Generally, there are 3 type of cages you can choose from. They are the wire cage, aquarium cage, and the connectable cage.
Metal Cages:
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Advantages:
-Durable and chew resistant.
-Bars allow hamster to climb on.
-Allow air to circulate more freely.
Disadvantages:
-Temperatures fluctuate more drastically as metal can get very cold or very hot depending on the temperature it is exposed to.
-Litter and food tend to scatter as the hamster likes to burrow and move around the cage.
-Metal cages with wire bottoms are not suitable for hamsters as their tiny feet may get caught in the wire.
-The wires are susceptible to rusting, especially if your hamster likes to chew on them.
When buying such cages, opt for one with a non-wire bottom so that your hamster's feet will not get caught at the base. A wire cage with a deep plastic base also reduces the amount of litter and food that is scattered.
2. Aquarium Cage
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Advantages:
-Allow for unrestricted view of the hamster.
-No litter can be kicked out like in the case of the wire cage.
Disadvantages:
-A screened lid will need to be purchased to prevent the hamster from escaping and to protect it from other animals that may try to get in.
-Possible lack of ventilation. Such cages can create a "greenhouse" effect, with temperatures inside the cage being warmer than outside. Water could also condense inside the glass walls creating high humidity, which can be deadly to hamsters.
3. Connectable Cage
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Advantages:
-Allow for additional space to be added on.
-Lots of climbing fun and tunnelling for the hamster.
Disadvantages:
-Adding on space can be quite costly.
-Poor air circulation
Plastic/Wire Mix
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Plastic and wire cages together... what an awesome combination! This new-fangled cage can come in a huge variety of colors, shapes, sizes, styles, and over all appropriatness.
