Is this ok for a syrian?

[Kiki_3173]

I currently have my syrian, Darwin, in a 20 gallon long aquarium. The problem is that he lives in my classroom Monday-Friday and comes home with me on weekends and holidays. He is getting too stressed changing from his aquarium to a smaller weekend bin cage that I have for him, so I am looking for something that would give him the space he needs, that would travel easily, so he doesn't have to change cages. I'm trying to decide between making a larger bin cage bin or the F.O.P GABBIA Tamburino (Linea Natura). My question is...is the Tamburino ok for a syrian hamster or is it best for dwarf hamsters?

[strawberrysmom]

The recommend bin size for a Syrian is a 110 quart or bigger. I get my 110 Sterilite bin from Big Lots for 12 bucks. Very easy to lift and take anywhere! I had one made as my Syrians travel cage but right now I have Robos in there. The Marchioro Kevin 82 at thatpetplace.com is the right size for a Syrian but pricey. It's what I have mine in and I love it but it would be awkward for carrying around. The Gabbia tambourino I also have and I use for a dwarf but I think it meets the bare minimum for a Syrian. It's a nice one and light weight but I recommend a bin to that for what you need! The 106qt Sterilite bin from Walmart is the same size as that.

Make sure your wheel for him is at least 8 or 9 inches but 12 inches is really good. Anything smaller than 8 damages their backs.

[strawberrysmom]

Oh and the issue with those 110 bins is a 12 inch wheel would be too tall while the 106 is higher than 110 so the wheel would fit in there. I have a 12 inch flying saucer I use in the 110 in that case.

[Kiki_3173]

Thank you for your advice on the right cage for Darwin I think, as it has been recommended by several people, that I will go for 1 large bin cage that can sill fit in his spot in the classroom, but that can also be easily portable to bring home as well. That way he is in the same home no matter where he is. I'm off to Big Lots this afternoon!

As for being in the classroom...Darwin was brought to me for the purposes of being a class pet, so he is housed at school most of the time because of that. He has adjusted amazingly well to living there and right now (due to the changing of cage issue) is more comfortable at school than he was this weekend at my home.

I have a class of 16 fourth grade students who are being taught to be respectful, responsible, pet owners. They know they are not allowed to get Darwin out of his cage and that he requires a quiet, calm atmosphere to sleep in. His house is in the very back corner of our classroom, away from where we do our leaning each day. I wrote and received a grant to help with the cost of food and bedding for Darwin and it came with a packet of lessons from Carefresh called Critter College, which teaches them everything from choosing the right critter to the consistent care for their pet over it's life time.

When I get into the classroom in the morning, Darwin is awake and usually waiting for me on his 2nd level of his cage. He comes out of the cage to roll around in his ball in the classroom while the students are coming in for the morning. We have a sign at the door that says Darwin is out & about, so the kids know to be careful where they are walking. After our first lesson, he goes back into his cage, and off to bed after a little foraging. He sleeps all day (only coming out to use his litter box) and then he stirs and wakes around 4:30 in the afternoon. I take him out again for about 30 min of lap/play time and then he goes back to his cage to play. He seems pretty happy living there at this point and I told my students that if I ever felt he wasn't that he would live at home with me.

Update and bin pics to follow!

[strawberrysmom]

I LOVE seeing people's bin cages! Do post it when you finish!!! I think it's lovely he is in the classroom and for those reasons. I'm sure he is a very happy ham!!!