Dwarf Hamster Cages

Dwarf hamster cages aren’t essential and another option for a hamster home is a tank or aquarium but if you’re interested in a cage, two types you may want to consider, that are fit to house a dwarf hamster, are the more basic wire cage and there’s the plastic tubular cage. 

Wire Dwarf Hamster Cages
If you see one of these that you think your hamster will love, just make sure that the bars are spaced close enough together that you won’t have to deal with a “break out.”  Dwarf hamsters are very small and agile creatures and could get lost or even hurt as a result of an escape.

The advantage of a wire cage is that it’s naturally well-ventilated. It’s also sturdy by design and lightweight.  But that same “well-ventilated” advantage can also turn into a disadvantage because these cages also tend to be rather drafty, and I know you want your dwarf hamster to be warm and comfortable at all times.

The other issue with a wire cage is the hamster’s habit of kicking the bedding out of the cage.  This isn’t a huge issue but it’s definitely something you want to consider when shopping for dwarf hamster cages.  You could find pieces of bedding scattered outside of the cage with a wire cage.

Another thing to consider if you’re going with the wire cage is to make sure that the floor or the bottom of the cage is plastic. If the bottom of the cage is also wire, your little friends may hurt their feet on it. You’ll also find a plastic bottom much easier to clean.

Wire dwarf hamster cages are also relatively inexpensive, costing anywhere between $12 and $20.

Plastic Dwarf Hamster Cages
I like to call the plastic cages (that come complete with tubes, tunnels and hideaways) the condos and playgrounds of dwarf hamster cages.

This type of cage costs more and is, by the way, just a bit harder to clean.  In fact, a penthouse home like this costs a minimum of $30.  Depending on size you can spend lots more than that – even upwards of $150.  Oh, but your hamster friends certainly will love it!

You can find this type of housing at just about any pet store.  More often than not, these elaborate houses are called “Habitrails.”  You’ve probably seen them.  It’s really not uncommon for them to have several floors – at least two and sometimes more. These provide the ultimate living space for your new little furry friends.

Your dwarf hamster may experience some trouble in climbing the tubes, but you can help him out by placing a thin tree branch in the tubes for him to climb.

Post-Purchase Considerations
After you’ve chosen the perfect hamster house, you need to decide where you’re going to keep it.  Think twice (or even three times!) before you make your final decision. Your first concern is to place the new home away from any direct sunlight as well as from any drafts.  You’ll also want to make sure that the hamster home is not placed too close to traffic or noise.

And here’s where you need to keep another important piece of information upper most in your mind.  Your hamster is nocturnal – he’s at his peak level of activity during the night when you’re trying to sleep.  Setting up his home in your bedroom (or that of your children) may not be the best idea.

Now you know the pros and cons of the different dwarf hamster cages and also considerations to make on where to set it up.  If you want to learn more about dwarf hamster housing (including my recommendation for the ideal home) sign up for my mini course on the “10 Secrets to Raising a Healthy, Happy Dwarf Hamster.”  Get the first secret immediately by entering your email below!