Hamster cages: types, selection and arrangement

Little fluffy and funny hamsters are loved by both adults and children. These animals are often kept at home as pets. In order for these mobile and nimble animals to live comfortably, they need to create the necessary conditions for this: choose a comfortable cage and equip it.

There are different types of cells, which differ in design, material of manufacture, external design and size. When choosing a cage, you need to take into account the breed of the hamster, as well as how safe the construction is. Cages should be spacious, comfortable and equipped with various accessories to provide mobility and entertainment for the animals.

The design features of the cells must correspond to these parameters.

• Door design and size... It should open comfortably, and its dimensions should be such that it would be easy to take the hamster out of the cage. The door needs to have a locking hook or latch, just as hamsters can easily open an unlocked door. It is not recommended to use cages with spring doors: they can injure the hamster.
• Floor type... The lattice bottom in the cage is inconvenient because the pet can be injured on the lower rods of the bottom. It is better if the cage has a solid, integral floor, which often has a rounded shape, which is convenient when cleaning it. There are also pull-out trays, but these are usually shallow and can leak.
• The size. Hamsters of different breeds require cages of different sizes. Hamsters of the Syrian breed are quite satisfied with cages measuring 50x40 cm with a top that has a semicircular shape.A small cage is dangerous for such animals because it does not provide them with the necessary mobility, which can cause obesity, physical inactivity and affect the timing of its life. For dwarf animals, smaller cages will be required. For other breeds, the size of the cage should not be less than 30x45 cm, with a height of 20 to 30 cm.

• Standard lattice. In such cages, it is convenient for a pet to climb rods, hang on ceiling slats, move along them and sharpen its teeth. It is important to take into account the density of the arrangement of the rods in the walls. To keep small hamsters, cages are needed in which the rods are close to each other (at a distance of 5-6 mm). For hamsters of a larger size, the rods may be placed less frequently, but with a gap of no more than 13 mm. For a Syrian hamster breed, the distance between the rods is from 5 to 10 mm. Lattice cages are easy to clean and weathered well.

• Three-story and two-story cage. Such dwellings are large in size. The height between the levels in them should not be too high. On the upper floors, the animal rests, and the lower ones are used for vigorous activities and games. Multi-storey cells can have solid areas for their entire length or up to the middle. In horizontal solid areas, there must be a hole for descending a ladder. Often these cages are equipped with pipes, tunnels and labyrinths.

• Terrariums and aquariums are intended for dwarf and other small hamsters. Structures must have a volume of at least 40 liters. The top in such a dwelling should be open for air access or covered with a grate so that a curious animal does not get out of it. For better aeration, the height of the aquarium should be less than its width, then the glass walls will not sweat and will not create favorable conditions for the emergence and reproduction of harmful microorganisms. Aquariums provide complete safety to their residents from other pets, and the space around them will always be clean.

• Mink house with pipes, tunnels and a labyrinth. These dwellings are closed plastic containers connected by tunnels. The use of labyrinths and pipes makes these dwellings very similar to the burrows that hamsters inhabit in nature. But the transparent and smooth plastic surface of the walls does not allow hamsters to climb. Air is poorly supplied to such a dwelling.

• Modular cages assembled from individual modules... These unusual cages can be of different designs, according to the set of modules and the wishes of the hamster owner. However, such a cage does not always look pretty. They are also expensive and take a long time to assemble.

• Small Carrying Cages... Such cages are not intended for permanent residence of a pet. They are used when it is necessary to plant the animal during the cleaning of the main cage or for transporting it (for example, to the veterinarian).

Hamster cages can be made from different materials. Cells are like that.

• Metallic. These cages are good housing for fluffy animals, since the structures have excellent aeration. They are easy to disassemble for easy cleaning. Most often they have a one-piece, solid plastic floor that can be detached and removed, which is also convenient when cleaning the cage. The quality of the raw metal is of great importance for these cells. The metal must be hard, as the hamster is able to gnaw through the soft metal bars and escape from the cage.

• Plastic... The quality of the plastic is important for these cells: it must be strong and safe, and the cell itself must not have sharp parts. Plastic dwellings most often have more than one level and are equipped with tunnels, tubes and other attributes that fully satisfy the animal's motor activity. They are usually used for small pets that move freely through the winding tunnels. Large hamsters can get stuck while moving through the tubes. The transparent plastic cage allows you to admire your hamster's play and entertainment.

• Glass... Usually these are terrariums and aquariums. Although not designed for hamsters, they are often used for them. Walls in glass dwellings can be made not only of pure glass, but also of plexiglass. It is quite durable material, although it requires care when handling and washing. The disadvantage of such houses for hamsters is their large mass and not entirely satisfactory ventilation capacity. In addition, it is not very convenient to fix attributes on glass walls.

