There are mainly the following types of hamster cages:
Wire Cages: This is the most common type of hamster cage. It has good ventilation, which is convenient for observing and cleaning, and is suitable for beginners. However, the quality varies, so you need to be careful when choosing.
Viewing Cages and Climbing Tanks: These cages look nice and allow for direct observation of the hamster's activities. But they are relatively expensive and have poor ventilation. You may need to install an exhaust fan.
Tube Cages: Their design mimics the burrow environment. They are difficult to clean and maintain, and also have poor ventilation.
Storage Boxes and Cabinet Cages: They offer good concealment, which suits the living habits of hamsters. But they are not convenient for observation and are more suitable for keeping other pets after modification.
47-Base Cages: They are suitable for keeping dwarf hamsters. They have a large space, good air permeability, and are convenient for observing and adding small toys.
Golden Hamster Cages: They have a large space and are suitable for golden hamsters, but they are relatively expensive.
Roborovski Hamster Cages: They are suitable for small hamsters. They have a small space but are portable and have good air permeability. They are also inexpensive.
Acrylic Hamster Cages: They have good heat preservation and light transmission, but poor air permeability and are not suitable for building a bond with the hamster.
DIY Homemade Cages: They can be made from plastic boxes. They have good heat preservation but poor air permeability and are not easy to maintain.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Hamster Cages:
Wire Cages: The advantages are good ventilation, easy cleaning and observation; the disadvantage is the inconsistent quality.
Viewing Cages and Climbing Tanks: The advantages are good looks; the disadvantage is the high price and poor ventilation.
Tube Cages: The advantages are mimicking the burrow environment; the disadvantage is the difficulty in cleaning and maintaining and poor ventilation.
Storage Boxes and Cabinet Cages: The advantages are good concealment; the disadvantage is the inconvenience for observation.
47-Base Cages: The advantages are large space and good air permeability; the disadvantage is the relatively low price.
Golden Hamster Cages: The advantages are large space; the disadvantage is the high price.
Roborovski Hamster Cages: The advantages are portability and good air permeability; the disadvantage is the small space.
Acrylic Hamster Cages: The advantages are good heat preservation and light transmission; the disadvantage is the poor air permeability.
DIY Homemade Cages: The advantages are good heat preservation; the disadvantage is the poor air permeability and difficult maintenance.
Precautions for Buying Hamster Cages:
Give priority to the bottom area. The height only needs to be enough to hold sufficient bedding materials.
It is not recommended to use wooden cages because hamsters will gnaw on them, causing potential safety hazards.
If the cage is large enough, you can divide it into areas such as a burrow area and an activity area to provide a more abundant activity space.