Hamster headache - help please!

[BCBG]

I don't know if these links will work but I could really use some advice, please! New syrian hamster for DD arrived yesterday, and we bought this rotastak cage is the tunnels seem tight to me even though it is still young, the insides are smooth with no grip and no ventilation. I've looked at these tunnels: [[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Superpet-Critter-Fun-nel-Connectable-Colourful/dp/B0002AS61S/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1360527580&sr=1-5&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 these but the one Amazon review says they are too small! Please could anyone with more experience of Syrian hamsters than me give me some advice? DD and I are happy to buy whatever pebbles needs, and I am worried that the tubes I have are not really suitable. Does anyone have anything better they could recommend, please? TIA

[dickiedavisthunderthighs]

Rotastacks are awful IMO and hamsters have become very adept at escaping from them!

The biggest thing a Syrian hamster needs is floor space. FredHamster has an IMAC Fantasy which I got from Tesco but I think they're on Amazon too. It's got the main floor and then a small second level where the hamster can make its nest. Ideally if you can stretch to an extension at some point your hamster will thank you :) This has tubes too but they're a good size with ventilation.

At some point when the hamster grows you'll need to replace the wheel it comes with as they're only really suitable for baby hamsters. I think I got the Savic Rolly.

Enjoy your new furry bundle, I have a very big soft spot for hamsters, they're lovely friendly funny little things.

[wixawoo]

That is a terrible cage :(
We had this one -
www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/hamster_cages/hamster_cages/197362?gclid=CPrVo4qErrUCFa_MtAodbh4AFQ
Which was amazing and our hamster was very happy.

If you can't afford it or have enough space, I would recommend a cage like this -
www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/hamster_cages/hamster_cages/284288

Hamsters need loads of space to run around and explore :)

[andrea315]

I have a very large savic for my hamster it a hamster heaven I did buy a smaller cage to start but felt so guilty we up sized :)

[BCBG]

Thank you all . I have ordered the Imac plus an extension for now and we'll see how we go - but i am SO cross that Pets at Home sold DD a cage which even a newbie like me could see wasn't designed well, and now I have to fund the new one because DD has spent her money . Ah well, you live and learn, and I should have asked Mumsnet done my research first!

[OohMrDarcy]

the sad bit is BCBG that most... yep MOST commercial hamster cages aren't a suitable size for a hamster!

RSPCA guidelines say it should be 75x40x40 ..... I think I found one cage advertised as for hamsters that fits the description!

In the end I ordered this for Cookie (who we've had 3 days) and its perfect.... loads of floor space, have bought all seperate bits to go with it after checking they are big enough - and a new wheel, as most which come in a hamster cage are too small - generally for a baby syrian, definitely for an adult!

Hope your DD enjoys her new pet!

[BCBG]

The iMac WITH an extension is perfect, but I am So that Pets AT Home could sell a cage that is completely unfit for purpose!

[Madratlady]

Rotastaks are horrible. I had this cage for my hammy and set it up with lots of stuff like cardboard tubes and boxes, a wheel, things to climb and chew:
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000LXR734/ref=asc_df_B000LXR73412177435?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B000LXR734&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10192861932032803988&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

I had a rotastack as a kid for my hamster he kept escaping from it as of u pushed hard enough the food of the small bedroom attic thing could be pushed off. He also struggled to get up the tube serves him right for trying To move all his food in one go to his bedroom making his cheek pouches to full to fit

[HavingALittleFaithBaby]

BCBG they did the same with me! I bought a cage that my hamster outgrew within a couple of months. He's a Syrian and he grew huge! I was annoyed because we bought the hamster and the cage at the same time so they really should have said it was unsuitable.

I had a rotastak for hamsters when I was young and all 3 that we had managed to get the bedroom roof off like wheres describes.

I'm glad you've found your hammy a suitable home now!