new cages!!

[calikid]

I am thinking about buing a new hamster cage for my hammie millie because she is very chubby and borke her hammie wheel and part of her cage:( would a bin cage be a good cage for her? or is there another type of hammie cage that would work better ? right now she has a "S.A.M down under cage"and a "Critter Trial Z" cage

[hammieluvr]

wow, she must be really chubby! I think a bin cage would work... but I have never had one. I know many dwarf hamsters live in bin cages... i don't know about syrians, though. Maybe someone else does? But I think a bin cage would be okay.

[calikid]

okay thanks for your help

[HandcuffedAngel]

Bin cages are actually just as great for Syrians as they are for Dwarves.

For hamsters, floor space is key and especially yours since it's probably too fat for tubes and things [unless you bought fun-nels, which are made for ferrets. :laughing:

Anyway, the reason they're great is you can buy them clear so you can still see inside just like you can with a wire cage or Crittertrail/Habitrail/S.A.M. It provides plenty of floor space as long as you buy one properly sized. It gives you more room for toys [I'm actually ditching Pop-Tart's Habitrail because I can't fit any cool toys in it].

I have Dwarves in bins and the bins are not only great for the hamsters, but they're great for the owner! I don't have to take it apart, and it's not heavy. I empty it out, dump the bedding, put the new bedding in and put everything back inside and it's so easy.

There are all kinds of cool toys you can get/make for cheap that can be put into a bin cage that your hammy will love and won't get stuck in. ^_^

The best part ... is they're cheap. I bought a 70 gallon bin [suitable for 2 dwarves, 1 Syrian] at Target for $10.

However, if you really didn't want to go the way of a bin cage, multiple level wire cages made for hamsters are actually good alternatives as well because the hamster can climb, etc. Just make sure the floors are solid since I assume walking on wires all the time isn't all that comfortable for their little feeties.

[calikid]

Thanks!! so a bin cage would be okay for a syrain thats so cool!! i just have one more ? do they get anough air inside the bins? and is there any thing else i would have to do to make a bin livable??

[HandcuffedAngel]

Well I keep the lids off my bins so the ventilation is fine.

If you put the lid on, just put holes in the lid and high up on the sides of the bin for ventilation and it will be just fine.

As long as you buy a properly-sized bin, it comes liveable. Just remember about lids and holes. I leave my lids off, but Syrians tend to be much more crafty than dwarves and escape easier so if you put the lid on it, be sure to put holes in it. 2 per short side, 3 per long side, and maybe like 6 in the lid.

If you have a drill, you can use that and it will be a lot easier.

[calikid]

COOL thanks very much :)

[pixibubbles]

if you can get a bin that has a lid you can clip into place somehow all the better. angel really means it about syrians being crafty. i've seen them pile up all their toys to climb on top and stand on water bottles or jam their wheels with bedding to escape lol.

i find hook on water bottles work best as some hammies like to chew the suckers.