Pets
Best Hamster Wooden Cage – Testing Comparison and How to Choose
Welcome to our big hamster cage wooden Test 2019. Here we present you all of us closer tested hamster cages made of wood. We have put together detailed background information and also added a summary of the customer reviews on the net.
We would like to make the purchase decision easier for you and help you to find the best wooden hamster cage for you.
Also on frequently asked questions, you will find answers in our guide. If available, we also offer you interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find on this page some important information that you should pay attention to if you want to buy a wooden hamster cage.
The Essentials In Brief
- While hamsters used to be kept in plastic cages with metal grilles as standard, wooden rodents are becoming increasingly popular. They facilitate the species-appropriate attitude and are incidentally also pretty to look at. Most of these cages are only for the most part, but not completely made of wood: Especially on the front and the lid is gladly used on Plexiglas.
- Since hamsters are very moving and climbing animals, should be paid attention to a sufficient outlet area and enough play and hiding places.
- The ideal equipment and decor of your cage also depends on what kind of hamster lives in: Middle hamsters make other demands on their home than hamsters.
Best Hamster Wooden Cage Test: The Ranking
1st place: Mouse and Hamster home SAN MARINO
2nd place: Pawhut Wooden Hamster Cage Mouse Mice Rodent Small Animals Hutch Exercise Play House
3rd place: Small animal hutch SAMSON made of wood![]()
Guides: Questions to keep in mind before buying a wooden hamster cage
How big should a Wooden hamster cage be?
Hamsters are very moving animals. Therefore, it is important that the rodents have enough space in their cage to be balanced and happy. That’s why he should not be less than 100 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm (W x L x H).
Unlike other rodents, hamsters live as loners. In the case of dwarf hamsters it may be possible to keep several same-sex animals from one litter as a group, which is not always successful.
In this case, a second hamster cage should always be available in order to be able to separate the animals from each other during quarrels.
Hamsters need a lot of exercises. Make sure that the cage has enough space. (Source: 123rf.com / 66652507)
Before you start to buy a hamster cage, you should first think about what kind of hamster you want to buy.
Middle hamsters, which include the golden hamsters, bring namely quite different characteristics than their smaller relatives, the hamsters. The claims to their rodent home are therefore different.
Incidentally, unlike one might suspect, hamsters do not require much less space than their larger counterparts. On the contrary, they are very active and need more space in their home.
Middle hamsters are more bottom-dwellers and climb less. Too large open spaces they tend to avoid. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, need space to run around freely. With them it is all the more important that the enclosure is not overfilled and that they have enough climbing opportunities.
No matter if small or big, they all have one thing in common: hamsters love to dig little tunnels in their home. That’s why it’s perfect if you provide him with a sufficient amount of litter in the cage. So that your little rodent can dig deep enough, it should be at least 15 cm high.
What material should the hamster cage be?
Hamsters like to nibble and do not stop in front of their enclosure. Make sure your cage only uses materials that are not dangerous to your health. This not only applies to the walls and floors of the Nagervilla, but also to the entire interior including the toy.
An enclosure made of untreated wood allows a species-appropriate attitude of your little rodent and is therefore usually the better choice than models made of plastic or glass.
Alternatively, you can fall back on metal enclosures or a glass terrarium. However, these two options are only in selected Hamsterarten in question, therefore, in their climbing and Buddelverhalten sometimes differ greatly from each other.
What alternatives to a wooden hamster cage are there?
Alternatives to the wooden hamster cage are metal enclosures or a glass terrarium. However, these two options are only in selected Hamsterarten in question, therefore, in their climbing and Buddelverhalten sometimes differ greatly from each other.
Below we have compiled a table with the alternatives and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Where can I buy a wooden hamster cage?
When buying a new hamster cage, you have the choice between online shops and retail. You will find a wide selection at the well-known online retailers Amazon and eBay. If you buy wooden hamster cages online, they are usually supplied as a kit, which you then mount yourself using a construction manual.
