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Old 01-21-2021, 02:46 AM   #1
mooncentral
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Exclamation Small cage

Hello all, I recently got a dwarf hamster and whilst doing research on cages I saw a lot of articles saying dwarfs only need 60 x 40 cm cages so I went and got one of those. My hamster seems to enjoy her cage and has showed no signs of stress, however I've now seen so many more articles now saying that those cages are too small. I also can't buy a new cage right now as I'm extremely vulnerable and I don't have access to an online bank card.

What should I do, she seems happy in the cage but should I still try to upgrade? (when I can)
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Old 01-21-2021, 08:01 AM   #2
Fluffagrams
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Default Re: Small cage

Hello there,

If your hamster seems happy in her cage then I certainly wouldn't worry about moving her right now. If you later notice that she's becoming stressed out then upgrading is something that you can consider at a later date.

A lot of information shared on the internet concerning cage sizes is based on the old figures that used to be given by the RSPCA who have now removed that information from their publications in favour of a more general approach. Any figures you do see quoted on the internet are the opinion of the respective organiusation or individual as there is no legally defined global minimum cage size so please don't worry too much about cage sizes published on the internet. The fact that your hamaster seems happy shows that you are doing something right

I currently have seven dwarf hamsters and have owned them fairly exclusively for about nine years and I find that the cage that most of them have been the most happy and content in are my cages of 60x40cm. Yes, I've had some who have needed smaller cages from time to time and others who have needed bigger but I'll always address that when the issue arises.
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Old 01-21-2021, 08:17 AM   #3
Ria P
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Default Re: Small cage

Some hamsters are happy in a small cage but it really depends on the hamster.

Enrichment is important and personally, i prefer a smaller cage with lots of enrichment to a larger but bare cage.
A small and bare cage is not acceptable in my opinion, like the ones from the petshop with a tiny wheel, tiny plastic hut, food bowl, water bottle, thin layer of woodchips and that's it. People think that's all a hamster needs when they need a lot more.
Enrichment doesn't have to be expensive and can be made from cardboard like egg box hides and kitchen roll tunnels, cardboard box house with the base cut out and other things you find around the house.
One of my dwarfs loves a £1.99 ceramic oil burner from home bargains as a hide and pie dishes, empty sweetie tins, loaf tins or plastic tubs make a great sandbath.
A sandbath is something your dwarf does need if you haven't already got one.
Substrate, ideally paper based like Kaytee or Carefresh, as deep as possible, allows for burrying and torn up strips of plain white toilet paper left outside the house makes great nesting material.

Out of cage time is very important if your hamster likes it. I close all the doors in my hall, close off the stairs with playpen panels, put a blanket down and tuck it in under a door with a gap, add lots of toys like cardboard boxes with holes cut in, cereal box, washed out Pringle tube, allsorts really and they love running around and climb up my legs too.

There is a thread called "Let's see your cages" on the Forum under Housing to look at for inspiration.

As long as your dwarf is happy i wouldn't worry about upgrading right now but there may come a time when you feel that your hamster wants more space or you want to add more enrichment.

I got a number of Hamster Heavens for nothing to £30 for a new one off Gumtree which could be an option for you in the future, once the current pandemic is under control.
In the meantime, enjoy your new hamster and feel free to post a photo if you like.
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Old 01-21-2021, 09:10 AM   #4
mooncentral
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Default Re: Small cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fluffagrams View Post
Hello there,

If your hamster seems happy in her cage then I certainly wouldn't worry about moving her right now. If you later notice that she's becoming stressed out then upgrading is something that you can consider at a later date.

A lot of information shared on the internet concerning cage sizes is based on the old figures that used to be given by the RSPCA who have now removed that information from their publications in favour of a more general approach. Any figures you do see quoted on the internet are the opinion of the respective organiusation or individual as there is no legally defined global minimum cage size so please don't worry too much about cage sizes published on the internet. The fact that your hamaster seems happy shows that you are doing something right

I currently have seven dwarf hamsters and have owned them fairly exclusively for about nine years and I find that the cage that most of them have been the most happy and content in are my cages of 60x40cm. Yes, I've had some who have needed smaller cages from time to time and others who have needed bigger but I'll always address that when the issue arises.
Yeah she seems super happy and isn’t showing any signs of stress at the moment. I almost feel like if i upgraded her it might just cause more stress for her as she does seem to be enjoying herself at the moment.

Obviously the minute she starts to show stress i will look into upgrading but i just don’t think that is right atm.

The only reason i was so worried about the cage size is because of all the comments online people make about smaller cages. Ive literally seen people say that people are abusing their hamster just because their cage is a little smaller then the “450 square inch minimum”. I think it’s good to aim for a bigger cage but i just feel like my hamster is doing well at the moment and moving her up would just cause unnecessary stress.
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Old 01-21-2021, 09:38 AM   #5
mooncentral
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Default Re: Small cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
Some hamsters are happy in a small cage but it really depends on the hamster.

Enrichment is important and personally, i prefer a smaller cage with lots of enrichment to a larger but bare cage.
A small and bare cage is not acceptable in my opinion, like the ones from the petshop with a tiny wheel, tiny plastic hut, food bowl, water bottle, thin layer of woodchips and that's it. People think that's all a hamster needs when they need a lot more.
Enrichment doesn't have to be expensive and can be made from cardboard like egg box hides and kitchen roll tunnels, cardboard box house with the base cut out and other things you find around the house.
One of my dwarfs loves a £1.99 ceramic oil burner from home bargains as a hide and pie dishes, empty sweetie tins, loaf tins or plastic tubs make a great sandbath.
A sandbath is something your dwarf does need if you haven't already got one.
Substrate, ideally paper based like Kaytee or Carefresh, as deep as possible, allows for burrying and torn up strips of plain white toilet paper left outside the house makes great nesting material.

