Cage dilemma- what to do? Opinions..

[animalmagic]

I might've mentioned it before but since I moved my hamster from his small wire cage into a large tank, I've had a few problems (including an escape).

Since I switched cages, the only thing on this hamster's mind is how to get out. He just seems so unhappy. I don't understand it, as he has much more room than before- but now I never see him doing anything else (like using the wheel, making nests etc) except trying to climb the glass walls to get out. He does this 24/7. He also gnaws the top by the lid ALL THE TIME. It's really hard to sleep! :mad:

I don't know whether to stick at it and keep him in the tank, as a lot of people in here say tanks make perfect cages; or get him a new wire cage (with the plastic bottom) or a different type of cage.

Also, the tank is a pain in the ass to clean, as it's SO heavy because of it's size.

What do you think I should do? He really does seem desperately unhappy- and I don't know why! :(

Thanks for the help, let me know what you think.

[lilangel1518]

how long has she done this? when i first moved my hamster and after every cleaning she goes crazy for like 2 hrs trying to get out and jumping at the sides but then she settles down and is fine....if he hasnt been in their long maybe he still just isnt used to it...i would give him a little more time

[animalmagic]

He's been in there since January! And ever since he's just seemed restless and miserable! :(

[Moosley]

i would get a new cage :) is it a dwarf hammy? either way, i would recomend a tank like cage such as a ferplast duna etc (plastic tank with wire lid)

[animalmagic]

No, he's a Syrian. I think maybe I should get him a new one, yeah. Just gotta find the best kind! I'd like to get him one like all the cages I've had before, like the wire top, plastic bottom ones (but a big one), because I've always had those with my hamsters and have never had any problems- only reason I moved to a tank was so he'd have more room, and it was free! :)

Hmm..

[Zouave]

Hamsters do not want to escape, so long as they have a dark quiet area to hide, NOT in the open.

But any hamster wants to GET OUT and explore and FORAGE!! That is what they do. Get a big opaque play bin with lots of bedding, tubes and toys, scatter some mix in there, and let the ham have an hour to have fun. Usually they will, when finished, stand on two legs wanting to get out, hopping waiting to be picked up, with cheeks bulging with food.

[animalmagic]

That's a good idea, Zouave. I think I will make him a big play area like that so that when I feed him, I can hide it all in there, let him search for it and then put him back in the cage later, rather than put it in the bowl!

Thanks for the idea. He does have a quiet, dark area to hide, a few in fact! :)

[themini]

I think he got used to the cage and is having difficulty adapting to the tank.

[animalmagic]

I think he got used to the cage and is having difficulty adapting to the tank.

Yah, probably. I was so happy getting a big tank for free from my uncle.. now I'm gonna have to save up for another new cage. Ahh well :rolleyes: