How much space is good for a Syrian hamster?

[Artagiel]

Hey, I have 3 rescue Syrian Hamsters (not together don't panic I know that much lol) The cages they sell in stores with all the cute tubes and such seem too small for them (especially the crittertrail tubes that my girl Sophie can't fit in) what is the best size and style for a plus sized hammy? I hate thining they are cramped.

[lpn1993]

Hi! That's great, that you've rescued some hammies! I think the best cages are aquariums (15 or 20 gallon size) or a large wire hamster cage. Or you could get some clear plastic tubs and make them into cages by cutting a hole in the lid and putting hardware cloth over the opening. That may be the best way to go, since you have three hammies to house.

I agree that the cages with tubes are pretty small. It's true that you can add on to them, but that can get pretty expensive. My hamster is too big for the Crittertrail tubes too! I think you get more for your money with an aquarium or a nice-sized wire cage.

Best wishes to you and your hamsters!

[GoGo]

A 2 feet tank would fit the bill. ;) If you can afford more money, a bigger one would be fantastic!

[yodelinghamster]

Use a CLEAR rubbermaid cut out the lid and replace it with wire, those are the best! and cheapest, and you can customiz them too! Be sure to add lots of toys!!!

[gaffer]

give the littl'uns as much space as you can possibly afford, would always be my advice. I personally prefer wire cages to aquariums as then they can use all the vertical space too, they all love climbing around. I have seen on this site somewhere a picture where someone connected a couple of those big aquarium-plastic things together with tubes which also looked like a really cool way to maximise space without spending a fortune.

[Artagiel]

I have Sophie inthis cage, it was meant for rats but after she escaped the cage she came in we decided maybe something larger and with a little locking feature might be nice.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/artagiel/40fb6228.jpg
I have the other two in the types that have the tube attachments but one of them seems really cramped so I think I will pick up a few more of these type cages and get them lots of toys for inside.

Thanks for the info, I don't know much about hamsters I usually have gerbs.

[Tumbledown]

I prefer large wire cages,some of the plastic ones with all the tubes look more like aquariums .They can be small and cramped for a large Syrian Hamster and expensive.The bigger the cage the better,my own hamster cage is nearly 3 feet tall and cost Just £24.00 5 years ago.We now have our third hammy in residence,Merlin.Rest in peace Sassy and Tumbles. :hamster3:

[gaffer]

looks good Artagiel -
if you have a bit of wire you can attach a couple of tubes higher up the cage which gives them a new dimension and something to do when they climb up the bars :)

[LuckyBunny888]

hmmm never thought of that, I might try that with my own hammies!

[TiaMaria]

Good idea gaffer, im going to try that lol!!