Advantages
- Large selection
- Good comparability of the cage alternatives
- Cheap prices
- Models are easy to assemble by yourself
Disadvantage
- Quality of the material used can not be checked online
If you prefer to buy your new cage in the trade, you will find it in the animal trade or in animal specialist markets. In addition, many DIY stores have small animal enclosures in their assortment.
Advantages
- Personal advice, if desired
- Quality of the materials can be checked easily
Disadvantage
- Less choice than online
- Transport home must be organized if necessary
How much does a hamster cage cost?
The price of a wooden hamster cage depends mainly on its size and the number of levels.
| Number of floors | price |
|---|---|
| One | from $ 60 |
| Two and more | from $ 100 |
Although you get cages from wood already from 40 €. However, these are often too small – the smallest have a floor space of just 0.2 m²!
However, such a small spill area is irresponsible and has nothing to do with a species-appropriate attitude. So rather invest a little bit more and then enjoy a balanced and happy hamster.
Decision: Which types of wooden hamster cages are available and which ones are right for you?
Basically, we distinguish between these types of wooden hamster cages:
- Cage with one floor
- Two or more tiered cage
Below we explain the different types and the respective advantages and disadvantages. We want to help you find the most suitable wooden hamster cage for you.
Cage with one floor
For a species-appropriate attitude, a cage with a level is basically sufficient, as long as the base of the cage is at least 0.5 m². Should you decide for such a hamster home, sufficient climbing opportunities are even more important. For example, there are special climbing walls or ladders for hamsters.
Advantages
- Cheap
- Stable
- Individually expandable with additional shelves depending on the height
Disadvantage
- Other climbing opportunities necessary
As a substitute for an additional level, a thin wooden plate can also be used, which is stably fixed on the sleeping house. Use the best natural boards of beech or birch, but never a chipboard or plywood – it was often made with chemicals that are toxic to the little rodents.
With these cages, you also wanted to make sure that the bedding is still high enough. The hamster uses it to bury its food in it. It should be at least 15 cm high at best.
Two or more tiered cage
Wooden cages with more than one level offer the little rodent more variety and movement in his home. Many of these cages are equipped with a flap to open the cage, which can be opened to the front, while models with only one floor can usually only be opened at the top.
This is beneficial for two reasons. Firstly, reaching in from above is stressful for the hamster, as it is quickly associated with danger. On the other hand, cleaning the cage will be much easier if it is also accessible from the side.
With regard to the recommended floor space, it is important that in this case it refers to the run-off area per level and under no circumstances may it simply be added up.
Advantages
- Climbing possibilities are already included
- More variety
- Larger outlet area
Disadvantage
- Unstable if the footprint is too small
In wooden cages with several levels, these are usually connected by climbing ladders. Here you should make sure that the fall height is not too high in case of a possible fall. Otherwise, you risk that the animal could seriously injure itself.
If you are interested in a cage that goes over more than one floor, you should also make sure that it is really suitable for your hamster. Nagervillen, especially from hardware stores, are indeed sold as hamster cages, are due to the larger grid spacing actually only suitable for the larger guinea pigs.
Purchase criteria: These criteria allow you to compare and rate wooden hamster cages
Below we show you the criteria that you can use to compare and evaluate wooden hamster cages. This will make it easier for you to get an overview and decide on a suitable and effective model.
In summary, these are the following criteria:
- footprint
- Number of floors
- Used wood
- domestic equipments
Below you can read what the specific criteria are and why it makes sense for you to acquire a model based on the criteria or not.
footprint
As described above, your new cage should have a footprint of at least 0.5 m². The hamster home should be big enough to make it varied.
Dwarf hamsters move more actively in their home, so enough spout is particularly important in this species. But even with golden hamsters, the cage should not be too tight, so that all utensils of the small rodent find their place.
Number of floors
Whether you choose a one-level model or a rodent cage with multiple levels is a matter of taste. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages.
Although cages with a floor are initially cheaper. But then subsequently subsequently installed levels must be reinvested. In the end, you often end up financially at a similar price.
Hamster homes, which come with a lower part made of plexi glass and a wooden top, bring with them yet another advantage: they make it possible that the bedding is filled sufficiently high enough and still does not fall by romping out of the cage.
