For those of you, who are in a hurry: Here’s our top pick, the Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage.
There’re plenty hamster cage reviews on the internet. We found out, that many of the recommended cages don’t meet the requirements for hamsters. This is mainly because of size (most cages are too small) or bar-spacing (bars are too far). So we think there’s enough space for another buying guide that fixes these issues. Here it comes!
In this article we’re going to review the following 5 hamster cages:
- Favola Hamster Cage
- Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage
- Prevue Pet Products 528 Universal Small Animal Home
- Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation
- Kaytee My First Home
How to choose the best hamster cage
There’s more to choosing the best hamster cage than just looking at price and design. Here’s what to look for when shopping for the new home of your furry friend.
Types of hamster cages
Different types of cages come with different pros and cons. In the following paragraphs, we tell you what to expect when deciding for one or another.
Wire cages
Wire cages are most common. Usually, they come with a plastic bottom which is indeed very necessary. In a floor out of mesh, the little feet and legs can get stuck, what often leads to injuries. Additionally the opaque ground safes your house from gutter the little gnawer produces. A higher ceiling of plastic prevents him although from pushing his bedding outside the cage.
A very obvious advantage of wire cages is the good ventilation. But therefore some other things have to be considered when choosing a wire cage:
- Bar-spacing: This should not be too far otherwise an escape of the hamster is inevitable. A maximum of ¼ inch for dwarf hamsters is recommended. Larger breeds can be kept in cages with bigger gaps.
- Material: Another very important thing is that the coat must not be toxic. Hamsters tend to chew on the wire, so be aware of any unhealthy paint and material.
Wire cages often come with multiple access points including one in the top. Through this, you can easily take your hamster out of his cage. This is not only very helpful when you want him to have some adventures in your living space or some 1 on 1 quality time, but also when it comes to cleaning the cage. Additionally, the bottom can be separated from the wire through a simple system. Compared to other cages this makes cleaning very comfortable.
Plastic cages
When considering a plastic cage most people are thinking of the great view they give. There are no bars which in some cases tend to be an obstacle when watching your little friend. Plastic cages often come with every accessory needed. If something is missing add ons can be easily installed.
Because of various tunnels and toys a plastic cage comes with, they are best-liked by kids. They literally offer unlimited abilities for adventures and joy that can be experienced with the little gnawer.
Due to their size – we’re speaking mostly about the diameter of tunnels and wheels – plastic cages are made for dwarf hamsters only. Larger breeds like Syrians can get stuck in the different parts of the setup.
Another advantage of the relatively “closed” cage type is that bedding can’t easily be pushed out. Even if you want to make it a little bit higher to offer your pet some more comfort. With this comes the first con of a plastic cage: Ventilation is usually not good enough. Even the panels, windows and other air inlets often don’t provide sufficient fresh air.
When it comes to cleaning, plastic cages are very complicated to handle – especially compared to wire cages. First, you have to get your hamster out. This sounds easy but just think about the little access possibilities. When the hamster is hiding for example in a tunnel, catching him can become a real challenge. Have in mind too, that every part of the cage must be cleaned. This can be a lot of work, plastic cages are definitely not easy to clean!
The material is although not chew-proof. If your critter turns out to be a heavy chewer, he can damage the cage.
Aquariums / Tanks
Aquariums and tanks are not very popular although they offer some good advantages. In practice, they are covered with a wire-top. So when considering this setup, have in mind that you need to buy both parts separately.
Aquariums are known for giving a good view. Through the glass, you can not only watch the critter without obstacles but have also an insight into the depth of his bedding. And because of the glass walls, you can raise it as high as you want.
This kind of “cage” is very easy to clean and you have great access to your hamster.
The only disadvantages seem to be the weight and that transportation is not possible.
What size is needed?
“The bigger the better” really come true for hamster cages. But we also know that every owner’s space will be limited. So here are some general rules which help you determine the optimal size.
The optimal size is not depending on the breed. Smaller breeds like the dwarf hamster need as much space as larger breeds. Also have in mind, that not only all the needed accessories require room but that there has to be some ample space left for roaming.
In the past Organizations like the Animal Humane Society were stating concrete numbers. Today they just recommend going as large as you can. We think a good cage should have at least 30 by 15 by 15 inches. That leads to 450 square inches and can be met by most cages you can buy.
Accessories
There are some things you definitely need to have in the hamster cage. Have them in mind when making your buying decision. If the cage comes not with these items as a standard, you have to buy them separately:
- Sleeping place
- Dish
- Water bottle
- Exercise wheel or other toys
- Bedding
Safety and security
Always make sure, that your cage is safe and secure. For hamsters, this means that you should have an eye on the gaps when buying a wire cage. The material must not be toxic, this is especially for the wire-coat but of course in general for every type of cage. To avoid injuries, cage bottom and balconies must not be made from wires.
Hamster Cage Reviews
Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage
The Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage is on the pricier end. But honestly, you can’t find a cage as big as this one that comes with all the accessories. This makes it a good place to start and our recommendation, at least for larger breeds. Hamsters really love all the space and there are lots of things to discover, so your little friend never gets bored.
Included accessories:
- Tunnels
- Balconies
- Slides
- 2 houses
- Penthouse
- Exercise wheel
- Toilet
- Food dishes
- Water bottle
As you see, you don’t need to buy anything else. But there are although lots of additional tubes and accessories available if you want to offer the extra comfort.
Two doors, one on the side and one on the top, making access easy, even if the top door could be a little bigger. Having in mind, that tubes are always hard to clean, the cage itself is not.
