Cage

What brand of hamster cage is best for Black Bears?

I'm planning on getting a black bear hamster, but I have 2 cats and I can't decide on a good cage brand, what should I get?

Public Comments

1. Whatever you deciede to get, you will want to make sure that #1 the hamster cant get out # 2 the cats cant get in. I have a plastic bottom with a wire top for my hamster, I like it because it offers ventilation, but the plastic bottom is very easy to clean. My old hamster used to escape all the time from those plastic cages with the tubes and add-on things, because she would figure out how to open or how to chew though them! Good luck!
2. Lots of ventalation = stinky hamster ass all over your room bra, as long as this hamster isnt harry houdini im pretty sure those tubey ones will prove sufficient, not to mention the added benifits for the hamster itself
3. First, remember, the cage is a huge deal. It's for the rest of his life. The smaller it is, the more bored he'll be. Sad animals often have compromised immune systems from longtime stress, and they just don't do as well. Also, PLEASE be sure the cats aren't near the cage. Even if they can't get in, the hamster could totally rip their noses through the bars, plus the stress of being stalked by predators would really be unhealthy for him. I don't like to use any of the enclosed tube ones, such as S.A.M., etc. They don't have good enough air circulation, the animals overheat easily in them, they are VERY difficult to clean thoroughly, and they don't offer nearly enough space to the animals. Many pets chew out of them and get away! If price isn't an issue (and if it is, please just save up bc this is a living thing we are talking about!), I have a ferret/rat cage from "All Living Things" for my panda hamster. It's 30" and has three levels and two giant doors. I would suggest something like that if you really want him to have the most awesome life he can. My guy is the happiest hamster I know n_n He runs down the levels and leaps into my hand whenever I open the door! This also would be acceptable: http://www.petfooddirect.com/store/product_detail.asp?pf_id=107175709 The following cage would NOT be acceptable, for a happy, healthy pet: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752706&utm_medium=msnshop&mr:referralID=00588903-0a9c-11dd-a631-000423c27407&utm_source=cse Don't go in for any "starter kits". The cages are small and it's just cruel, considering how active those animals are, and how much they love to run fast and leap around. They aren't as lazy as people think. They're just lethargic during daytime hours at the pet shops, and they get their hyperactivity when the lights go out n_n Before you purchase any cages or accessories, please do the right and responsible thing and purchase a good, recently published book on hamsters as pets and read it carefully. They are a LOT more active than people let them be, and they need a lot of stimulation and exercise/playtime. My hamster loves to tear through the house and leap for joy n_n Some quick tips: Food bowls aren't necessary = waste of money Buy two water bottles, alternate. Clean the used bottle each night, using dish soap and hot water with a scrubber. Use a cotton swab to clean the area in the cap... you'll be surprised the crud that shows up in a short time. Leave clean bottle to air-dry. NEVER buy giant bottle and leave it on all week! Bedding: Carefresh, cellsorb, Yesterday's News UNSCENTED cat litter (same as yn small animal litter, but cheaper by weight). Never use wood shavings. If a pellet-type litter is used, either offer Carefresh for nesting, or soft toilet tissue/paper towels. Never, ever use anything scented for a hamster or any small animal! Get a silent spinner wheel, or a mesh metal one. They're widely available and the mesh is safer than bars. Also, if the metal one squeaks, just add a TINY drop of veg oil to the axel and it'll be good as new. The wheels that are plastic and come with most cages are total crap. If the cage comes with one of those wheels, odds are it's too small for the ham anyway... I've been selling lots of cages from lots of places since I was a kid and I've never seen a decent hamster cage that had one of those plastic wheels. The LARGEST of those cages is best-suited to a dwarf hamster. Don't forget to get a couple hiding spots for him, a small hi-corner litter pan (potty training isn't absolutely necessary, but surprisingly easy and REALLY cuts out clean-up time!), wood chews for his teeth, and some toys like seesaws and ladders. Leave one cage level basically empty for running and being crazy... they really love free running space. Don't rely on anything in a single bag to be a complete diet. For my hamster, I use prepackaged (NO stuff from a bin!) lab blocks, a tiny amount of seed diet (about 1/2 tsp) for fun, and one small piece of clean, safe green food per day. Also, I like to give him plain cheerios or puffed wheat (unsweetened) a couple times a week. Good luck and enjoy your new pet! ps- Seph is mistaken... Poor ventilation is not a "benefit", it is a common cause of death because of ammonia and temp. If your room smells, you are definitely leaving your hamster's cage too dirty!
4. if your going for the plastic cage approach, i suggest getting a crittertrail cage,you can add tubes to them for your hamster to run around and exercise in if you want the wire approach, i suggest a simple all living things cage
5. The most important thing to keep in mind is that black bears are much bigger than dwarf hamsters - in fact, teddy bear hamsters are one of the largest. This is important for looking at cages with tubes because the males especially can get stuck. You want to get a cage with a deep base, because hamsters like to burrow, so the more litter the happier they are. The sides should be wire, not only for ventilation but also because hamsters often like to climb. Don't get a cage with a removable tray because the hamster can push it out and escape, and don't get a cage with a wire bottom that catches litter because the hamster can't bury in that. Keep in mind that hamsters love to gnaw and can chew through flimsy plastic. Also, you'll need a bigger cage for your bigger hamster. I'd look into a multi-level cage. I've seen some gerbil cages that would work wonderfully for a hamster - just be sure the bars aren't spaced too far apart, so that the hamster can't escape. And don't be fooled by your hamster's poof - it's body is actually a small cylinder, and can squeeze through tighter spaces than you'd think. Good luck with your pet =)