What should the hamster cage be like and how should it be cleaned?

How should the hamster cage be?

Since the cage is where your hamster spends most of his time, choosing the right cage is extremely important for his health and happiness. The cage should be both safe and provide a living space where your hamster can move comfortably, have fun and exercise.

So what should be the most suitable cage for your hamster?

• Cage materials with their advantages and disadvantages: The hamster cage may be made of metal, plastic or glass. Metal cages have plastic bottoms, as the metal base can damage your hamster's feet, and they are usually well ventilated. Glass cages are easier to clean and are not a material that your hamster can chew on, but you may have problems with ventilation. Although the prices of plastic cages are generally very affordable, hamsters chew plastic parts and this can cause health problems.
• Suitable dimensions:The size of the cage may vary depending on your hamster type. As a general rule, a cage of at least 60cm x 30cm is required for a Syrian hamster. You may want to consider a smaller cage for dwarf hamsters, but they still need to have plenty of room to move. In addition, the cage height should be appropriate for your hamster to climb and explore easily.
• Security: The doors and other openings of the cage should be in a way that prevents your hamster from escaping. If the cage is wire, the distance between the wires should be close enough that your hamster cannot get its head stuck. Additionally, the bottom of the cage should be flat to prevent your hamster's feet from getting stuck or getting damaged. It is also important to check that the toys and accessories in the cage are safe. It should not have sharp edges or small gaps where your hamster can get stuck.
• Cage location: Place the cage in a place where your hamster will not be exposed to direct sunlight and will not be affected by temperature changes. Also make sure it is away from noisy areas as it can cause stress.