New Hamster: Cage or Aquarium?

Question

I am getting a new hamster tomorrow. Quick question - is it better to have a glass aquarium or a cage? I've seen it both ways. Also, what is the best size? The bigger, the better, right?

Would a 40 gallon glass aquarium work, with a screen hood? That would be what I prefer but, at the top of my head, my concern would be if there is not enough ventilation and space in these. What is the BEST thing to keep them in?

Answer 1

40 gallon is grate a screen hood should do the job just fine the bigger the better is right make shure to have

bedding

food

hide away

*wheel must have*

water bottle

tubes for him to go though

chew toys

ball

have fun with you hamster

Answer 2

Hamster Cage Aquarium

Answer 3

A 10-gallon aquarium with screen hood for breathing would be perfect in my opinion. There is enough ventilation and has enough space to put a hideaway, food dish, water bottle, wheel, and toys. I would have to say that a 40-gallon aquarium would not be ideal for one little hamster! My own hamster in his day had a 10-gallon and it was the perfect size, and present-day my two gerbils(who are both bigger than my hamster was) fit perfectly in the tank as well. Bigger would not be that much better, because your hamster could get overwhelmed with all the space, it'd be much harder to clean than a 10-gallon, and your hamster may prefer to stay in his mansion of a home rather than come out and play with you. If you want to go bigger and better though, I suggest a 20-gallon. 40-gallon just seems too big. But any sized aquarium is better than a wire cage, because then the hamster can't squeeze through the bars, kick bedding out of the cage, chew the bars, and cleaning is by far easier. Good luck with your hamster!

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

New Hamster: Cage or Aquarium?

I am getting a new hamster tomorrow. Quick question - is it better to have a glass aquarium or a cage? I've seen it both ways. Also, what is the best size? The bigger, the better, right?



Would a 40 gallon glass aquarium work, with a screen hood? That would be what I prefer but, at the top of...

Answer 5

A cage would be best. I keep my Syrian hamsters in this http://qualitycage.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1380 type of cage. They love it. The wheel should be no smaller than 8" because Syrians can get big. The 8" comfort wheel or the Giant Silent Spinner are great. (Metal ones squeak too much and the 6 1/2" silent spinner is too small.)



Anyway, I decorate mine with cardboard tubes, such as wrapping paper since my hammies are so big, a hide and some other items. I use rice hulls for bedding, hardwoods are safe bedding for rodents, or carefresh or similar beddings.



Anyway, the cage is super easy to clean and while the critter trail stuff may look cute, it's a pain to clean and some Syrian's get too big to fit through the tubes. Also, it holds in the smell something awful.



You could also try a bin cage. http://www.chinchillanation.com/2008/09/16/hamster-kingdom/ They are really light to clean and the ventilation problem is solved by putting a "window" in.

Answer 6

I use a cage for my hamsters. I have a critter trail-super pet and it is not very hard to clean. Also I think hamsters like these cages better because there is more space and most of these cages come with wheels and food bowls + water bottles so you don't have to get them separately. I am not sure if you can put wheels in a aquarium tank and hamsters really like to run on these plus it gives them exercise. Just a normal cage would be fine for 1 hamster, you can always add tubes if you want it bigger, something you can't do with tanks.

Answer 7

Hello



I have had 3 hamster and 5 mice. We've used plastic cages with the tubing attachments, cages with bars, and glass aquariums. Aquariums are by far the best choice for both you and your pet.



As long as it has a lid, the tanks are virtually escape proof. They are easy to clean, and spacious which means plenty of room for toys!



While plastic cages with tubes and other add ons look fun, they were not good for my hamsters. They chewed on the plastic edging, which caused sharp corners that would literally cut them. They are also easy to escape from and more difficult to clean. Plus, the parts will need to be replaced once your pet chews them (and it will).



Bar cages aren't very good either. Many people get cages with bars not close enough together, or too close! This will cause pets to easily escape (through wide spaces) and even get their little feet stuck! (in small spaces)





Some people say tanks are bad, but as long as it is cleaned regularly, contains the right toys and equipment, is big enough for your pet, and contains a screen lid, your pet will be fine. Tanks make the best choice for rodents of all types and sizes.



If you have any questions (cage related or otherwise!) I would be glad to help some more. My email is on my page.



Good Luck =]

Answer 8

An aquarium is easier to clean but cages look better I had an ovo cage it probably takes a long time to clean with all the tubes and parts but it looks cool and the hamster will have more room excercise etc ..so better for you aquarium better for hamster ovo cage highly recommended.

Answer 9

Do not put a hamster in a glass cage or it will go crazy because it feels too trapped, at least with bars they feel more free because they can climb the bars. Personally i like the cages that have different platforms because they LOVE to climb!!! <3

Answer 10

It doesn't matter as long as you will clean them and provide food, water, a dome or small shelter for sleeping, and an exercise wheel. Make sure you also give them wooden chew sticks.



Good Luck.



P.S. Look around different pet store for options and different prices.