• Wooden. Wood is an environmentally friendly raw material and safe for hamsters if hard wood is used. The negative aspects include the high ability of the tree to absorb odors, and it is poorly cleaned. In addition, the price of such cages is very high. Usually, wood is used to make a combined cage, in which the frame or floor is wooden, and the walls are metal gratings.

When choosing a home for your pet, you need to consider not only the size and type of the cage. It is desirable that it be equipped with places for eating, sleeping, resting and toilet. The best cages are those in which the hamster will feel comfortable, safe and have everything necessary for an active and active life.

When choosing this or that type of cage, you need to take into account all the disadvantages and advantages of the future housing of the animal. It is also important to know that dwarf breeds can live together, and separate cages will be required for the Syrian residents. It is also necessary to take into account how easy it is to maintain the cage. The greatest difficulties arise when cleaning plastic cells, consisting of several elements, levels, since there are many inaccessible parts in them.

The cost of the cage is also an important factor. There are a large number of cell models from different manufacturers on the market. The most famous and popular are the following manufacturers: Triol, Ferplast, Imac, Kredo, producing various types and models of beautiful cells with different prices: from budget to expensive. One of the budget options for cells can be a cell from Ferplast, model Mini Duna Multi (pink, white or light green). It is made of durable plastic and has a long service life.

There is a wide range of models of various types and from other manufacturers. You can specify only a few of them:

• from the Russian manufacturer Triol, the Studio model is a combined cage;
• the Fantazy model from Imac (Italy) is a comfortable two-story cage;
• the Kredo three-story model has a modern original appearance.

For the normal life of a hamster, in addition to a comfortable and safe cage, it is required to collect all the necessary accessories for arranging his home. Hamsters are very fond of making holes, digging, actively moving and playing. The correct arrangement of the cage should provide not only the physiological needs of the occupant, but also his play activities and entertainment. When arranging a cage, you need such accessories.

One of the important points is deciding which filler is best to use for the pallet. It matters not only how useful or not this or that type of litter, but also how often it needs to be changed, washed the cage and the space around it. There are many types of pallet filler. They can differ in the material of manufacture, weight, safety for the animal, the degree of absorption of moisture and odors.

• An ordinary newspaper. This litter option has remained since the days when there was simply no other filler. But the newspaper damages the health of the hamster and not only the printing ink. The absorbency of newspapers is extremely low, and they do not absorb odors at all, therefore they do not meet hygiene requirements. In addition, they will have to be changed every day. This type of bedding is not recommended.

• Soft clean paper... Do not use stiff paper, as sharp, dense edges can cause serious injury to a chewer. White soft paper towels, napkins, or plain toilet paper can be used as a mat. In such a filler, the hamster will perfectly arrange a mink for itself and will happily chew the paper into small pieces. Despite the fact that such a filler is practically safe for animals, it has the same drawback as that of newspapers - it does not absorb liquid and odors well.

• Cotton wool and rags. Warm soft cotton wool and rags will please the animal. But this option does not provide the safety of the pet. Vata has fibers in its structure that can be harmful to the health of the hamster. If he manages to wind them on his fragile paw and tighten it strongly, then he can not only damage the tendons, but also lose a limb. And in fabrics the fibers are even more durable. It is also not recommended to use this type of filler, moreover, it has the same disadvantages as newspapers and paper.

• Sawdust. They are used most often because they are an inexpensive type of filler. Sawdust, although not fully, but rather well absorbs liquid and absorbs odors. The filler has to be changed quite often - after 2-4 days, when odors appear. But for hamsters with long hair, sawdust is not suitable as a filler, since they, entangling with the hair, form lumps. You will have to take care of such a hamster every day - comb the fur and remove sawdust. In addition, some hamsters like to hide sawdust behind their cheeks. In this case, they can injure the mucous membrane of the cheeks and cause infection. The disadvantages of sawdust can also be attributed to the fact that they are a light material that spreads easily and pollutes everything around.

• Pressed sawdust or wood filler. In terms of quality, such filler is significantly superior to sawdust: it has a higher ability to absorb moisture and absorb odors, which can appear only after 5-8 days. Wood filler does not have such disadvantages as sawdust. But its disadvantages include a rather large size of granules, as well as the presence of wood dust in it, which is dangerous for hamsters with allergies.

• Cellulose filler... This type of filler can be used even for animals with allergies. The degree of absorption of moisture and odors is the same as that of sawdust. But its granules are smaller and lighter than compressed sawdust. Therefore, it can be used as bedding even for small pets.

• Corn bed. Compared to all of the above, this type of filler is the best, so its cost is quite high. It has the highest moisture absorption and odor retention. It will have to be changed in about 7-10 days. There is no wood dust in it, it does not get entangled with wool and is not capable of injuring the animal. This is the smallest type of filler. Its only drawback is that it is very light, which means it can easily spread outside the cell.

