Although a hamster home cannot be complete with just one component, the cage is probably the most foundational piece to one. In this article I am going to cover some recommended cage sizes, different cage types, and provide some recommended cages alongside other general tips.

The cage is probably the most foundational piece to a hamster’s home.

Here are the main criteria I had considered (in order of priority) when I was researching recommended cages.

1. Floor space for the hamster
2. Height of the cage (for bedding depth)
3. Cost of the cage
4. How much space the cage took up
5. The type of material (e.g. glass cages are much heavier than plastic/wired cages but generally sturdier)
6. Cosmetic preferences

Recommended Cage Sizes

Before I delve any further it should be noted that any listed cage size refers to amount of continuous floor space of the cage. Essentially, this counts only the base of the cage as platforms, shelves and connecting smaller cages together are not suitable ways to fulfil this criterion. Furthermore, in this article the term ‘cage’ refers more to a hamster’s enclosure/habitat. This is because other resources often use this term in the same way, so it’ll be easier to understand across resources. Cage variations will be specified when necessary.

The recommended cage size for hamsters can vary depending on the source you research from. Numbers for suggested minimum cage sizes can range anywhere from 200 to 620 square inches, whilst the recommended sizes can range from 650 to 1550 square inches or more.

Source: hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/138114-the-surprising-truth-about-cage-size/ (click on image to enlarge)

It is important to remember that these are only recommendations based on what is currently known about hamsters. There are many factors that play into whether or not a certain cage size will be suitable for a hamster. For example, one Syrian hamster might be content with a cage size of 650 square inches, but another may find it too small which may cause them frustration and stress. Since there is no way to predict the individual differences of each hamster, it is generally accepted that a bigger cage is better. Anecdotally, I find that my current hamster enjoys his home (which is around 650 square inches) since he never tries to escape, even if the cage door is left open for long periods of time.

Hamsters are small animals, but in the wild they would be able to run for miles and dig burrows all over the place. Although we cannot fully replicate such an expansive environment, we can try our best to provide something that resembles it. When I was first looking at the recommended cage sizes, I was very surprised at how large it could get. However, the research made sense and in retrospect I wish I had gotten a larger cage because the other components of a hamster’s home quickly fill it up, especially if they are accommodating a larger hamster species like a Syrian.

For scale: A small Syrian hamster helps with the size assessment.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nGm2s3X61A. Click on image to enlarge.

Note: Be sure that the prospective room has enough space to house the cage comfortably. The one I got took up a substantial amount of space in my room and it can be difficult to move it around when it needs to be cleaned or temporarily relocated.

Pet stores widely stock cages that are far below many of the suggested minimum cage sizes. Their shelves can display some really unsuitable cages with very little space. The notorious ‘CritterTrail’ style cages are known for being far too small and although they may seem like fun for a hamster (given all the colour and tubing), they actually cause hamsters a lot of stress. Average-sized adult Syrian hamsters can get stuck in the narrow tubes so they can pose acute hazards. Based on the colours and packaging, I suspect they are aimed towards attracting children; then being relatively small and cheap, they can be sold easier to parents who are misinformed about fulfilling a hamster’s needs.

An example of a CritterTrail cage that has extra tube attachments.
Source: YouTube. Click on image to enlarge.

Although not as dire, some of the other in-store cages are advertised as ‘large’ for hamsters but still fall below many of the suggested minimum cage sizes. The recurring issue here is that many pet stores have not vigilantly updated their hamster care information, for whatever reason that may be. From what I have seen, hamster care in the past 10-15 years has grown considerably in providing increasingly better welfare for hamsters. I found some very interesting pictures and comments from 2004, and you can see the stark difference between what used to be considered impressive compared to now.

Proud to share their hamster homes (2004).
Source: http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/27487-proud-of-your-hamsters-cage/page-1. Click on image to enlarge.

Proud to share their hamster homes (2004).
Source: http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/27487-proud-of-your-hamsters-cage/page-6. Click on image to enlarge.

