There are two types of hamster habitats: modular and cage habitats, and they are both designed specifically for household hamsters in mind. You can buy them anywhere hamster products are sold. Modular units have the unique benefit of mixing and matching different parts and tubes to create a one-of-a-kind layout of your own design. So long as you have the budget and enough space in your house, the combinations are limitless.
It is important that you have at least two modules, otherwise your hamster will not have enough room. Start with at least two, and keep on expanding in the future as your budget allows. The great thing about these hamster cages is that they are made from uncommon materials that you can swap around as needed to maximize your hamster’s comfort.
For example, you can switch between a wire garden gazebo and an aquarium cage. In the summer, the wire cage allows air to flow freely through, and in the winter the aquarium cage will keep cool winds from entering. The biggest advantage of these hamster homes is how closely they mimic the hamster’s natural habitat. From there, you can further customize it so that they can tunnel, roam, burrow, climb, or hoard food to their heart’s desire.
When selecting a hamster habitat, you need to consider a few things. First, the habitat must be a match for your hamster. If you own a Syrian hamster for example, don’t buy a cage that is intended for use with a dwarf hamster. And don’t buy a circular module unless it is one part of a larger system of modules, otherwise your hamster will get stressed out since they like to hide in corners where they can store food or go to the bathroom.
Next, ensure the cage has passable ventilation. There needs to be sufficient slots or holes for adequate air circulation. Also consider the environment that you live in. People living in warmer climates without air-conditioning should opt for a wire cage over an aquarium cage. But no matter which cage you get, make sure you purchase one with an opening that is large enough for you to reach your hand in and pick up your pet easily. Then test the door and make sure it only opens when you tug on it, not when the hamster pushes it.
As nice as it is to pamper your hamster and give him the biggest, most elaborate habitat your money can buy, don’t forget that you must regularly clean the cage. Darn! Looks like you don’t want a cage that is too big after all, unless you love to spend hours taking everything apart so you can clean it. (Bottles brushes are life-savers for cleaning tubes). Another disadvantage is that the bigger the cage, the more places your hamster can potentially escape from. You will have to be vigilant and look for signs of nibbling (hamsters love to nibble everything) and fix any damaged pieces quickly.
For more information, check out our review of the best hamster cages.