Other essential accessories in a hamster's cage are containers for food and water. It is important not only to purchase a convenient feeder and drinker, but also to place them correctly in the cage. The feeder for the hamster should be placed at a low height so that the animal is comfortable to eat. The feeder is convenient in that you can put the daily feed rate in it, thereby controlling the amount of food for the animal. It should be small but deep.

It is best to use a ceramic bowl rather than a plastic one, as it is lightweight and can be easily knocked over by the hamster. It is recommended that food is scattered on the floor periodically to support the hamster's natural instinct to find, collect and store food.

It is not recommended to pour water into an ordinary saucer or bowl: the hamster can turn them over, and the bedding will be constantly wet. It is better to use a special drinker. There are several types of them: a drinker with a pocket and a ball, vacuum and nipple. They are attached to the outside of the cage and will not take up space on the inside.

To diversify the life of a pet in a cage and provide him with a comfortable content, it is necessary to place additional accessories in the cage.

• House. The animal needs it for sleeping and resting, for storing food supplies and for arranging a mink. All hamsters love to sleep and spend time in cozy, compact rooms, where they can easily keep warm and control their body temperature. Houses can be both plastic and wooden. The main requirement for the structure is a reliably reinforced roof, the absence of sharp protrusions, and the environmental friendliness of the material. All openings (doors, windows) must be large enough for the hamster to pass through without difficulty.

• Jogging wheel... Hamsters living in the wild are able to run up to 10 km a day, looking for food and material for a nest. Therefore, at home, they need to create maximum conditions for maintaining physical fitness. For this reason, the running wheel is a necessary attribute in the cage. It must meet safety requirements - its inner surface must be non-slip, solid with small transverse protrusions, and not from separate crossbars. Mesh wheels can be used if the net is made up of the smallest sections. A wooden wheel is also a good option.

• Mineral stone. An animal that loves to sharpen its teeth needs such a stone. He not only grinds teeth, but is also a source of mineral elements.Stones can be simply mineral or with the inclusion of salts or other additives: dried fruits and vegetables, probiotics and vitamins.

• Attributesthat facilitate the pet's play activities: ladders for climbing, a hammock where the hamster can rest, labyrinths, tubes and tunnels that the hamster will explore with interest, toys and various wooden objects in the form of dumbbells, vegetables or fruits, cubes with which the hamster will enjoy will play, hide them or throw them away.

A cage with a mobile and mischievous tenant can not be placed anywhere. It is not recommended to place it in such places.

• Near radiators and in places subject to direct sunlight. These small animals do not react well to heat.
• In places accessible to drafts, since the animal can get sick with hypothermia.
• Do not place your hamster cage on the floor. The innate instinct of self-preservation forces the animals to carefully observe the environment, and from below it is hard to see. Therefore, the unexpected appearance of even the owner will cause him anxiety or stress. The cage should be at least 1 m above the floor so that the hamster can observe everything that happens in the room.
• Bathroom, balcony (loggia) - not a place for a hamster to live. Damp and cold air, through wind adversely affect the health of the pet.
• It is not recommended to place the cage directly next to curtains, curtains, tightly against a wall covered with wallpaper, or near pieces of furniture. A gnawing hamster can damage anything within its reach.
• Near sources of loud sounds (TV, radio, amplifying speakers), as hamsters react painfully to harsh and loud sounds.

Since hamsters are clean by nature, the health of a small pet largely depends on the cleanliness of the cage. Therefore, it must be cleaned frequently. The filler must be cleaned daily. The cleaning of contaminated areas of the litter is done as follows: all detected faeces are removed, all pieces of uneaten food are removed and fresh litter is added. The cage itself needs to be cleaned after 2-4 weeks, depending on the contamination. You need to remove the cage in this sequence.

• First, the tenant should be deposited in a portable cage or in an ordinary jar.
• Remove wet and dirty filler.
• Remove the tray from the bedding and rinse well with water (warm), using detergents for children. To get rid of the smell, you can use special products.
• Place litter in a tray, adding fresh and leaving a little old to preserve the smell of the animal.
• Carefully wipe the cage lattice with a wet foam sponge. Then wipe dry with a napkin or clean cloth.

How to remove a hamster's cage, see below.

Aquariums and plastic cages need to be cleaned much more often due to poor ventilation. They must be washed at least once a week. The drinker and feeder must be washed every day. Accessories in the cage also need to be processed. To do this, they can be placed in detergents for a while, and then washed and rinsed well with tap water. Those accessories (for example, wooden toys) that can no longer be cleaned after the lapse of time should be thrown away and replaced with new ones.

A hamster kept clean and comfortable will always be healthy, cheerful and mobile, which means it will evoke positive emotions in the household.