How much room does a hamster need?

It depends on the breed of hamster. If it is a Syrian hamster, its cage needs to be at least 360 square inches of floor space or more (12 inches by 30 inches). But if it's a Chinese hamster, or any of the dwarf breeds, it needs 288 square inches or more (12 inches by 24 inches, or 1 foot by 2 feet).

Also question is, is a 10 gallon tank big enough for a hamster?

10 gallon hamster tank But a 10 gallon tank for hamster of any breed is I'm afraid going to be too small in most cases. Some hamsters are very sedentary or shy, but most like to explore, play and run around. A hamster 10 gallon tank simply doesn't give them enough area to do so.

Subsequently, question is, can a cage be too big for a hamster? NO, a hamster cage can not be too big. The average hamster can run about 8 miles a night foraging for food and nesting materials. So when people say that "a hamster cage should be 360 square inches," they mean it should be AT LEAST 360 square inches, but larger is always better.

Also, what is the minimum floor space for a hamster?

Cage specifications For Syrian hamsters, the National Hamster Council recommends a minimum usable floor space of 1000 cm² (394 in²). For dwarf hamsters their minimal recommendation is 800 cm² of usable floor space and 17 cm high. Hamsters prefer larger cages and want much more than the minimum.

Is it OK to keep a hamster in a fish tank?

Rather than shelling hundreds of dollars for such a cage, you might try converting an old aquarium into Fluffy's new habitat. If you have a master escape artist, tanks are also pretty safe -- as long as you don't give the hamster a chance to climb on something to reach the top of the tank.

29 Related Question Answers Found

Can you keep a hamster in a fish tank?

The Tank. Many hamsters are kept in glass tanks with a secure wire mesh top. A glass tank may better protect your hamster from other pets and small children. If you do keep your hamster in a tank, regular weekly cleaning is a must.

How cold is too cold for hamsters?

Temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit chill your hamster, causing colds and false hibernation. Colds are much more serious in hamsters than humans, often quickly developing into pneumonia.

Can I keep a hamster in a 20 gallon tank?

There is almost always a way for someone to upgrade to a cage that meets the minimum. A hamster will be far more happier in a cage that meets the minimum than in a 20 gallon tank. And to your point that a crittertrail is way too small, 10 years ago people believed that crittertrails were amazing.

Is a 10 gallon tank big enough for a dwarf hamster?

my goodness no, 10 gallons is not big enough for a single dwarf, let alone a pair. i recommend you either get them a larger setup or go for a bin as you run the risk of fighting for space. 20 gallons is the minimum for a single dwarf and 10 gallons for each dwarf after (i.e. 1 dwarf=20 gallons, 2=30, etc.)

How do you potty train a hamster?

To potty train a hamster, start by buying a small, plastic litter box that can easily fit into your pet's cage and fill it with commercial litter or sand. Next, put a small amount of soiled bedding and droppings from the cage inside the litter box to signal to your hamster that it should go to the bathroom there.

Do hamsters smell?

Hamsters do not have a bad smell. They are actually very clean creatures that hate to be dirty and will clean themselves for as long as they are able. You undoubtedly want to make sure that your hamster and their cage are clean and smell great.

Is a 15 gallon tank big enough for a hamster?

Unfortunately, no. The minimum floorspace for a single hamster is 360 sq inches, 30 x 12 inches. A 15 gallon is only 24 x 12, which is too small. A twenty gallon tank is exactly 360 sq inches, but that is still the minimum.

Do hamsters like to be held?

They do not like to be held. They are more prone to bite if they are startled or woken from a deep sleep, or if your hands smell like another animal or food. Handle your hamster gently.

Are hamsters happy in cages?

In the wild, hamsters run for many miles every night. They won't be healthy or happy if they are kept in small, cramped cages.

Do Syrian hamsters bite?

Even though they're often thought of as ideal pets for kids and are usually cuddly, affectionate companions, in some situations, hamsters can and do bite. It's rare for a hamster to actually be aggressive, though, and they typically only bite when they get scared.

Do Syrian hamsters like to be held?

Over time Syrian hamsters adapt wonderfully to being handled and can be desensitized. For some it may only be a week or so, others may be a little more sensitive and take a few weeks.

Can Syrian hamsters fit in tubes?

They can probably fit in the tubes but it is not very good on their backs. I would suggest an aquarium for a Syrian hamster. They are very easy to clean and they give your Syrian plenty of room to run around.

How often should I clean hamster cage?

Wash the entire habitat once a month.

Your hamster's habitat should be deep and thoroughly cleaned at least once every month. Place your hamster in a safe, temporary habitat, such as a critter carrier while you perform your deep clean.

What is the best bedding for hamsters?

Aspen Shavings

One of the few types of wood safe for use as hamster bedding is Aspen. Aspen shavings are cheap and will give your hamster cage a natural look. However, aspen shavings are not as soft or absorbent as Carefresh or Kaytee Clean & Cozy.

How much does a hamster cost?

A hamster will cost you about $20-$25 to buy from a reputable source. The cost of ownership, however, is far more expensive. Expect to pay around $150-$250 for setup costs (cage etc.) and then an average of $600 a year or $50 a month (including veterinary care costs).

Are plastic cages bad for hamsters?

A plastic cage is not ideal if you have a large hamster, since he could get stuck in the tunnels. Most plastic cages are too small alone and can only be used as attachment cages to a cage of the minimum size. Plastic hamster cages should not have any edges that your hamster could gnaw on.

Should I cover my hamster cage at night?

No Need to Wrap Their Cages

If you notice that your hamster seems to stay awake all through the night, don't be concerned. It's only natural for hamsters to not sleep at night, because they're nocturnal. Wrapping or covering your hamster's cage and making his environment darker won't encourage him to sleep.