Out of cage time is very important if your hamster likes it. I close all the doors in my hall, close off the stairs with playpen panels, put a blanket down and tuck it in under a door with a gap, add lots of toys like cardboard boxes with holes cut in, cereal box, washed out Pringle tube, allsorts really and they love running around and climb up my legs too.

There is a thread called "Let's see your cages" on the Forum under Housing to look at for inspiration.

As long as your dwarf is happy i wouldn't worry about upgrading right now but there may come a time when you feel that your hamster wants more space or you want to add more enrichment.

I got a number of Hamster Heavens for nothing to £30 for a new one off Gumtree which could be an option for you in the future, once the current pandemic is under control.
In the meantime, enjoy your new hamster and feel free to post a photo if you like.
Yeah i agree enrichment is very important, she currently has a 20cm wheel ( 8 inches i believe). I’m currently using a bin cage with very deep fitch bedding for borrowing i also rip up lots of toilet paper for her to use as bedding. She also has loads of chew toys and different things to play with, i also have some diy toys in there too to keep her entertained.

I’m currently looking into getting a sand bath but am not sure what sand to get/which is the best?

I usually get her out in the bath tub (with blankets and cushions) and she seems to be enjoying that.

Ill try not to worry, it’s just a lot of people have very strong opinions on cage sizes and say things like you have to have a 450 square inch cage and things like that. She seems happy right now so i will try not to worry as much
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Old 01-21-2021, 10:16 AM   #6
Ria P
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Default Re: Small cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by mooncentral View Post

Ill try not to worry, it’s just a lot of people have very strong opinions on cage sizes and say things like you have to have a 450 square inch cage and things like that. She seems happy right now so i will try not to worry as much
I use the Tiny Friends Farm Sand and have never had any issues with it.
Some people would say not to use this sand because its dusty in their opinion and to buy kiddies sand, wash it, sieve it, bake it to dry it but what a palaver when i can buy perfectly good sand in a tub.
Some people have very fixed and strong opinions about anything to do with hamsters and can knock your confidence, put doubt in your mind, bombard you with figures and measurements, especially on social media i was told but let your hamster be your guide.

You are willing to upgrade her cage should she show signs of stress and that's what's important. You give her out of cage time, you play with her, you care for her and you give her your time. Hamsters like that.

I have a dwarf who was not happy in a very large habitat and used to rush from hide to hide to get to his favourite wheel so i moved him and now that he has easy access to both of his wheels he's happier.
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Old 01-21-2021, 11:23 AM   #7
mooncentral
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Default Re: Small cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
I use the Tiny Friends Farm Sand and have never had any issues with it.
Some people would say not to use this sand because its dusty in their opinion and to buy kiddies sand, wash it, sieve it, bake it to dry it but what a palaver when i can buy perfectly good sand in a tub.
Some people have very fixed and strong opinions about anything to do with hamsters and can knock your confidence, put doubt in your mind, bombard you with figures and measurements, especially on social media i was told but let your hamster be your guide.

You are willing to upgrade her cage should she show signs of stress and that's what's important. You give her out of cage time, you play with her, you care for her and you give her your time. Hamsters like that.

I have a dwarf who was not happy in a very large habitat and used to rush from hide to hide to get to his favourite wheel so i moved him and now that he has easy access to both of his wheels he's happier.
I'll definitely have a look Into that sand, thanks.
Yeah many people have very strong opinions on things like cages etc. As long as you're using hamster safe things and it won't harm the hamster I think its okay. Just wish people would understand that some pets are different and whilst guidelines can be helpful they may have to be changed depending on each hamsters personalities.

I used to have a Syrian who was In a large cage but would always hide away and rush around, I then moved her to a smaller cage and she seemed much happier, it all just depends on the hamster. And like you said our hamsters are really our best guide.
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Old 01-22-2021, 07:46 AM   #8
Fluffagrams
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Default Re: Small cage

Quote:
Originally Posted by mooncentral View Post
The only reason i was so worried about the cage size is because of all the comments online people make about smaller cages. Ive literally seen people say that people are abusing their hamster just because their cage is a little smaller then the “450 square inch minimum”. I think it’s good to aim for a bigger cage but i just feel like my hamster is doing well at the moment and moving her up would just cause unnecessary stress.
I think that to go against the common mindset needs a certain amount of confidence in your knowledge that you are doing what is right for your hamster but often those that are the most outspoken about cage sizes have never had the experience of having a hamster that has needed a smaller cage.

I had a hard time accepting it when I had to downgrade my hamster from his larger cage due to stress but the change in him was almost instant. he went from being a jumpy hamster who was afraid of his own shadow to being the calm hamster that I knew that he should have been. I was on the recieving end of a few harsh comments but at the end of the day I look at it this way, hamsters can't read so they're not going to know what random figure the internet says they're supposed to like, what they do know is where they feel the most comfortable and for some hamsters that is a big cage and for others it is a smaller cage and as responsible owners we should be doing our best to provide that.

Personally, I think it's equally as abusive to force a hamster that is obviously anxious to live in a large cage than it is to keep an extremely high maintenance hamster in a small cage.
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Old 01-22-2021, 10:50 AM   #9
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Small cage

It sounds fine if she is happy and has plenty of enrichment. In fact some experienced owners and breeders prefer to start hamsters off in a smaller cage for taming and then upgrade them later. They can hide away a lot in a large cage if they are nervous little baby hamsters. So just see how she goes.
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