Habitrail Cristal Hamster Cage

9:19:00 PM cc 1 Comments

Got this for my first hamster which is a winter white. It does appear to be cramped, but its really close to the size of a home printer length and width wise. Its actually a pretty good enough space for the little guy once I put him inside. It really doesn't have alot of room for huts or toys unless you want to remove the second level or take off the wheel. I had to lower the second level it to the 3rd or 4th bar from the bottom so the ladder isn't so steep. However my hamster doesn't like going up there too often, and tends to sleep the tight space behind the wheel. He does like to nap on the second level after running around since it cooler there. The little hiding spot on the second level can always be used as a toilet or bath sand area if your hamster doesn't use it as his nest.

 My hamster also likes climbing on the bars like the monkeys bars from playgrounds which I wish he didn't. But the height of the cage isn't dangerous so he's fine if he does fall from the top. At least he doesn't chew on the bars. At least it keeps him entertained I suppose. I wish the bottom part of the cage was deeper as my hamster seems to just swim in the bedding than walking on top of it. Its not deep enough for him to completely burrow and hide himself in. So I have to put more bedding on an area or two for him to dig up.

I taped the long gaps on the wheel to protect my hamsters feet, and it has worked pretty well so far. He's not a chewer, but the tape will have to be replaced weekly. However the tape does leave so much residue on the wheel so I opt to cut out strips of cardboard to fit snugly on the gaps. My hamster doesn't pee too much on the wheel so it hasn't done much damage to the cardboard. It will have to be replaced. The wheel is big for the guy, but I doubt it will be an issue since he runs perfectly fine in it. Also be sure to oil the wheel before putting it on the axle because its impossible to take it apart afterwards. If anybody knows how to take it apart, let me know! I really like the wheel if it where for those gaps. I may have to replace it with a silent spinner sooner or later.

The water bottle is a bit leaky, but if angled right it won't leak as much or at all. Its a 2 fl oz ball water bottle which is a good size since hamsters don't drink too much. On the side has a printed measurement meter so you can keep track of how much your hamster is drinking. The windows are kind of hard to put on and take out. I already cracked one of the windows while trying to put it in after luring my hamster through it to play. These openings will fit with the other Habitrail and Cittertrail products as they are by the same company. There's only one opening at the top and its not a very big opening. This can make things a bit difficult. I can't take out the wheel to clean it through the opening and its not easy spot cleaning the cage or taking the hamster out. Taking the top white bar off and sliding one side of the bars off makes a huge opening that makes cleaning and observing you hamster alot easier. But it is a hassle to do all that sometimes.

This cage came mostly assembled, and it also came with a brief assembly instructions. Its not very detailed so it took a couple minutes to learn how to open the windows, and disassemble the cage. What I really like about the cage is how great it looks. The bars give great ventilation and view of the hamster. The clear plastic sides are so much more appealing than color plastic. Also its high enough to add a good amount of bedding and not worry about the hamster kicking bedding outside the cage. I think this cage is great for those who want to own a dwarf hamster on a budget. With the two tube openings, it opens up to endless add on possibilities to treat your hamster! The square inch of this cage is about half of the recommended minimum of 360 sq inches for one hamster. If you're looking for a cage that will do everything and not wanting any addons than this cage is not for you. I strongly advise you not to use this as a stand alone cage or else your hamster will eventually get bored and get territorial. Its perfect for starter hamster owners like myself. I bought this through Amazon for a great price and it seems to be a discontinued product from the habitrail brand since its not listed on their site. It is cheaper than buying a bin since you will have to buy everything else.