Hamsters and guinea pigs are small, furry creatures that make great pets. They are both popular choices for first-time pet owners. So, the question often arises: can you use a guinea pig cage for a hamster? With a few modifications, you can turn a guinea pig cage into the perfect home for your hamster.
In this blog post, I will discuss the pros and cons of using a guinea pig cage for a hamster and how to modify a guinea pig cage to make it suitable for a hamster. I will also provide tips on choosing the right guinea pig cage for your hamster.
Can You Use a Guinea Pig Cage for a Hamster?
Guinea pig cages are perfect for hamsters since they are larger and their cages are roomier. The larger the cage, the better, as hamsters are very active creatures and need plenty of space to run around and play.
Modifications to Make to the Guinea Pig Cage
Size
The size of a guinea pig cage is usually fine for a hamster. However, if you have a baby hamster, you may want to get a smaller cage.
Wire Mesh Top Cage
The wire mesh top on a guinea pig cage is important for hamsters. Ensure that the mesh top fits snugly on the cage and that there are no gaps or holes that your hamster could escape through.
Substrate
The substrate is the material that lines the bottom of the cage. For a guinea pig, this is usually hay or straw.
However, you will need to use a different substrate for a hamster, such as wood shavings or paper bedding. This is because hamsters like to burrow, and hay can irritate their skin.
Water Bottle
Guinea pigs drink from a water bottle that hangs on the side of their cage. However, hamsters are too small to reach the spout on a guinea pig water bottle.
Instead, you will need to get a small water bottle attached to the side of the cage or a bowl that is heavy enough that your hamster cannot tip it over.
Food Bowl
Guinea pigs eat from a hay feeder, a large, open-topped container. However, hamsters are very messy eaters and will scatter their food everywhere.
For this reason, you will need to get a small food bowl that can be attached to the side of the cage.
Exercise Wheel
Guinea pigs do not usually have an exercise wheel in their cage. However, hamsters love to run, and an exercise wheel is a great way to keep them active.
Make sure that the wheel is the right size for your hamster and that it is securely attached to the cage.
Bar Spacing
The bar spacing on a guinea pig cage is usually too wide for a hamster. Hamsters are very small creatures and can easily slip through the bars of a guinea pig cage.
To solve this problem, you can either get a cage with smaller bars or line the inside of the cage with wire mesh.
Flooring
The floor of a guinea pig cage is usually made of wire mesh. This can be uncomfortable for a hamster to walk on and cause their feet to become sore.
You can line the bottom of the cage with paper bedding or add a layer of wood shavings to solve this problem.
Advantages of Using a Guinea Pig Cage for a Hamster
There are several advantages to using a guinea pig cage for a hamster.
Cheap
It is cheaper than buying a hamster-specific cage. Guinea pigs are also less active than hamsters, so their cages tend to be roomier.
This means more space for your hamster to run around and play.
Wide Range of Sizes
There is a wide range of sizes available. This means that you can find the perfect size for your hamster.
Wide Range of Styles
There is a wide range of styles available. This means that you can find the perfect cage for your hamster’s needs.
Convenient
Guinea pig cages are easier to find in pet stores than hamster cages. This means that you can get the cage you want without ordering it online.
Disadvantages of Using a Guinea Pig Cage for a Hamster
There are some disadvantages to using a guinea pig cage for a hamster.
- The wire mesh top can be too big for your hamster, and they may be able to escape.
- The substrate is usually hay or straw, which can irritate your hamster’s skin.
- The water bottle is usually too big for your hamster to reach.
- The food bowl is usually too small, and your hamster will scatter their food everywhere.
- The exercise wheel is usually the wrong size for your hamster.
- The bar spacing is usually too wide, and your hamster may be able to escape.
- The flooring is usually wire mesh, which can be uncomfortable for your hamster.
Tips on choosing the right guinea pig cage for your hamster
If you are considering using a guinea pig cage for your hamster, make sure to take the time to choose the right one.
- Look for a cage with small bars or wire mesh lining the inside to prevent your hamster from escaping.
- Choose a cage with the right size exercise wheel for your hamster.
- Pick a cage with paper bedding or wood shavings on the bottom to make it more comfortable for your hamster.
- Avoid cages with hay or straw substrate to prevent your hamster’s skin irritation.
- Make sure the water bottle is the right size for your hamster.
- Get a food bowl that is big enough for your hamster to eat from without scattering their food everywhere.
Consider the size, style, and features you need to create a safe and comfortable environment for your hamster. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect cage for your furry friend.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the transition:
- Hamsters are much smaller than guinea pigs, so you will need to make sure the cage bars are close enough that your hamster cannot escape.
- Hamsters like to burrow and build nests, so you need to provide them with bedding material such as shredded paper or hay.
- Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, so they may make noise at night when you are trying to sleep. Consider placing their cage in a room not adjacent to your bedroom.
- Provide your hamster with plenty of toys and things to do to keep them entertained. Otherwise, they may become bored and destructive.
- Clean the cage regularly to prevent your hamster from getting sick.
Making the switch from a guinea pig cage to a hamster cage can be a bit of work, but it is definitely worth creating a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friend.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to use a guinea pig cage for a hamster. You only need to make some adjustments to make it work for your hamster.
I hope this article has helped you learn how to modify a guinea pig cage to suit a hamster and also the advantages of using a guinea pig cage for a hamster.