Glass tanks, such as the 40 gallon breeder tanks (and larger), and the new Niteangel Bigger World Acrylic line make great cages, especially for chewers, because there is nothing to chew. They are providing a lot of space and also visibility inside the cage. This allow you to watch your hamster play inside its cage.
Advantages
- Affordable – you can find them often on sale at reasonable prices
- Meet the minimum cage size requirement
- Provide visibility inside the cage
- Easy to clean
- Ability to use of lot of bedding
- Tall enough to fit any wheel – even a 12 inch silent spinner
Dissadvantages
- Hard to move around
- Require a screen top or a lid
- Require something sturdy to sit on
40 Gallon Breeder Tank
The 40 gallon breeder is the smallest sized tank recommended.
It can be purchased at Petco for 50% off during their $1 per gallon sale, which runs quite a few times during the year. It can also be found used on Craigslist, but make sure to disinfect it properly before use, using diluted bleach.
Because hamsters are little escape artists, you will also need to purchase a screen cover top* and locks to secure the cover. This would cost you $20-$30. Or you can make a lid using wire mesh and wood strips.
You will also need a sturdy stand for these tanks. You can buy a stand from the pet store or use any piece of furniture that you already have that will support the tank. As tank stands are quite expensive, Ikea has some affordable options. One Lack coffee table or two Lack side tables will do the trick.
Water bottles* can be easily attached by either purchasing a metal water bottle guard, which will also protect your water bottle from chewing, or by using industrial strength Velcro* or magnets*. Other items, such as hammocks* can also be attached by using suction cups.
Ikea Detolf Display
The Ikea Detolf display makes an ideal hamster heaven habitat.
It can be purchased at Ikea for $59 plus tax, which makes this one of the least expensive cages for the amount of space it provides.
Because hamsters are little escape artists, you will also need to make a lid using wire mesh and wood strips.
You will also need a sturdy stand for this display. There isn’t a stand that you can readily buy at the pet store, but you can use any large piece of furniture that you already have, big enough that it will support it. Ikea has quite a few affordable options: Kallax shelf unit, Flysta shelf unit, Lack TV unit or four Lack side tables.
Water bottles* can be easily attached by either purchasing a metal water bottle guard, which will also protect your water bottle from chewing, or by using industrial strength Velcro* or magnets*. Other items, such as hammocks* can also be attached by using suction cups.
The new line of Niteangel cages are definitely a valuable addition to the collection of acceptable hamster habitats.
It is made with high-quality MDF boards Frame & PVC boards with top ventilation. It can be purchased on Amazon* for $185 plux tax, which is definitely a price markup to existing options. It comes in 3 sizes and 3 colors, however I do want to note that only the medium and large cages will meet our requirements.
You will also need a sturdy stand for this display. There isn’t a stand that you can readily buy at the pet store, but you can use any large piece of furniture that you already have, big enough that it will support it.
Water bottles* can be easily attached by either purchasing a metal water bottle guard, which will also protect your water bottle from chewing, or by using industrial strength Velcro* or magnets*. Other items, such as hammocks* can also be attached by using suction cups.
* We participate in the Amazon Affiliate Program and we might earn a commission on products ordered through our website.