A stark contrast: Claiming this 40 US gallon breeder tank is ‘nothing special’ (2018).
Source: http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/27487-proud-of-your-hamsters-cage/page-878. Click on image to enlarge.

A spectacular rainforest-themed DIY cage by HoppingHammy (2017).
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byAfejQk5i8. Click on image to enlarge.

Honestly, before I noticed the dates of the posts in 2004, I thought I clicked onto a satirical forum thread. However, these images and comments are purely to demonstrate the difference in perspective regarding hamster care. What seemed great 15 years ago would now be condemned by many experienced hamster caretakers as neglect or animal abuse, but that’s all they knew back then. As research into hamster behaviour and fulfilment advances, in 15 years from now, perhaps HoppingHammy’s rainforest-themed DIY cage might be standard.

Since many pet stores are not providing their customers with extensive information on the best quality hamster care available, the responsibility lies on us to do our research well. Generally speaking, although the majority of in-store cages are unsuitable in providing a hamster with a happy home, there are many suitable to excellent cages available online.

A handy table comparing the sizes of various ready-made cages in the UK (2014).
Source: http://www.hamstercentral.com/community/cage-reviews/24105-cage-sizes-comparison-updated-jan-2014-a.html. Click on image to enlarge.

Different Types of Cages

Plastic-Wire Cages

Plastic-wire cages (or plastic-bar cages) are one of the more common types of cages and resembles the stereotypical look of a cage for small pets. They typically consist of a plastic tray base with metal bars for its roof and walls. Aside from smaller store-bought cages that have inbuilt bars, the bars of these cages are often attachable and can be fastened securely onto the plastic base.

An example of a plastic-wire cage (Alexander Small Pet Cage).
Image credit: erinsark-petcareguide.com. Click on image to enlarge.

Additional Notes:

• A suitable cage should have at least one door found within the bars, but some may have extra doors for ease of access.
• There are cages which have clear plastic walls with bars for the roof but are similar in many ways.
• It is very important to ensure your hamster can’t endanger themselves by escaping through the bars.

Pros:

• Plenty of ventilation
• Great at preventing dangerous escapes
• Often sturdy and long lasting
• Often ready to be furnished on purchase
• Relatively light and manoeuvrable
• Relatively cool in warm temperatures
• Easy to attach platforms for vertical variety

Cons:

• Bars can obstruct a clear view (especially for photos and videos)
• Limited floor space available (many options are unsuitable)
• Limited depth of tray base (limits depth of possible bedding)
• Substrate can fall out easily
• Limited ability to customise (practical and cosmetic concerns)
• Not great at insulating heat in cold temperatures
• Suitable cages can be relatively expensive

A furnished Barney Pet Cage. Click on image to enlarge.

Some Recommended Plastic-Wire Cages

• Alaska Hamster Cage – relatively cheap, great value for money available at: bit.ly/2o1kef8
• Barney Pet Cage – mid-range price, plenty of floor space available at: bit.ly/2Rto8tz
• Alexander Small Pet Cage – slightly pricey, plenty of space, comes with a couple of hideouts and a whole extra level available at: bit.ly/2YMTrbi

Tank Cages

Tank cages are also a popular type of cage for hamster homes due to their clear glass or plastic screen that allows for great visibility. Although many tanks are advertised for fishes or reptiles, a hamster can live a happy life in one too. In fact, tank cages may raise the happiness for both you and your hamster if it is furnished and maintained to a high standard.

An example of a tank cage (Living World Green Eco Habitat).
Image credit: zooplus.com. Click on image to enlarge.

Additional Notes:

• Since tanks are often advertised based on volume, be sure to check that there is a suitable amount of floor space.
• Make sure that the tank is deep enough to carry enough substrate and toys, without providing an easy escape route to the top.
• Some tanks have lids and others do not; if your tank has a lid, make sure it has plenty of ventilation (steel wire mesh lids are a good option); if there is no lid or you want to keep a lidless cage, ensure it is deep enough to prevent any chance of escape.
• Although I have not owned a tank cage, after some research I have seen that prices can vary from cheap to very expensive (some fish tanks come with temperature regulating technology).

