What cage should i get for my hamster?

What cage should i get my hamster, like what type.
Answers:
The wire cages that are being suggested are really not good. Not only could the hamster fall from quite some distance as it climbs higher up the bars, but if you hamster is a very determined one, it could develop bar rub- a condition where the fur on it's nose and face is rubbed away as it obsessively chews on the bars. Just do a quick search here on petqna.com s and you can see the number of hamsters that have this. I just answered a question about "fur loss on my hamsters face between its nose and eyes" a few days ago. In more serious cases, the hamster will actually chew at the bars to the point that the bars will cut its face. In the worst case scenario, the hamster will permanently loose its fur on that part of its face and develop scars and callouses. I'm not trying to scare you, just offer you the best advice that I can. The other terrible thing about those cages is that the wheels are far to small for anything but a mouse or dwarf hamster. The only thing those cages have going for them is their price.
The Crittertrails and SAM cages, while fun looking, are not at all practical. They are very hard to clean and even harder to get the hamster out of. They can get a bit expensive and really are just not worth what you would pay for them. If you are really drawn to the tubes and mazes, perhaps just get one as a playground but I wouldn't recommend them for their cage. The tubes would have to be taken apart and cleaned each week and that would get pretty old by the second cage cleaning. It is also hard to see you hamster in these kinds of cages.
If you're concerned with finding a cheap way to house just one hamster, here's my suggestion. Purchase a 10 gallon aquarium for $10, a metal tank lid for $10 (sold in the reptile row/area), a chew-proof, climb-proof water bottle (made by Lixit) for $6, a plastic solid 8" exercise wheel by Super Pet (called a Comfort Wheel) (small wheels- anything with a diameter less than 8"- and "normal" metal bar ones are harmful) for $5 and a hut for $5. This will give you the basic set-up for under $40. If you have a Pet Supplies Plus near you, shop there, they're cheaper and carry all the products I've listed.
One of the new alternatives that we hamster breeders are using are plastic bins. These make great cages! They are very inexpensive in that you can buy a bin for less than $10. There is a little bit of manual labor involved but it's worth it. The bins are light and very easy to carry and move and best of all, they are extremely easy to clean. The bedding doesn't stick to them the way it does in any of the above mentioned cages. Get a clear bin and you can easily see your friend. Get one that's tall enough to hold the wheel when the lid is on.
Here is a California Hamster Association article on how to convert a plastic bin:
http://www.geocities.com/calhamassoc/fea...
-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com...

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Depending on the type, one with bars is best it gives the hamster excersize climbing up it, plus you can get one with attachments so it isnt bored. A plastic was is good for starting out but with them the hamster will become bored after awhile so its best to go straight for a barred caged

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the best cage for a hamster is a 10 gallon aquarium and probably the cheapest. iall you need is a screen cover that attaches tightly to the tank. hamsters can chew their way out of plastic and wire cages. it is also the easiest to clean. take your hammy out and place him in a clear plastic hamster ball and let him roll around while you are cleaning it!! make sure the cleaning agents you use are safe for animals!

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You have to get a cage that has a tiny house and a exercise wheel. Oh yeah, buy some sawdust too and spread it on the base of the cage.

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the best design I have had as far as Hamsters go is very simple. just a white grid cage for the top and the four walls and for the bottom it was heavy duty plastic (designed so the bars would snap into grooves halfway up the plastic, it was also easy assembly and only 20$), and believe me, my Hamster tried to chew it's way out theres a hole in every corner (very tiny though no where near big enough to even get a ham's paw through) but the plastic was made so that it could never be able to chew a hole anywhere near being able to escape through. I got it at petsmart and i have never had a ham escape from it. (the other ones I had they did but i always keep my room's door shut so i was able to find them) It is easy to clean though I would put something under it because shaving do go over the sides and make a mess.

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I highly recommend critter trail cages. I have the Critter Trail 3 and the Critter Trail 2. They are great cages. If you don't get Critter Trail cages, then make sure you get a cage that does not have wire floors, they can get their feet stuck and they can break. Same goes for the exercise wheel, make sure its plastic. Good Luck!

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Its always a good idea to give any rodent a cage with a few levels ... it keeps them busy ... My hamsters cage has three levels ...
The first level is where his main source of food and shelter is as well as his exercises wheel
the second level I have a little hut that has a few differant holes in it .. he like to go up there and nap
the third level is where I put his fresh veggies ... this keeps him active ... he knows where to go to get his veggies
Also once every couple of days I hide about 6 or 7 Little dry treats around in his cage ... this keeps him foraging ... that makes him feel like he is still independent LOL
you should also get him a ball so he can rome around the house for an hour or so!!
Usually the best kind of cage to buy with levels would be a small Rat cage ...

Good Luck

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What kind of hammy are you getting? Any hamster cage will work. Its whatever looks like your hamster would have fun in. If you have a Targot somwhere where you live they have a really nice hamster cage. And stuff thats good for your liitle friend.

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crittertrail Dazzle sold at petsmart and petco

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plastic types of cages would do. just make sure that it is big enough for your pet.

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Here is my guide to cages found on my website http://www.freewebs.com/hamsterhighway/i...
It has all you need to know, plus my reccomendations!
Any other question e-mail me @ joe10994@comcast.net
BUT FIRST LOOK AT MY SITE
First, for regular hamsters. The most common type is an Aquarium. They have plenty of good reasons to buy one. One is there is an extremely clear view of your pet. They give enough room to house about four adult dwarfs, or one Syrian and are easy to maintain. They're very inexpensive (approximately $10 if you get a small one). You will need a wire cover as well. They're hard to knock over, safe, and escape-proof, if you get clips for a few bucks. Keep it out of direct sunlight and your hamster will be just fine. The best thing about aquariums, though, is the fact that they're so easy to clean out.

Second, is wire cages. Wire cages are well-ventilated, sturdy, lightweight, fairly easy to clean, and very economical. They cost anywhere from $8 to $20 dollars, depending on size. The only problems are the fact that drafts easily penetrate the cage and can cause pneumonia in the hamster. Also, hamsters tend to kick the bedding out of the cage and make a big mess. Otherwise, these homes are easy to maintain and easy to carry around, plus there are usually a few levels for fun!

Last is HAMSTER PARADISE! Plastic Homes. They have plastic bottoms,wire walls, plastic tops, usually tubes for fun, an exercise wheel, a petting zone, and more! They are commonly refereed to as Crittertrails, Habitrails, or SAM cages. They're colorful, durable, and fun to piece together. Hamsters enjoy them very much. These cages are considerably more expensive than wire cages or aquariums. They range from $30 to $90 dollars. You can buy additional add-on tubes to give your hamster more play areas. Also, water bottles, food bowls, and wheels are positioned on the outside of the home, allowing more running and nesting space for your dwarf. The tubes are a little tricky to clean out, but as long as you clean the cage weekly, it's not usually a problem. They can have infinite Accessories, and are very fun! Perfect for any hamster!
(This Is My Reccomendation, as you can get a small cage, then slowly add on to it as the years go by) (plus its just HAMSTER PARADISE)
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(INCASE YOU GET A DWARF)
For Dwarf Hamsters, the cages have to be a bit different. The plastic homes are ok for fat dwarfs only, (about 30% of the time but you dont want to risk it)because they are too small for the tubes when they are vertical. There are special cages for mice and dwarfs so don't worry. Also, don't get a wire cage if it has bars more then .5 CM apart. There is a high chance the dwarf will be able to squeeze through and escape!!! If i were to get another dwarf, i would get an aquarium tank, they are perfect for them!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!