Hamster cages for cheap

Types of cheap hamster cages

To provide a home for a pet hamster at a reasonable price, there are many hamster cages for cheap options on the market. These cages are affordable but spacious and rich in features to allow the hamster to live healthily and happily. Here are some of the commonly available types of cheap hamster cages:

• Wire cages

  Wire cages for hamsters have a solid base and vertical wires on the top, sides, and front. They offer maximum ventilation and are easy to clean since most of their parts are made of plastic. Wire cages usually come with several levels and plenty of accessories like wheels and tunnels to facilitate exploration. The bars in the wire cage are closely spaced to prevent the hamster from escaping and getting into trouble. These cages can be used for all types of hamsters, including the dwarf hamster that grows large or small.

• Aquarium tanks

  For a low-cost hamster cage, consider using an aquarium tank. This cage is easy to clean, and since it has a glass material, it does not absorb odors. An aquarium tank provides a comfortable environment for the hamster since it retains moisture better than other cages. The owner can offer the hamster a good ventilation setup by installing mesh lids. Aquarium tanks are heavy, so they are less likely to topple over. They also provide the hamster with an ample space to run around.

• Plastic modular cages

  Plastic cages have various interchangeable and modular sections with different accessories. Most of these cages have transparent walls, making it easy for the owner to view the hamster. They usually have multiple levels and tunnels that allow for vertical and horizontal exploration. Plastic modular cages are simple to clean since most of their parts can be detached for cleaning. They are also lightweight, so moving them around is easy.

• Wooden houses with wire

  Wooden cages for hamsters have a solid base and wire top. They are a good option for keeping Syrians and dwarfs since they have plenty of space. Some wooden houses come with removable trays for easy cleaning. These cages are durable and provide a unique aesthetic to the pet owner's home.

Design of hamster cages

• Modular Cages:

  These cages make room for the addition of extra modules. Some modular cages have specific areas for tubes, whereas others allow for more freedom. They usually have several platforms of different levels connected by ladders. Modular cages are easy to clean and maintain and give hamsters various places to explore and hang out. They are visually pleasing and allow for customization.

• Tropical Cages:

  These cages have a lot of things to do and explore, with lots of vertical and horizontal space. Tropical cages have multiple levels, ramps, tunnels, and an array of toys. They tend to be spacious and usually come with accessories like water bottles, food dishes, and bedding. Tropical cages are visually appealing and allow for customization.

• Multi-level Cages:

  These cages have multiple floors connected by ramps or tubes. Each level can have different accessories and setups for hamsters to explore. Multi-level cages are great for larger breeds or those who enjoy climbing. They are easy to clean, spacious, and visually appealing.

• Glass Tanks:

  These are large, glass enclosures with a solid base. They provide excellent visibility and are easy to clean. They also retain humidity well, making them suitable for tropical species. Some glass tanks come with built-in filtration systems, while others may require external filters. They have sleek and modern designs and are visually pleasing.

• Wooden Cages:

  These cages are made from natural materials and usually have multiple levels. They are made from wood and designed to be visually appealing. They have good ventilation and are easy to customize. They are durable and easy to clean.

• Plastic Cages:

  Plastic cages are lightweight and portable and are usually less expensive. They have good ventilation and are easy to clean. They are durable and can be easily washed. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Metal Cages:

  These cages are made from stainless steel or iron. They are durable and long-lasting, with good ventilation. Metal cages are easy to clean and maintain, as they are usually rust and corrosion-resistant. They are visually pleasing and can be easily customized.

Scenarios of hamster cages

• Different breeds

  There are different kinds of hamsters. Some are small, while others are large. Syrian hamsters are the largest breed and need at least a 40-gallon cage or a two-story with 24 inches of floor space. Dwarf hamsters are smaller and need at least 10 gallons of aquarium space. Roborovski hamsters are active and need a larger cage.

• Multi-hamster

  If there are plans to keep more than one hamster, it is important to know that Syrian hamsters are solitary and need separate cages to prevent fighting. Dwarf hamsters can live in groups, so they need a larger cage with more space for each hamster to run around.

• Baby hamsters

  Baby hamsters need more care and a safer environment than adults. They should be kept in a cage with their mother, easy to see but with smaller bars so the mother doesn't escape. As they grow, the cage should have more floors and tunnels to accommodate their growing numbers and encourage exploration.

• Health recovery

  A hamster recovering from surgery or illness may need to stay in a smaller, quieter cage to monitor its health closely. This cage should have soft bedding and only essential items to reduce stress. After a few days, they can return to their normal, larger cage as they regain strength.

• Temporary housing

  During deep cleaning or cage upgrades, a hamster may need to be moved temporarily. Use a smaller, secure travel cage for this, ensuring it has water, some familiar bedding, and a few toys. The travel cage should only be used for a short time until the main cage is ready.

• Special needs

  Hamsters may need different cages depending on their special needs. An elderly hamster may need a cage close to the floor with bigger doors to make it easier to get in and out. A hamster with poor eyesight might need a cage with fewer ledges and more walls to prevent bumps. Hammie might need a cage with a solid bottom and no bars if it has a tumor and cannot run on the wheel.

How to choose hamster cages

• Safety

  When choosing a cage, look for sharp edges and small pieces that could break off and harm the hamster. The bar spacing should be narrow enough to prevent the hamster from escaping or getting stuck. Ensure that the materials used in the cage are non-toxic and safe for the hamster.

• Size and type

  Different breeds of hamsters have different space requirements. Syrian hamsters need cages with a large floor space. Dwarf hamsters can live comfortably in taller cages. Cages can be glass, plastic, or metal, each having advantages. Glass cages are easy to clean and provide a good view of the pet. Metal cages have good ventilation and are often expandable.

• Easy to clean

  Cages with removable trays make cleaning waste much easier. Look for cages that allow for easy disassembly to clean the rest of it.

• Ventilation

  Ensure the cage has good ventilation, especially if it is an enclosed type. This will prevent odors from building up and keep the hamster healthy.

• Expandable

  Some cages are easily expanded by adding more levels or connecting other cages. This is a good choice for people who want to give their hamster more space in the future.

• Cost

  Cheap hamster cages are available that do not compromise on quality. Consider the long-term costs, such as accessories and bedding replacement, when assessing the overall cost of the cage.

Q&A

Q1: What is the minimum hamster cage?

A1: The minimum cage for one dwarf hamster is 70cm by 40cm, while for Syrian hamsters, it's 80cm by 40cm. This is because Syrian hamsters grow bigger than dwarf hamsters.

Q2: Can I keep my hamster in a glass tank?

A2: Yes, a glass tank can be a good option for a hamster cage. It provides a solid bottom, which is great for deep bedding. However, make sure the tank is spacious enough and provides proper ventilation.

Q3: Do hamsters need multi-level cages?

A3: Hamsters enjoy multi-level cages as they provide more space to explore. However, it's not strictly necessary. Ensure the cage has enough floor space and accessories.

Q4: What cage is best for a Syrian hamster?

A4: Syrian hamsters need spacious cages with a minimum of 80cm by 40cm floor space. They also need a 30cm wheel.

Q5: How often should the hamster cage be cleaned?

A5: Spot clean daily by removing soiled bedding and waste. Full clean every two weeks by replacing all bedding and washing the cage.