7 Best Syrian Hamster Cages with Our 2023 Budget Friendly Pick
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The Syrian hamster is also known as the golden hamster and it is one of the most popular types of hamster due to its friendly and docile temperament and ease of care. Although they are friendly with people, Syrian hamsters can actually be fairly territorial which is why they are best kept alone instead of with other hamsters.
Just because your hamster shouldn’t be kept with other hamsters, however, doesn’t mean you can squeeze him into a tiny cage. Hamsters need plenty of space to exercise, so choosing a Syrian hamster cage is an important part of owning a hamster.
Keep reading to learn what to look for in a Syrian hamster cage and how to choose the best Syrian hamster cage among all the different options.
What are the Best Syrian Hamster Cages?
What to Look for in a Syrian Hamster Cage
A cage is the most important investment you’ll make for your hamster, so you want to choose wisely. – humanesociety.org
The Syrian hamster comes from the region that encapsulates southern Turkey and northern Syria. Naturally found in arid areas, the Syrian hamster’s native habitat is being destroyed to the point that they are now considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN.
Though Syrian hamsters may be rare in the wild, they are commonly found in pet stores and they make wonderful pets. But what should you look for when shopping for a Syrian hamster cage?
Here are a few things to consider:
- Think about the style of cage you want – the three most common types are wire cages, modular plastic cages, and glass aquariums.
- Make sure the cage is large enough that your hamster has room to run around – aim for at least 12-by-24 inches with at least 12 inches of vertical space (bigger is better).
- Consider ventilation – plastic tubes and tunnels can trap air and condensation, so wire cages are usually preferable, or a combination of wire and plastic tubing.
- Think about how easy it will be to clean the cage because regular cage cleaning is essential for a healthy hamster.
- Don’t forget to consider your hamster’s safety when it comes to things like spacing for wire bars – bars should be spaced no more than ½ inch apart and doors should close securely to prevent your hamster from escaping.
- Consider the durability of the materials from which the cage is made – Syrian hamsters may be small, but they do chew so you want something durable and non-toxic.
- Think about how your hamster is going to exercise – you’ll need room for a wheel and you may want to include some tubes and tunnels for your hamster to run through.
The best Syrian hamster cage for your new pet is one that provides for all of his basic needs while also meeting your preferences for shape, color, and structure. With these things in mind, keep reading to learn more about the different types of Syrian hamster cages.
The Different Types of Syrian Hamster Cages
While there are certainly pet owners who go all out and build their own hamster cages, buying one is usually a simpler and more cost-effective option. But what are the different types of hamster cages and what are the pros and cons of each?
Here is a quick overview of the three main types of Syrian hamster cages:
- Wire-Top Cage – This type of hamster cage consists of a plastic base (like a tray) with a wire-based top. The wire top is usually covered in ½-inch wire bars, though different spacing options are available. Inside the cage it is possible to have ramps and ledges to increase activity.
- Glass Tank or Aquarium – A glass tank or aquarium is simply that – a tank with a mesh lid to prevent the hamster from escaping. This type of cage allows you to use a thicker layer of bedding if your hamster likes to burrow and it is chew-proof.
- Modular Plastic Cage – This type of hamster cage usually consists of a plastic base with external accessories like tubes, wheels, and more. You can add tubes to extend the cage for exercise potential while still having a main area filled with bedding.
Most hamster owners prefer wire-top cages for Syrian hamsters because they are easy to clean, offer excellent ventilation, and they offer easy access to your hamster. Glass tanks and aquariums are similar to wire-top cages except that the walls are solid. This reduces the risk for escape and allows you to use more bedding, but it does hinder ventilation a little bit and it may be too heavy to move easily.
Modular plastic cages are what most people picture when they think of hamster cages, but they are not necessarily the best option. Plastic cages are expandable, and most hamsters enjoy having a network of tubes to explore. The problem is that there is limited ventilation and food/feces can collect in the tubes. This makes them harder to clean and you’ll have a hard time reaching your hamster if you need to.
Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of Syrian hamster cages, you may be wondering which one is best. Keep reading to see our top pick for the best Syrian hamster cage as well as 6 other really great options:
The Overall Best Syrian Hamster Cage
Lixit Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage
If you’re looking for a Syrian hamster cage that is spacious, easy to clean, and full of fun activities for your hamster, the Lixit Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage is the way to go. This hamster cage features a deep plastic base with plenty of room for bedding with a wire-mesh top to ensure adequate ventilation. It has two doors, including a large one on the front of the cage, and another on top that you can open to connect optional accessories.
The Lixit Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage comes with plenty of tubes as well as ramps, ladders, hideaways, and a spinning wheel, so your hamster will never get bored. You can also customize it with add-ons and arrange it however you like. The tubes are large enough for Syrian hamsters and they come apart for easy cleaning.
When it comes to space and options for customization, the Lixit Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage is a great choice for Syrian hamsters.