Pros:

• Great visibility
• Easy accessibility to the inside
• Deep tanks prevent unwanted escapes (even without lids)
• Great range of sizes; many with suitable floor space and depth
• Often sturdy and long lasting
• Often ready to be furnished on purchase
• Retains some heat in colder temperatures
• Complete substrate containment

Cons:

• Limited ventilation if poorly lidded
• Can be very heavy; difficult to manoeuvre
• Needs to be located accessibly for easy cleaning
• Larger tanks can be quite expensive

Some Recommended Tank Cages

• Fish/Reptile Tank – Aim for around 55+ US gallon or 40 US gallon breeder tanks (shallower but suitable floor space); can be pricey.
• Living World Green Eco Habitat – Size M or L recommended; very expensive; available at: bit.ly/2Lkz63x

Plastic Bin Cages

Plastic bin cages are also quite popular as with the two previous cage types. Overall, they are made from a plastic storage bin but they can have many types of designs. Many of them will include cut-out windows with steel wire meshes placed over them to provide increased ventilation and security. As many of them are not as deep as tank cages, they will often require a wired mesh lid to prevent possible escapes.

An example of a plastic bin cage.
Source: http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/27487-proud-of-your-hamsters-cage/page-840. Click on image to enlarge.

Additional Notes:

• Plastics bins can be clear or opaque. Though clear plastic is generally more popular for hamster owners, opaque plastic won’t make your hamster feel trapped.
• Make sure to find a plastic bin with suitable floor space. Many of the labelled dimensions are for the lid and it is typical for bins to be significantly larger at the top.
• It is important to use steel wire meshes as plastic meshes can be easily chewed through.
• If you decide to link multiple bin cages together then it is important that at least one cage has a suitable floor space on their own.
• Like tank cages, bins can be measured in volume, so check that there is suitable floor space for your hamster.

Pros:

• Clear plastic is great for visibility
• Easy accessibility to the inside
• Light and manoeuvrable
• Suitable cage sizes are widely available and affordable
• Customisable (can link multiple bin cages together)
• Retains some heat in colder temperatures
• Complete substrate containment
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Bin depths can be relatively shallow (lidless bins can be escape hazards)
• Likely requires some DIY work
• Poorly ventilated without customisation
• Thin plastic bins are often less durable than other cage types

Some Recommended Bin Cages

Since most bin cages are primarily DIY, I recommend getting one with a volume of at least 110 quarts (28 US gallons); cheap for size.

• 110 quarts: bit.ly/34hrO9y
• 116 quarts: bit.ly/2NDWcoJ
• 200 quarts: bit.ly/34bvyct

IKEA DETOLF Cages

IKEA DETOLF cages are originally upright glass display cabinets that have been turned on their side and DIY modified (such as leaving out the shelves). In some sense, these types of cages closely resemble the glass tank cages but require significant DIY work at the benefit of affordability and customisability.

An example of an IKEA DETOLF cage.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQXI8pgRhmA. Click on image to enlarge.

Additional Notes:

• DETOLFs have reasonable depth but they will usually need a DIY lid with steel wire mesh for parts of the cage that are stacked up high (e.g. with bedding and toys).
• The display glass can be damaged so it is important to ensure it is in good condition and is placed appropriately to avoid cracks or breaks.
• It can be helpful (possibly necessary) to have another person assist you in assembling the DETOLF.