Used wood
If new wooden cages are offered for under € 40 then you should take a closer look. Often then very favorable barrier or chipboard or very thin-cut passive wood was used.
Why is that problematic? Especially if glue or glue is used on the material, you risk your hamster getting sick from his own home.
In addition, moist stains, for example through urine, quickly leave sustainable marks on thin wood, causing it to rotting faster. So rather invest in a high-quality cage, from which you have something longer.
Domestic Equipments
Many cages are delivered directly with a basic set of interiors. If sleeping houses, toys or the hamster wheel are already included in the package, you should look at them closely.
If they are made of wood, clay or other “hamster-compatible” materials and well-made, this will take away the search for the necessary utensils anyway.
Trivia: Facts worth knowing about the topic of wooden hamster cages
What should you pay attention to when cleaning?
For a long and healthy hamster life, hygiene is very important. To protect your little rodent, but not least also to avoid unpleasant odors, regular cleaning is therefore a must.
To make it easier for you to clean, it’s best to choose a cage that opens up or up. The flap should only be closed reliably because otherwise the small animals like to tear out.
This is part of the daily cleaning of your hamster home:
- detect hidden, fresh food and dispose of it if necessary before they can spoil
- Locate contaminated areas in the cage with faeces and urine and clean them generously. For the dirty litter remove and replace with fresh
At least once a month, there is a basic cleaning of the cage:
- Bedding and possibly sand must be completely replaced
- Tip: keep some of the “old” bedding and sprinkle it afterwards back into the cage, because the familiar smell calms the animals
- Cleaning and disinfecting the floors with vinegar water
- Thorough cleaning of the drinking and feeding bowls and possibly the nipple drinker
By the way, hot water and possibly some vinegar are sufficient. In no case should you resort to rinsing or other cleaning agents as they leave residues on the wood that are toxic to your little rodents.
What belongs in a hamster cage?
Once the perfect wooden cage has been found, you should devote yourself to setting up the new rodent mansion. Again, you should fall back on as natural as possible materials.
For example, utensils made of wood, clay and ceramics are popular. What belongs to the basic equipment of the hamster cage, you will find here:
- Sleeping houses: Hamsters use it not only to sleep, but also as a retreat and storage for their “prey”. Therefore, it should definitely be spacious and provide security, perfect are so-called multi-chamber houses.
- Feeding bowls and water dispensers: The hamster cage should be equipped with at least two feeders, for dry and for wet food. Nipple drinkers are particularly suitable for the adequate supply of water as they protect the water from contamination. If you opt for a drinking bowl, the water must be changed at least once a day as it is easily contaminated by food or litter.
- Sandbath: Similar to the related chinchillas, hamsters love to clean their fur in bathing sand. For this purpose, the chinchilla sand is particularly good.
- Bedding: Corn, plant or hemp bedding is best suited. Even the common small animal litter made of wood chips has proven itself.
- Hamster wheel: So that your little rodent gets enough exercise, a wheel is a must in every hamster cage. It must not be too small, otherwise injuries threaten on the back. Recommended is a diameter of at least 30 cm, and it should also be closed on one side.
- Climbing and playing possibilities: Whether ramps or climbing walls, hamsters are happy about every opportunity to let off steam. This also applies to tunnels, tubes or other ways to hide and food. Important here, too: natural materials such as untreated wood or clay are more appropriate to the species and the more animal-friendly alternative to plastic. This poses a danger to the small rodents and does not belong in the cage.
Where should the hamster cage be set up?
Since hamsters are after-active animals, their home is best set up in a quiet part of the home. The bedroom is therefore not a good idea, as hamsters let off steam at night. Perfect, if available, is the study or alternatively the living room.
And not to burden his sensitive lungs, smoking should be avoided near your little rodent.
Hamsters also get nervous quickly when confronted with too many sounds. In the immediate vicinity of the TV quickly disfigures stress for him, better is a quiet corner in the room.
Even drafts or permanent heat, for example, by a heater strain the little animals very quickly and quickly cause him to get sick. The best place to place the cage on a stool or table – so you have your little rodent always good in the eye and it protects directly better against too cold air.