Hamsters may be tiny, but they need a lot of space to be happy within their enclosure. So not only does providing a hamster with the correctly sized cage ensure that their needs are met, but it also helps improve their stress levels.
A standard Syrian hamster cage should be around 36 inches (91 centimeters) long, 18 inches (46 centimeters) tall, and 16 inches (41 centimeters) wide. However, you can get a bigger cage if desired, as this will provide even more room for your hamster.
In this article, I’ll cover why your hamster cage needs to be at least this big and how the size affects your hamsters in various ways.
What Size Cage Is Best for a Syrian Hamster?
Syrian hamsters require big enough cages to live in without compromising their well-being. If the cage is too small, they will survive but be unhappy.
The best cage size for a Syrian hamster is one that is approximately 36 x 18 x 16 inches (91 x 46 x 16 centimeters) or larger. They need a cage that is big enough for them to explore and able to hold everything that they need.
They also need a large cage because you will use part of the height to make a comfortable layer of bedding along the bottom. Syrian hamsters are animals who like to bury food or themselves in bedding. Without enough room for this bedding layer, they will grow restless and irritated.
Some slightly smaller cages, like those only 24 x 12 inches (61 x 30 centimeters), provide a decent amount of space. Yet, these will likely be unable to satisfy the hamster’s needs because they will quickly become overrun with all the items like toys and food bowls. For any hamster cage, bigger is always better in the long run.
It is best to consider using a glass tank similar to an aquarium for your hamster because wire cages with bars are typically not made to fit these size requirements.
Additionally, these types of cages also lead to more hamster problems, including:
- Broken or chewed-through bars
- Hamsters getting stuck in between the bars
- Hamsters climbing along the sides and tops of the cage
- An increase in escaping hamsters
Room for Necessities and Enrichment
Not only does a hamster cage need room for a hamster, but it also needs room for all the items that a hamster needs to entertain itself and thrive.
A hamster needs enough space to move around and access things such as:
- A large hamster wheel
- Food and water dishes
- Areas to use the bathroom and leave waste
- Extra treats to chew or bury
- Climbing equipment and other toys for entertainment
These items will not fit inside without a big enough cage, leaving the hamster bored and depressed.
Also, with too many of these items crammed into the cage, it will be harder for the Syrian hamster to navigate around everything. If blocked from essential items such as food and water, the hamster will get very sick or dehydrated.
To see a demonstration of how to furnish your hamster’s cage, check out this video:
How Small Cages Sizes Impact a Syrian Hamster’s Behavior
Like many other hamsters, Syrian hamsters experience stress when their cages are unfit for their needs or made too small. If this is not fixed, the hamsters will experience many adverse effects.
One study of these hamsters found that the smaller a cage is, the more likely the hamsters were to perform negative behaviors such as chewing or biting. In addition, due to confinement, these hamsters became more stressed and restless to the point of having constant high energy.
Additionally, a lack of space in a hamster cage means a lack of opportunities to do enrichment activities like burrowing or hiding their toys. If these items necessary for enrichment cannot fit into the cage, the hamsters will suffer.
Syrian hamsters may also feel so stressed that they refuse to eat, sleep, or drink water. If these avoidances occur, they are more likely to impact their health negatively. This stress disrupts their regular behavior routines and can lead to eventual illness.
The Takeaway: Syrian Hamsters Love Bigger Cages Best
No matter how old or big your Syrian hamster is, they need a large cage that’s at least 36 inches (91 centimeters) in length, 18 inches (46 centimeters) tall, and 16 inches (41 centimeters) wide.
However, you can use a bigger enclosure if you have room. The bigger the cage, the happier your Syrian hamster will be. If you choose a too-small enclosure that doesn’t allow the hamster to move freely and interact with specific enrichment components, your furry friend will slowly get sadder and sicker.
To sum it up: When it comes to hamster cages, bigger is always better.