Hamsters are very active animals. They build vast underground tunnel systems that can be up to 80cm deep. Domestic hamsters are no different. They need a lot of space and exercise to be happy.
NOT LIKE THIS!
Cages bought in pet stores are rarely suitable for a hamster. Pet store cages are usually just big enough to hold a wheel and house. This leaves no room for toys, tunnels, or a sand bath. If a store bought cage includes levels, then they are hardly usable since they are much too small. Most can hardly hold more than a food bowl. A hamster cage needs to be at least .5 square meters (5.5 square feet)
Those little plastic houses and tiny plastic wheels are unsafe. The wheel that usually comes with these cages is usually no larger than 6 inches. A wheel for a Syrian needs to be at the very least 10 inches.
These cages are not humane. Please see the section how to properly set up a hamster cage.
NOT LIKE THIS!
Cages bought in pet stores are rarely suitable for a hamster. Pet store cages are usually just big enough to hold a wheel and house. This leaves no room for toys, tunnels, or a sand bath. If a store bought cage includes levels, then they are hardly usable since they are much too small. Most can hardly hold more than a food bowl. A hamster cage needs to be at least .5 square meters (5.5 square feet)
Those little plastic houses and tiny plastic wheels are unsafe. The wheel that usually comes with these cages is usually no larger than 6 inches. A wheel for a Syrian needs to be at the very least 10 inches.
These cages are not humane. Please see the section how to properly set up a hamster cage.