New & About to Get First Hamster

[mkr50]

Our family is about to get our very first hamster. We're going to get a Syrian. I've been having a hard time on what cage to get. I know that bigger is better and I'd like something easy to clean. Open to suggestions. --MK

[Ria P]

Hi and welcome to HC!

Thing is that with a big cage and plenty of substrate you only need to spot clean and can go without a half or whole substrate change for many weeks.

I wouldn't go for anything less than a 80cmx50cm cage for a male Syrian like an Alaska cage for example and for a female Syrian no less than a 100cmx50cm cage like the Savic Plaza for example.

Both need a 28cm wheel like the Trixie wheel, the large Silent Runner or a large wooden wheel which you'd need to plastikote to pee proof it.

Best to get the cage first then set it up with a big wheel, a big house and lots of enrichment suitable for a Syrian. I get the Ferplast guinea pig house. Many items sold for hamsters are actually too small for Syrians so to do your homework before getting a hamster will save money spent on items too small for a grown Syrian hamster.

There's lots of information here on housing, settling in, taming etc and people are always willing to answer any questions you may have.

[Tommyshelby]

Hi mkr50.

I'm 23 years old and I had lots of fun setting up my enclosure. It reminded me of playing them old tycoon games, felt a bit like minecraft lol

Try get the biggest enclosure you have space for. It doesnt have to be a cage, you can use a heavy duty trunk, a detolf (I think that's what its called), diy and make one out of glass.
If your from uk I recommend using fitch bedding it's cheap and free delivery.

Victoria Rachael (I think I spelled it right) and Erin'sanimals on YouTube are great. They both have good videos. If you're from a hot climate then Erin's animals is perfect because most of her cage setups are for hot climates.

[mkr50]

Thank you for the reply & tips! 2.5 weeks until Bring Home day