Choosing a Dwarf Hamster Cage

When selecting a cage for your hamster that dwarf, You must consider the enclosure’s dimensions, as well as whether it is secured against escape, security, and how easy to clean. Many cages you can find in the pet shop do not fulfill these standards regarding dwarf Hamsters and Chinese hamsters because they are shorter than their larger Syrian Hamster counterparts. Here’s how you can select a cage suitable for dwarfs and correctly set it up.

Style of Dwarf Hamster Cage

The most popular choices are between wire cages (usually built on a plastic base) and the plastic modular cage (the one with lots of tubes and compartments) or an aquarium (with an enclosed mesh lid). Each kind of cage comes with advantages and drawbacks.

Ease of Cleaning the Cage

In general, it is the case that a wire cage fitted with a plastic tray is the most straightforward to clean. It is as simple as lifting the wire from the bottom, washing the bedding, then cleaning the wire and the base as needed. The more intricate the cage is, the more challenging to clean. This is essential in the case of an aluminum cage that has multiple tubes and compartments. They can be tough to keep clean. Aquariums aren’t hard to clean, but they can be weighty and difficult to manage when it comes to cleaning. Indeed, cleaning cages isn’t enjoyable, so making it simple will help make having the pet hamster more enjoyable.

Ventilation in Cages

Wire cages are the best choice in the discussion regarding ventilation and cages. The tubes and compartments of the plastic modular cages could create serious issues with ventilation. This is because the quality of air and condensation could be a problem. Aquariums, too, lack adequate ventilation. Remember that the wide openings of cages made of wire provide fantastic ventilation. However, it would be best if you made sure that the cage is kept clear of drafts. Aquariums and cages made of plastic offer better protection against currents.

Size of Cages

Despite their tiny size, dwarf hamsters require plenty of space to run and play. The actual size of the cage’s floor is a significant aspect. Most cages for hamsters sold on the market are not big enough for hamsters. As per the California Hamster Association, pet owners should strive at least 500 square inches when taken from bottom to top, or approximately 25 inches wide and 18 inches long. In the case of cages for hamsters, more significant is always more effective!

Cage Security and Safety

The bar space on a cage for small hamsters should not exceed 1/4 inch, which is a size that is hard to locate on cells made of wire which are sufficient. Check the doors on every cell to ensure they’re safe, as hamsters are experts at opening doors. If you select an enclosure with several tubes or levels, ensure there’s no space in which your hamster can fall over a considerable distance.

Dwarf Hamster Cages and Chewing

The ability and drive of hamsters’ chewing ability can influence the type of cage they’re suited to. In the case of cells made from plastic, make sure that there aren’t any visible edges or gaps in the plastic on which a hamster could begin chewing on the pen. If not, your hamster is likely to run away at some time. Hamsters usually aren’t able to chew to escape from cells made of wire, but some hamsters get obsessed about chewing on the bars. Aquariums are beneficial in this respect since there’s nothing in the aquarium to chew on.

Running Wheels for Dwarf Hamsters

Hamsters must have wheels, and the wheels should be big enough to ensure that hamsters don’t have to lift their backs to be able to run around on them. Wheels must have a stable surface with no crossbars for support to trap no limbs or body parts. Run-around balls are another excellent alternative for the outside of the cage.

Bedding for Dwarf Hamsters

Whichever type of cage you pick, ensure that you provide a thick bedding bed to encourage burrowing. This is particularly important for cells with wire sides. Select a cell with a deep tray that will not only allow the bedding to be thick but will also minimize how much bedding the hamster can push or kick from the cage.