Pros:

• Great visibility
• Easy accessibility to the inside
• Plenty of floor space
• Retains some heat in colder temperatures
• Complete substrate containment
• Quite affordable; good value for money

Cons:

• Requires significant DIY work before it can be furnished
• May require a steel mesh lid for safety
• Can be very heavy; difficult to manoeuvre
• Needs to be located accessibly for easy cleaning
• Glass on the bottom may be prone to damage

General Tips

• Cages should not be placed where direct sunlight can shine on it for a long time. Hamsters are relatively prone to overheating in hot temperatures since they cannot sweat to lower their body temperature.
• Cages should be placed in a room that has a regular temperature of around 18-25 Celsius. Hamsters will try to regulate their temperature by covering themselves with bedding when it’s cold or lying out in the open when it’s hot. The temperatures recommended here are for their comfort and safety against temperature-related ailments such as pneumonia and heat stroke.
• In line with the previous tip, it is advised to keep the cage in a room that is free from draughts as this can inconspicuously lower a hamster’s body temperature.
• Cages should be placed in a quiet room. Hamsters have very sensitive hearing so loud and continuous sounds will likely stress them. Typically, areas like the kitchen or living room are not suitable for a hamster’s cage.
• Hamsters are generally crepuscular/nocturnal so you might want to avoid keeping their cage inside your bedroom as they can be quite noisy when they move around and eat in the middle of the night.
• This tip works particularly well for new/young hamsters who are adjusting to their new cage. You can place a blanket/towel over the cage (whilst leaving room for ventilation). This will allow you greater control over how much light enters the cage, but also gives the hamster more privacy. Although a hamster’s eyesight is not good, they can still see large movements and it can be stressful for them to see people moving around near them. It can be tempting to watch your new hamster but moving into a new home is one of the most stressful times of their life and is a common cause for them to develop stress-related illnesses.

Temporary Cages

Finally, I think it is worth mentioning that temporary cages are also necessary for your hamster. Although these cages are not a part of their home, they will definitely be used at some point in their life. As the name suggests, they are essentially a place where you can house your hamster for a short while without stressing them out too much. For this reason, temporary cages often reflect the main cage of their home.

There are a variety of reasons that may prompt the use of a temporary cage but the most common ones that come to mind are when you need to fully clean out the main cage or when your hamster needs a trip to an exotic vet. With this in mind, temporary cages tend to be significantly smaller than the main cage. However, they need to be large enough to hold a few important things.

1. Bedding with your hamster’s scent
2. A lightweight hideout
3. Some dry food in a lightweight food bowl
4. A source of water (cucumber slices recommended)

An example of a suitable temporary cage.

Small plastic-wire or plastic bin cages are most commonly used as temporary cages. Therefore they are widely available and relatively cheap so acquiring one should not be much of an issue. Certainly the larger the temporary cage the less stress it will cause your hamster but it has to be of a practical size that can be moved easily.

Conclusion

This article has covered some of the most important factors that ought to be considered when choosing a hamster cage. They can be found within the two sections: recommended cage sizes and different types of cages.

Whilst a ‘good’ cage size is relative to each individual hamster, the general finding is that larger cages tend to reduce the chances of causing them stress. In a similar fashion, a hamster that finds their cage too small will definitely become stressed and will likely develop aggressive behaviours such as constant bar chewing and climbing.

The type of cage you choose for your hamster will probably depend on your preference and what kind of home you want to provide for your hamster. As I have detailed, different types of cages have varying pros and cons but you can provide a great hamster home with any of them. Therefore it is more important to choose a type of cage that you are comfortable with regarding the criteria worth considering.

Further Reading

• Hamster Myths and Facts (hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/104161-hamster-myths-and-facts)
• Behaviours of Syrian Hamsters in Different Cage Sizes (pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3891/ee836d1c5fd8479e67ae51c6069167f0f78e.pdf)
• Extra Information on Bin Cages (hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/120679-bin-cages-101/)
• IKEA DETOLF Review (10/04/2019) (youtu.be/CSfugj0M46Q)
• Hamster Care Community Forum (hamsterhideout.com/forum/)
• Hamster Care Community Forum (hamstercentral.com/community/)

For more interesting information:

• Hamster Care: An Introduction (Part 1)
• 16 Things A Dog Can’t Eat
• What do you think of this project?
• Plant Seeds of Dharma in Your Beloved Pets…
• Good News for Animal Lovers!
• What Do You Think?
• Sometimes we to have read this…
• Give Them A Home
• The Reasons Birds Hit Windows and How to Prevent It
• Freedom the amazing
• A Relieving Experience

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