How to Plan a Hamster Cage

If you are planning to set up a hamster cage, you will need to know what a hamster needs to be comfortable first.

Choosing a Cage

Hamsters need a certain amount of space to be happy and healthy. Of course, you can give your hamster extra space to run around in using extras such as a play pen or a hamster ball, but you should select a cage for your hamster that is at least 15 inches wide and 10 inches tall. Bigger cages are obviously better, as they can give your hamster more space to move around in, but they are not required.

It is important to note that hamsters in general are very good at fitting through small spaces. In particular, though you might not think so if you look at them, dwarf hamsters can fit between the bars of cages designed for larger Syrian hamsters. Because of this, if you plan to keep a dwarf hamster as a pet, you should always either use a solid cage, or one specifically designed for a dwarf hamster.

You should always keep one hamster in a cage, and never more. Hamsters do not like to have other hamsters around, as they are very territorial. Two hamsters kept together will fight and possibly kill or injure each other.

Bedding

You should put 2 inches of bedding on the bottom of your hamster's cage. There are many types of bedding that will work for hamsters that you can find at your pet store, including types made of wood shavings and paper. Do not make your own bedding, as the wrong materials can cause health problems.

Furnishing the Cage

Once you select a cage, you will need to furnish it. Your hamster needs a container for food, one for water, and an exercise wheel. Any small plastic bowl will work for food, but specially designed ones you find at the pet store will be the easiest to clean and the most resistant to being knocked over. However, using a bowl for water is a bad idea, as it can get your hamster wet or even be knocked over. A bottle that you can get at the pet store is a much better idea. Finally, an exercise wheel is very important. Solid ones are much safer, as your hamsters feet can be caught in a wire wheel as it moves rapidly, causing injury.

Finally, your hamster should have a place to build a nest. Hamsters like to find a cramped space and fill it with food and whatever soft insulating materials are available — in this case, bedding. Your local pet store will have many small igloos and pods that your hamster can make a home in. However, if you want to improvise a solution, a section of a small cardboard box such as a cereal or other food box can work just fine, and give your hamster something to chew on as well. You will need to replace this box when you clean the cage, so this solution may be a bit of extra work in the long run.

Maintaining the Cage

You should empty all bedding, waste, food and water from your hamster's cage weekly to scrub off and disinfect the cage and furniture. Consider this before buying a cage that is hard to disassemble, or furniture that is hard to move or clean.