Cage change - should I and how should I!

[emilyy]

Hello all,

I am wondering about a cage change for my 9 month old Syrian hamster, Chuck.

He has had the same cage since I got him, fairly standard cage with tube going around the back and a wheel inside. I used to hear the wheel a lot but I don’t anymore so I’m not sure if he still uses it or has outgrown it. (I have him a flying saucer style wheel for in his run which is bigger and I understand to be better for their backs)

I recently bought a Pico XL home which has multiple levels and I believe a slightly bigger wheel so may give him more to do/explore as I do not want him to be bored. It does not however have any tubes and Chuck does make his bed in there so I wonder if he would be disappointed. I could possibly put a small section of tube in the new cage so he has that option.

Do you think I should change the cage? If so, would I put his current bedding in there and let him explore gradually?

Want to ensure he has lots of room and is happy but don’t want to upset him in the stress/change or lack of tube!

Thoughts would be appreciated!