm, that's less than half an inch, same goes for any gaps around doors or anywhere.

daphnephoebe · 03-10-2016, 11:08 AM

I've tried to post a picture of a different cage for you to consider... but as I'm a new member it will not allow me.

Have you considered a ferret cage, the bar spacing is small and it gives you a big open area like the guinea pig cage.

Guinea pig cages tend to have bar spacing too small that even a syrian could easily fit through.

flowerfairy · 03-10-2016, 11:09 AM

I used a guinea pig cage for a syrian hamster but had to mesh it which was a horrible job!

Going to use chicken wire next time or bigger mesh.

AnyaAndLyra · 03-13-2016, 10:31 AM

Some ferret cages are still too much though, I'd say go for a rat cage or at least one that is compatible for rats

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-13-2016, 10:39 AM

Better to have your hamster live in a 20 or 40 gal tank..

I like the 20 gal critter cages (long)

Or make a 110 qt bin cage, minimum

All the cages the pet stores sell are too small for hamsters
Dwarf hamsters & Syrians both need the same amount of space

flowerfairy · 03-13-2016, 11:51 AM

Just been meshing my old guinea pig cage today ready for my syrian hamster, Gopal to move into. Used bigger mesh and it was soooo much easier that the small stuff.

Did you mesh a guinea pig cage in the end?