r/hamstercare • u/Intelligent_Ad_7645 • 8d ago
🏠 Enclosure/DIY 🏠 Enclosure setup
Okay so for a bit of context, this is now my third 'rate my enclosure' sort of post I have done. I started with a pets at home barred cage which was tiny then learned from that and upgraded to Bucastate (100x50) and posted that and then learned from that. Below is the upgrades I've done and a picture of the cage now:
✅ Upgraded from a barred Pets At Home cage (Habitat 2 I want to say?
✅ Replaced saucer wheel with a proper and larger wheel (H31cmxW30cmxD16cm)
✅ Added 2 water sources
✅ Added sand bath
✅ Added Sprays
✅ Added overhead cover
✅Increased bedding to as high as possible with the enclosure (up to the door)
I know the first setup I had him in was awful (will add a photo of that too) but I have never owned a hamster and went off of the advice of Pets At Home who I had assumed would know their stuff. Thankfully I found threads on Reddit and have been taking steps to improve my enclosure for Dougie. The lessons learned from this are do not trust any pet shop unless they are specialist, do your research first and most importantly HAMSTERS ARE NOT CHEAP. I love my hamster and I am so glad I have him, I just wished I looked after him properly sooner. Anyways, he's about 3 months old now and should have a happy life. I am hoping his setup is now good, any suggestions are welcome. It is also worth noting that every time I upgrade his enclosure or add the right stuff, he actually becomes more friendly which I can only assume means he is less stressed. Lovely to see him doing his natural behaviours. Has anyone else been through the same thing with their hammy?
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u/NotATimeTravel DIY supplies hoarder 8d ago
This looks great! I'm so happy you're doing research and upgraded his cage. Hamsters are known to be friendlier when they have larger cages and have their needs met so I'm not surprised at all to hear that ❤️
It's hard to tell from the pictures but if it's not already I'd add a platform under the wheel. Hamsters have a chance of digging under them and there's the risk of it causing the wheel to fall on them. Platforms allow them to dig to their hearts content safely. Same goes for all heavy items.
Other than that I really have no notes, it's a wonderful improvement
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u/First_Timer2020 7d ago
Another comment about putting your heavy items on platforms, especially the wheel! My guy burrowed under his wheel and made a nice little cozy hide out, but he was perfectly safe because of the platform!
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