Talk:Hamster cage

I considered using "A suitable environment for hamsters" from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals because typically this organization provides good animal advice. Right now, however, I do not find their publications to be as detailed or thoughtful as other sources. It is my opinion that they have only drafted advice and have not invested in the development of the guides they are currently offering. Blue Rasberry (talk) 15:02, 26 December 2015 (UTC)

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• DIY cage example (Ikea detolf - 157 x 38cm . Approx 0.6sq metres).jpg

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The Cage Size section claims 5000cm^2 or 6000cm^2 with 18 inches is the minimum appropriate size, citing Reference 4 (https://www.thesprucepets.com/hamster-cage-for-your-syrian-hamster-1238927). I checked the source but couldn't verify that number. According to that website the minimum appropriate size is 24 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches, which is 288 inches^2, or about 1858cm^2. The article does state that bigger is always better but not to the degree claimed in the article. Where does this number come from? ElliotGoldman1 (talk) 17:20, 22 January 2025 (UTC)

See my topic on cage size recommendations/sources below :-) It varies with different countries. The US doesn't have the same charity guidelines as the Uk although it is generally thought that about 700 to 800 square inches is considered best. The California Hamster Association cites at least a 40 gallon breeder tank (which is about 90cm x 45cm). In the Uk and Germany, animal welfare charities recommmend at least 100cm x 50cm cage or enclosure size. MazTHF (talk) 14:40, 21 May 2025 (UTC)

Have edited the cage size elements, with up to date references to verify. The html could do with tidying up! Official minimum cage size recommendations vary with different countries (and indeed there is no official legal minimum size in many countries, although Germany has a welfare minimum size of 100cm x 50cm) In the Uk it is 100cm x 50cm for all species of hamsters, as described in this Hamster Forum article, which links animal charity recommended minimum sizes from the Blue Cross, PDSA and Wood Green animal charity. The majority of hamster rescues in the Uk also require at least 100cm x 50cm cage size.

https://www.thehamsterforum.com/ams/which-hamster-cage-or-enclosure.44/ MazTHF (talk) 14:29, 21 May 2025 (UTC)

Edited the section about barred/wired cages, as the article was incorrect in saying that barred or wired commercial cages are bad for hamsters. That is an opinion only. There are many hamster owners who prefer barred cages due to the fact they have much better ventilation. They can also hold deeper bedding - people add cardboard or perspex panels to hold the bedding in and some barred cages now have much deeper bases. It is also incorrect the hamsters can't chew tank cages. It has been known for them to chew the silicone and the tank fall apart. Some hamsters will chew almost anything. The important thing is not the type of enclosre, but that it is secure and escape-proof and that the cage or enclosure is large enough. With 100cm x 50cm or large cage or enclosure, bar chewing, and chewing of cages generally, is rare, because the hamsters have enough space. The exception being wood enclosures which hamsters can chew out of. In the Uk and Europe there is a large selection of large barred/wired cages in the 100cm and 120cm size range, such as the Savic Plaza 100, Savic Plaza 120, Savic Aura 120 (which holds 10" of bedding without adaptations) and the Ferplast Criceti 100 and 120. Barred cages can also be easier for rescues or people with disabilities, to manage, for storing and cleaning or for having front access. Not MazTHF (talk) 14:36, 21 May 2025 (UTC)

Some of the external link references in this article are very outdated, or from opinion rather than a reliable or verified source. MazTHF (talk) 14:45, 21 May 2025 (UTC)