- Pros: Very spacious, narrow spacing between bars to prevent escape, comes with accessories and tubes, customizable cage, deep plastic base, wire-mesh top
- Cons: Could be more durably constructed, wires may bend under pressure, exercise wheel may be a little tight for very large hamsters
| Our 2023 Picks for Best Syrian Hamster Cages | |||
| Type | Cages | Price | Rating |
| Overall Best |
|
$$$$ |
A+
|
| Runner Up |
 |
$$ |
A
|
| Budget
Friendly |
 |
$ |
A
|
| #4 |
 |
$$$ |
A
|
| #5 |
 |
$$$ |
A
|
| #6 |
 |
$$$ |
A-
|
| #7 |
 |
$$ |
B+
|
6 More Really Great Syrian Hamster Cages
If the Syrian hamster cage above doesn’t quite fit your needs and preferences, don’t worry! There are plenty of other options to choose from. In fact, here are 6 other really great Syrian hamster cages to consider for your hamster:
Rosewood Pico XL Hamster Cage
If you want to give your hamster plenty of room to run and play but you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning out plastic tubes, the Rosewood Pico XL Hamster Cage might be a good compromise. This cage features a deep plastic base with a wire mesh top and it is filled with ramps and ledges to maximize the indoor space. It also comes with an exercise wheel and hideout. Overall, it offers good ventilation and a high-quality construction that makes it worth the price.
- Pros: Deep plastic base, wire mesh for ventilation, multilevel for exercise and space, comes with accessories, high-quality construction for durability
- Cons: Assembly can be challenging, water bottle may be a little too small, somewhat expensive
Kaytee My First Home Tank Topper
The Kaytee My First Home Tank Topper combines the best of both worlds from an aquarium and a wire-top cage. Simply place the wire-mesh tank topper on any standard 10-gallon tank and you have a multi-level, ventilated hamster cage with plenty of depth for extra bedding. It even comes with a mini hideout, water bottle, and food dish – all you need to buy is an exercise wheel and any other accessories you think your hamster might like.
- Pros: Secures easily to a standard 10-gallon tank, offers added ventilation to a tank cage, creates multiple levels of play, easy to assemble, affordable price
- Cons: 10-gallon tank sold separately, clips may come loose, doesn’t come with exercise wheel
Ferplast Hamster Cage
Though it may look simple, the Ferplast Hamster Cage is actually designed very well. It combines the benefits of a deep plastic base with a wire-mesh top for maximum use of space and excellent ventilation. It features an integrated exercise wheel and offers multiple levels of play for your hamster. Plus, it includes the basic accessories you need to get started and it has a connection cap if you want to expand the cage with plastic tubes.
- Pros: Comes with basic accessories, combination of plastic base and wire mesh, integrated exercise wheel, easy visibility, two-floor design for more space, connection cap for expansion parts
- Cons: Only opening is located on top of cage, construction could be more durable
Kaytee CritterTrail Extreme Challenge Habitat
If you want your Syrian hamster to feel like he’s living in a theme park, the Kaytee CritterTrail Extreme Challenge Habitat is the way to go. This hamster cage features a deep clear plastic base with a wire-mesh top and plenty of fun accessories. There’s a pet-powered activity wheel, a spiral slide, and a removable petting zone as well. Plus, the wire mesh allows for adequate ventilation and there are plenty of places to connect extra tubes, should you so desire.
- Pros: Deep base for bedding, wire-mesh top for ventilation, multiple accessories for exercise and play, removable petting zone, expandable connections
- Cons: Assembly could be tricky, external wheel difficult to clean
Kaytee CritterTrail 2-Level Habitat
This two-level habitat is a great option for new hamster owners because it comes with all the accessories you need and it is a self-contained unit. It features a deep plastic base with a wire-mesh top and multiple levels , connected with interior tubes. You can further expand the Kaytee CritterTrail 2-Level Habitat with tubes and accessories of your choice as well. The only downside is that it can become a little cluttered depending how many parts you add and it may be a little tricky to assemble and clean.
- Pros: Offers multiple levels, expandable with plastic tubes, colorful design, pet-safe construction, comes with necessary accessories, combination of plastic and wire
- Cons: Doesn’t come with a hideout, may be somewhat crowded, tubes could be hard to clean
Habitrail Cristal Hamster Habitat
If you’re looking for an all-in-one cage for your Syrian hamster, the Habitrail Cristal Hamster Habitat is an option to consider. It consists of a deep base with rounded corners and a wire front with a large, easy access door. This hamster cage features a durable plastic design with ample ventilation, a lookout deck with ladder, an enclosed exercise wheel, and a chew-proof water bottle. Plus, it is compatible with other Habitrail items if you want to expand it.
- Pros: Deep plastic base and wire front, ample ventilation, can be expanded with tubes, comes with all the necessary accessories
- Cons: Not as large as other cages, plastic parts may not be particularly durable
Now that you know the difference between the types of Syrian hamster cages and you’ve explored your options, do you know which one you’re going to pick? In the end, it’s a matter of preference combined with a smart choice to meet your hamster’s needs. So, take the information provided above to heart and choose the best Syrian hamster cage for your furry friend!