Nothing is perfect, even if the majority of buyers really like this cage. Putting the cage together can be a little difficult as the manual only contains some pictures. Especially the tubes and the penthouse must be installed properly. Otherwise, there’s a possibility for escapes.
Sometimes smaller hamsters have problems getting on the second level. This is especially for dwarf hamsters and can be fixed with another ramp.
The included wheel is to small for some large hamsters, even if the tubes tend to fit.
Size: 31.5 x 19.7 x 19.7 inch (appr. 620 square inch)
Bar-spacing: 0.37 inch
Pros:
- Very roomy and ideal for syrians
- Comes with every accessory you need and much more
- Easy to clean
- Convincing product quality
- Easy transportation through handles
Cons:
- Wheel to small for syrians
- Difficult for the critter to get to the second level
- Difficult to assemble
Favola Hamster Cage
If you search for a spacy hamster cage that comes with all accessories needed for the start, the Favola Hamster Cage might be the right choice. With its wire top mesh of ¼ inch, the gaps are so narrow, that even small dwarf hamsters can’t squeeze through.
Hide-out, water bottle, food dish and exercise wheel are included. Due to the 2 stories even with all these items enough space for roaming is left. We liked most, that the second floor lays directly on the bottom. Through this setup, your furry friend isn’t able to push his bedding through the bars.
For cleaning the panel can easily be disconnected from the base and the second floor is also removable.
Size: 23.6 x 14.4 x 11.8 inch (appr. 340 square inch)
Bar-spacing: 0.25 inch
Note: Even though it can’t stand the recommended 450 square inches, we think through the 2 floors there’s lots of space.
Pros:
- Comes with everything you need to provide your hamster a comfortable home
- Even small breeds can’t escape the ¼ inch wire mesh
- More space through 2nd floor
- Transparent bottom and floors provide a good view
- Easy to clean
- Easy transportation
- Can be expanded by tubes and other Ferplast accessories
Cons:
- The included wheel is too small for syrians, but can easily be replaced
- Some buyers have trouble with the water bottle
- Top door sometimes isn’t large enough
Prevue Pet Products 528 Universal Small Animal Home
This cage is large and offers both, dwarf and syrian hamsters a lot of room to rest, roam and play. Except balcony and ramp there are no accessories coming with this cage. So, it might be the right choice when you already have what your hammy needs and just want to offer some more space.
For cleaning the wire-top has to be removed. That sounds easy but can become quite difficult when it comes back to setting up the balcony and ramp. The ramp is also hard to use for small hamsters.
Two doors give you access to your critter. With them comes the first con: They don’t seem securely latched. But it’s an easy fix with some metal clamps (office supply).
Product quality seems ok. Even though it’s of course not bad, the bars are relatively weak and tend to bent when attaching wheels or bottles.
Size: 32.5 x 19 x 17.5 inch (617.5 square inch)
Bar-spacing: 0.375 inch
Pros:
- Large
- Deep (6.25 inch) bottom for high bedding
- Easy transportation through handles
- Easy to put together
Cons:
- Doors not 100 % secure
- Ramp hard to use
- Not too easy to clean
Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation
This is by far the largest cages we could find. The quality of the cage is very good and we liked it so much, that it is our top pick for best rat cages. Nevertheless, there is one major issue we want to address first: The walls of the trays are not nearly high enough. Your little critter will just kick his bedding through. You can fix this with fitting tubs or laths.
The full-width double door makes access and cleaning very easy. In fact, this cage is the easiest to clean we could find.
Balcony and plastic ramp are included. Except these, there are no additional accessories coming with the cage.
Size: 36 x 24 x 39 inch (846 square inch)
Bar-spacing: 0.5 inch
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Easy to move through 4 wheels
- Supplies like hamster food and bedding can be stored directly under the cage
Cons:
- Walls of bottom trays not high enough
- Not easy to assemble
Kaytee My First Home
The Kaytee My First Home offers 540 square inches of room. After setting up the cage with all accessories there should be enough place left for roaming. The multi-level design brings in 3 additional stories for adventures.
A dish and 3 ramps are included. One of the 3 balconies can be used as a hideaway by placing it nearer to the bottom.
The small doors only provide poor access compared to the other cages we reviewed. Cleaning is although not as easy. Among other things, this is caused by the multi-level design.
Size: 30 x 18 x 30 inches (540 square inches)
Bar-spacing: 0.5 inch
Pros:
- Multi-levels to explore
Cons:
- Small doors
- Hard to clean
- Bar-spacing might be too wide for dwarf hamsters
Which hamster cage is best for Syrians
All hamster breeds need fairly large cages. Accessories coming with the cages are often too small for syrians, this is especially with tunnels and tubes. We recommend taking an extra look at these.
Our pick for a syrian would be the Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage because it’s large and comes with everything needed.
Which hamster cage is best for dwarf hamsters
Dwarf hamsters need nearly as much space as other breeds, but there are some things do consider when shopping for a proper cage.
To have an eye on the bar-spacing is always necessary. When it comes to dwarf hamsters you should definitely take a closer look. 0.5 inch may be enough for the bigger syrians, but not for the dwarfs.
Second levels also must not be too high and ramps too steep, so that your little friend can explore his home entirely.
Our pick for dwarf hamsters would be the Favola Hamster Cage or the Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage. But we wrote an entire review about the best cage for dwarf hamsters.
Conclusion
Many of the cages we reviewed haven’t made it into this list. They lack one or more of the following things:
- Size
- Bar-spacing
- Product quality
Therefore our winner is definitely Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage. It offers lots of space and comes – compared to the others – with any accessory you could think of. The bar-spacing makes it a good home for both, large and small breeds. Furthermore, even syrians will fit through the included tubes.
