Hamster Tubing

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

Hello! I hope everyone's doing well.

A little background: The last time (also the first) I used hamster tubing, was when I had my first hamster, Wasabi. She was a relatively big syrian hamster and was pretty much a ball of fluff. I went to the store, bought hamster tubing and attached it to her cage. However, after her back paws got in she only made it about an inch before she got stuck. We took the tubing apart so there was only the tube she was stuck in, wiggled one end until it popped off and pried it in half so she could get free. Needles to say, the hamster tubes were cleaned and returned.

I currently have 3 hamster cages, 2 of which are just sitting to the side. One of them is too small, one didn't have all the parts until recently and the one I use is just fine. I got the too-small one after taking in a "Christmas pet" that wasn't wanted (was in a Kaytee CritterTrail Portable Petite Habitat) and the medium sized one was missing one of the tunnel-closing parts (what you put on when there's no tunnel attached.

The situation: Because of what happened the last time I bought tubing, I haven't given them a second chance. Now, I'm wanting to connect Sriracha's big cage to the medium sized ones so he has more room. The problem is, Sriracha is too big for the hamster tubing I see whenever I go to the store. I don't want him to get stuck like Wasabi did.

The question Does anybody know of any hamster tubes that will work for bigger syrian hamsters? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[brieshamsters]

unfortunately these enclosures with tubes aren’t typically ever acceptable for syrians (or any hamster) for this reason. syrians especially because of their size and the fact that when their cheek pouches are full, they may be injured or get stuck in the tubes. i’m also wondering what enclosure you’re currently using, can we see a photo of your current setup?

[cypher]

Just about all hamster tubes are too small for Syrians, you need rat tubes.
Connecting cages isn't the same as having one large floor space though, if your cage isn't large enough it would be better to upgrade to a larger cage.

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

Originally Posted by brieshamsters

unfortunately these enclosures with tubes aren’t typically ever acceptable for syrians (or any hamster) for this reason. syrians especially because of their size and the fact that when their cheek pouches are full, they may be injured or get stuck in the tubes. i’m also wondering what enclosure you’re currently using, can we see a photo of your current setup?

I'm currently using a bin cage because I couldn't find any cages at any pet store that was big enough. I'll try to upload a photo soon. The medium sized cage that I want to connect it to is about 2 feet by 1 foot so it's not big, but I was thinking of using it for a sand bath and a space for rocks to keep his claws trimmed. It wouldn't be used for him living in because it's way too small, and there's two sizes for the tube connectors. One is for "normal" hamster tubing and the other is a little bit bigger(2 inches).

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

Originally Posted by cypher

Just about all hamster tubes are too small for Syrians, you need rat tubes.
Connecting cages isn't the same as having one large floor space though, if your cage isn't large enough it would be better to upgrade to a larger cage.

The cage I have is about a foot and a half by two feet and a half. I think it's big enough, but I do plan on trying to get a bigger one in January. Thanks for the advice about rat tubes, I'll look for those next time I go to the store.

[brieshamsters]

Originally Posted by ChocoMintAnswersSincere

I'm currently using a bin cage because I couldn't find any cages at any pet store that was big enough. I'll try to upload a photo soon. The medium sized cage that I want to connect it to is about 2 feet by 1 foot so it's not big, but I was thinking of using it for a sand bath and a space for rocks to keep his claws trimmed. It wouldn't be used for him living in because it's way too small, and there's two sizes for the tube connectors. One is for "normal" hamster tubing and the other is a little bit bigger(2 inches).

do you happen to know the dimensions of the bin? as long as the bin is adequately sized it doesn’t hurt to attach a separate play cage to it, just know that it doesn’t add to the floorspace. the only tubes i can think of that are syrian sized are large PVC pipes

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

Originally Posted by brieshamsters

do you happen to know the dimensions of the bin? as long as the bin is adequately sized it doesn’t hurt to attach a separate play cage to it, just know that it doesn’t add to the floorspace. the only tubes i can think of that are syrian sized are large PVC pipes

The dimensions are 1.5' x 2.5' which I think it's big enough, but I'm planning on getting a bigger one soon just in case it isn't. Thanks for the tip on PVC pipes! Would drilling holes in the top be enough for ventilation or would I have to do something else?

[NibblesTheHam]

Hi! That cage is an ok size, but I'd still suggest upgrading, as you said. My cage is made up of two bins connected by a PVC pipe, kind of like how you plan to make your cage. Since the pipe I used is very short, I didn't drill any holes in the top, but if your pipe is much longer than 5" I'd drill holes in the top.

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

Originally Posted by NibblesTheHam

Hi! That cage is an ok size, but I'd still suggest upgrading, as you said. My cage is made up of two bins connected by a PVC pipe, kind of like how you plan to make your cage. Since the pipe I used is very short, I didn't drill any holes in the top, but if your pipe is much longer than 5" I'd drill holes in the top.

Okay, thank you very much!

[brieshamsters]

I agree with NibblesTheHam about the ventilation on the PVC pipes, i think upgrading and attaching two cages with a PVC pipe would be a great idea!