| Hamsters are generally easy to care for and can | | | | wire and plastic cages, but they are much heavier |
| make a good pet. You should think carefully about | | | | and more difficult to move around. They should have |
| what kind of cage to get before choosing a hamster. | | | | a mesh top which snaps on. |
| Larger cages are usually better than smaller ones, | | | | All hamster cages need to have a water bottle, |
| because they provide more space for the hamster | | | | which should be washed and filled with clean water |
| to move around in. Hamster cages come in a few | | | | daily, and a food dish for food pellets. The food dish |
| different types. | | | | allows you to monitor how much food your hamster |
| Larger, modular design cages with tubes connecting | | | | is eating. Hamster cages should also have bedding, |
| separate rooms can provide a lot of space and | | | | which can be purchased at the pet store. Bedding is |
| activities for a hamster, but you should consider how | | | | more comfortable for the hamster to walk on, and |
| difficult it may be to clean before purchasing one. | | | | hamsters enjoy burrowing and foraging for food in it. |
| They also tend to cost a great deal more than other | | | | Many hamster cages come with an exercise wheel. If |
| types of cages. It's fine to buy one if you are sure | | | | yours does not, you can purchase one. Smooth |
| you can clean it often and thoroughly, but your | | | | wheels are best, because hamsters can get their |
| hamster will probably be just as happy in a simpler | | | | feet or tails caught in wires. These can allow your |
| cage. You can buy other cage types and add toys, | | | | hamster to get more exercise. You may also |
| tubes, and huts to them instead of buying a fancy | | | | consider buying toys, tubes, or a hut for your |
| cage. Larger types of hamsters can get stuck in | | | | hamster. A hamster hut allows the hamster to have |
| tubes or injured, so you should be careful when | | | | an enclosed area to hide or play in, and it can be lined |
| buying these types of cages. | | | | with bedding so it can borrow and dig. You should |
| A popular type of hamster cage has a smooth plastic | | | | also buy some toys and chews for your hamster to |
| base and then a wire attachment for the sides and | | | | chew on. |
| top. The wire can be easily removed, so you can | | | | Hamster cages should be large enough to provide |
| remove any old bedding, food, and droppings, and | | | | plenty of room for a hamster to move and play in. |
| wash the entire cage out easily. These are fairly | | | | You should choose a design that is easy to clean and |
| lightweight and easy to clean. | | | | maintain. If you get a simple, rectangular cage, you |
| Another option is to use a glass cage for your | | | | can still make it fun and interesting for your pet by |
| hamster. These are almost as easy to clean as the | | | | adding hamster tubes, toys, and an exercise wheel. |