New Syrian Hamster called Shadow

[MrBen]

We recently got our little girl a hamster as a first pet, she loves him! My question is, I went to a local chain pet shop, and they recommended the

Savic Hamster Sky Hamster and Mouse Cage linked here https://www.petsathome.com/product/...large/7128439P?productId=7128439&size=oneSize but after bringing everything home and watching more videos on hamsters, I have made a few changes to his step up to hopefully make him a bit happier in his new home. We have removed the tubes and all plastic platforms and replaced with wooden platforms and a diy multi-chamber hides. I have added a sand bath and a ceramic hide as it's been so hot recently. I have also upgraded his wheel as the one that came with the cage seems too small for him. Is there anything else I can do to make sure Shadow is happy in his new home? Thanks​

 

[Maz]

Hello. That is not a bad sized cage, but it is under the minimum recommended size these days He will be fine for a while but I would recommend upgrading to a 100cm by 50cm cage. It's great you removed the plastic tubes though as they are an escape route, and some hamsters can grow so large they get stuck in them. Plus it skews their normal behaviours. Without them he will build a nest or burrow at ground level, bury his hoards under his sleeping area, and develop better toiletting habits

Having said about upgrading, it is best not to do it too quickly when a new hamster is settling in. They need a good 10 days to two weeks just to adjust to their new environment and cage and it can also set that back if anything is changed. So any cage change ideally would not be for at least three weeks to a month or possibly a bit longer.

It would be lovely to see a photo of him!

I've added our recommended cages guide. However it is frustrating when you've just paid for a cage to think about paying for another one. Some people have actually taken the first one back for a refund after getting the second one, or some keep it as a play cage for during clean outs or a hospital cage in case of illness or surgery.

Hamster Cages 2026

Here is a list of suitable cages available for hamsters in 2026. Whether you prefer tank style or barred cages, front access or top access, there is, thankfully, plenty of choice in the Uk and Europe. Choice in the US is mainly tanks and tank style or diy. Both tank style and barred cages...

www.thehamsterforum.com

 

[MrBen]

Thanks for the advice and kind words, he seems much happier now is is using all areas of his new house, I will look at getting a bigger cage but will leave him to settle into his new home for a while.

He loves broccoli and climbed onto my hand this morning to have a little treat.

Here is a few photos of Shadow.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Shadow is such a cutie He's got a lovely home

 

[Vanessa1]

Shadow is a gorgeous hamster looking forward to seeing more pictures of him and hearing about his adventures Ness