Cage

Hamsters need a safe, clean cage that is the right size. Your hamster should have plenty of room to move about the cage without trouble. The size of the cage you need depends on the type of hamster you have. If you have a smaller hamster, like a Dwarf, then you need a smaller cage. If you have a bigger hamster, like a Syrian, then you need a larger cage. Your hamster's cage should be clean at all times. You need to throw out all the old bedding that was in your hamster's cage, wash and completely dry the cage, and replace with new, dry, fresh bedding at least once a week. You should get a certain type of cage depending on the type of hamster you have. It's best to get smaller hamsters (Dwarf) aquarium/tank cages that have solid walls. Dwarf hamsters can easily get through the bars on wired cages, and are not very safe for them. But bigger hamsters can have the wire cages. If your hamster climbs up the wire cage or chews on the bars constantly (which is common), you can always get an aquarium cage. Dwarf hamsters also love fancy cages with multiple platforms and tubing. If you buy a wire cage, make sure the color on the wire is non-toxic. The cages I recommend are (pictured from left to right, top to bottom) Lee's Kritter Keeper in 14.5"L by 9.5"H by 8.5" W (plastic tank cage), Super Pet Critter Trail One (fancy cage--includes accessories), and Coast Cages Del Mar Hamster or Rat Cages (wire cage--non-toxic wires; wheel included). Each cage below varies in color, dimensions, and levels.

*Safety Note* When you clean your hamster's cage, you obviously need to put your hamster somewhere. The safest thing to do is put your hamster in an Exercise Ball/Run About Ball and let him/her run around the room that you are in. Make sure you supervise your hamster at all times when she is in her ball/not in her closed cage. Please see the Exercise section of In the Hamster Cage for more information on Exercise Balls.
*Health Note* If you do not clean your hamster's cage every week, unhealthy molds can grow from the soiled shavings and may make your hamster sick.
*Health Note* Be sure you thoroughly dry the cage after washing it. If it is still wet inside and you put in the dry bedding, the dry bedding will get soggy and you will have to clean the cage again.

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