What Cage Size Should You Get For Your Syrian Hamsters?

Syrian hamsters are one the largest breeds of hamsters. They are definitely larger than dwarf hamsters, so they require different food, exercise, and cages. For example, a cage that is appropriate for dwarf hamsters could have too many compartments or features for your Syrian hamster.

It is important to make sure that your cage is large enough for your Syrian hamster. However, larger cages are better because they provide more space.

What do Syrian Hamsters Really Need?

It is not easy to take on a Syrian Hamster. Although they are housed in a cage, a Syrian hamster is a social and affectionate pet. It is important that your pet has enough space to roam and has access to a healthy diet.

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Can Syrian Hamsters Live together?

Syrian hamsters prefer to live in solitude and are considered solitary. Although you may find two or more Syrian hamsters sharing a cage at pet shops, these hamsters are often young and can still share a cage without any problems. To save money and fit more pets, some pet shops might allow multiple Syrians to share a cage.

1. Take a Measurement of the Available Space

yellow hamster on black metal cage

You need to determine how much space you have, regardless of whether you plan to keep your cage on top or below a cupboard in a bedroom. You should ensure that the cage is secure. It should not hang above the edge of any surfaces, and it shouldn’t be at risk of being knocked down by doors being opened. A cage that is knocked or falls can cause damage and even destruction. A regular knocking or falling on the living space of your nocturnal rodent will result in them not getting enough sleep.

2. Minimum Cage Size

A minimum cage size of 12″ W x12″ D x24″ H is recommended for a Syrian Hamster. However, if you are able to buy and install a larger cage, your hamster may appreciate it.

3. Review Your Budget

You also need to have the right budget. Prices for cages can vary depending on their size, as well as the materials used, how thick they are, what type of wire they are made from, and whether there are additional features such as built-in wheels or tunnels. Hamsters are great pets. However, the cost of a cage can be more expensive than the actual hamster.

4. Remember, Bigger Is Better

Your hamster will need space to sleep and eat and plenty of room to play and run around. These are the minimum dimensions for this breed of hamster. However, a larger cage can be beneficial. Even a few extra inches in one direction could make a huge difference in your little one’s happiness.

5. Calculate Floor Space

It is important to know how much floor space your hamster has. Because your Syrian hamster might enjoy running, it should have enough space in one place and no barriers that could prevent him from running. Two floors measuring 12″ x12″ are not enough for your Syrian hamster.

6. Make sure to check the size of your fittings

Your dwarf or other hamster cages are too small for your hamster. They will not only be too small, but they will also be too narrow to allow your hamster to use any of the fittings such as wheels or tunnels. They will try to climb out of the cage, but they may get stuck.

7. Measure the width of your bar

You should also check the bars’ width. The bars should be spaced apart enough to allow a Syrian hamster to use the cage, provided that the cage is intended for hamsters. However, the spacing should not exceed 1/2 inch between the bars. Make sure that the doors are secured and add a lock if needed. Hamsters can open doors and escape quite easily.

8. Take a look at a solid-sided cage

brown mouse on brown wooden table

Horizontal bars on wire cages offer the possibility to climb. However, hamsters can be injured or become ill from chewing the bars.

9. Make Sure Your Bedding Has a Deep Tray

No matter whether you have a wire or solid cage, the bottom layer must be made of sawdust and bedding. This provides more comfort than a solid floor and allows for burrowing that mimics the natural burrowing habits of your hamster. It begs the question: How many inches of bedding is a Syrian Hamster going to need?

In this instance, bedding is the substrate placed on the bottom or sides of the cage. It’s used to burrow, make cleaning easier, and give your hamster an ideal living environment.

Many people recommend 2-3 inches for a minimum depth. However, research shows that this is not the ideal depth for your Syrian. Studies show that 6 inches is the minimum bedding depth. Hamsters who live in 15 inches of bedding are more healthy than those who have 31 inches. You should allow 6 inches of space in your home. However, you should provide more bedding if possible.

Why does my Syrian Hamster bite the cage?

The fact that your Syrian hamster is biting his cage bars could indicate a problem may be one of many.

  • Perhaps he is bored and chews the cage to find something to do.
  • It is possible that he doesn’t have enough space, and is trying to chew the bars in order to get more.
  • This could indicate that the man’s teeth are too long and need to be cut.

Chewing the metal bars can cause tooth damage and even lead to misalignment or breakage. They can also cause damage to your hamster’s cheeks or mouth. With enough time and gnawing your Syrian hamster might be able to chew through the cage bars to make an escape.

How to Choose the Right Size Cage for Syrian Hamsters

Syrian hamsters can be larger than Dwarf hamsters, and they have their own needs. A larger cage is essential, one that doesn’t have too-small wheels and tunnels. Your hamster will thrive if you provide enough space.

How much of a cage do two chinchillas require? 

According to the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics, the minimum cage size for an adult chinchilla should be at least 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet. If you have more than one chinchilla in a cage – which they like because they are sociable creatures – make sure it has at least 2 square feet of floor area per pet.

Is it better to have one or two chinchillas?

Chinchillas are naturally gregarious creatures that live in groups in the wild. That is why, unless told differently by a physician or professional animal behaviorist, you should keep your pet chinchilla alongside at least one other friendly chinchilla.

How many hours of care do chinchillas require?

Chinchillas are energetic and require toys to play with and chew on, as well as lots of out-of-cage time (minimum 2-4 daily hours) to hop around and investigate their environs (which must be “chinchilla proofed,”

What type of cage is ideal for a chinchilla?

For a single chinchilla, the enclosure should be at least 4′ x 4′ x 3′ in size. Chinchillas, like other rodents, like to chew, hence wire-mesh cages are preferable over hardwood cages. The galvanized wire includes zinc, which is hazardous if consumed.

Are chinchillas clingy?

They are friendly, inquisitive, and gregarious creatures who may form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being held close and petted. 

Do chinchillas enjoy confined spaces?

Chinchillas are persecuted by other animals in the wild, so even as pets, they want to have a variety of hiding places to feel safe and comfortable, and will frequently try to squeeze themselves into a small spot for safety, emulating their natural behavior of finding refuge in rocky crevices.

Do chinchillas require a lot of attention? 

They require a lot of attention. If you are unable to spend daily time with your chinchilla, this may result in emotional and physical health problems. Chinchillas require plenty of room. They require not just a huge cage but also supervised time outside of their enclosures. 

Do chinchillas like hot or cold food?

Chinchillas do not handle high temperatures or humidity well due to their thick fur coats. Their cage should ideally be situated in a cool, dry environment with good ventilation. The optimal temperature range is 60°F to 75°F, and relative humidity should be less than 60%.

What do chinchillas prefer to sleep in?

Your chinchillas may choose to sleep on a platform or within a hanging hammock or nesting box. Line with soft, high-quality hay to make it more pleasant for them. Chinchillas are persecuted by other animals in the wild, so even as pets, they prefer a variety of hiding spots to feel safe and comfortable.

Can a chinchilla’s cage be too big? 

There is no limit size as long as the platforms and second/third levels of the cage are built properly. Chinchilla couples require significantly more area, such as a 3ft by 3ft by 2ft cage. The following tutorial investigates whether and why chinchillas require large cages to live in.