(Images: Alaska Hamster Cage and Alexander Pet Cage as shown on ZooPlus)
Hamster Cages
In the world of hamsters, many end up in small cages, far below the minimum advised by the RSPCA.
The RSPCA recommend that the minimum size of cage for a Syrian hamster should be 75cm x 40 cm x 40 cm and many pet shops do not supply cages of this size, but it is extremely crucial to provide your hamster with the largest cage possible, no matter their size, and it doesn't have to be expensive!
Hamsters are active animals and it is crucial they have space. In some cases a hamster may prefer a smaller space but this may still not be far below the RSPCA minimum.
Suitable hamster cages:
There are many suitable hamster cages available although often you may have to look online and many online pet shops offer great deals!
An example of this is http://www.zooplus.co.uk/ - they offer a wide range of suitable hamster cages and it is also worth looking at their prices!
Some suitable cages are: Alaska Hamster Cage, Alexander Cage, Barney Pet Cage, Savic Hamster Heaven, Zoozone 1, Zoozone 2.
Bin cages
A bin cage is an alternative to a hamster cage and can end up as cheaper if you are not wanting to spend on an actual cage. A bin cage is basically a plastic storage cage which may be cut to add wire mesh and is perfectly suitable for use by a hamster. An ideal bin cage is the Ikea Samla (78x56x43) - a great size and at the cost of £13! (including purchasing the lid, sold separately). Wire mesh is also not expensive to come but and it can be pretty easy to put together, and in our opinion, it is totally worth it!
http://www.hamstercentral.com/wiki/How_to_make_a_custom_bin_cage!
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90102971/
Hamster FAQ
Q. Can I keep two hamsters together?
A. Only certain species of hamster may live together, and even then, it may not work out. The Syrian hamster should never live in pairs as they are solitary and as they mature they may fight to serious injury or death., the same can be said about Chinese hamsters as they are often also solitary although many pet shops try and sell them in pairs. Robos/Campbells/Winter Whites can live together although many pairings may not work out and you will have to take special steps to make a pairing between hamsters work, like having two of each object available (bottle, house, wheel ect).
Q. My hamster is biting the cage bars, how can I get them to stop?
A. Some hamsters may never stop cage biting no matter what you do. It may be best to move your hamster into a bin cage or tank style cage so it does not have bars to chew as chewing too much can damage teeth and lead to further problems. For a hamster, chewing bars can be addictive and the repetitive action may calm them. You can also try to add things to chew and provide more stimulation depending on your hamster's need, for example, a hamster may prefer chewing wood over cardboard and visa versa.
Q. My hamster bites! How can I stop them?
A. Patience and time is key when taming a hamster. Some people may try to wear gloves when holding their hamster, this teaches them that when they bite, they do not get put down, whilst also not allowing them to bite you. Hand gels may also be used as hamsters do not like the taste of them and if they bite even with the smell, they will be discouraged. It is also very important to wash hands before handling a hamster as a smell of food may make them want a taste. Rubbing your hands into the hamster's bedding before handling may also help as you will not smell unfamiliar to them.