Top Rated Dwarf Hamster Cage for 2023 – A Comprehensive Comparison
We believe that both you and your pet deserve the best cage for a dwarf hamster, so that’s why we’ve compiled all the important info you need in a guide down below. If you don’t have time to check it out, perhaps you might want to know that Dr. Fox has decided that the product that you most likely have to consider is the Kaytee CritterTrail 2-Level. Although it’s affordable, this model ensures that your pet gets ample space so that he or she feels comfortable all the time. The cage is accompanied by an exercise wheel, two tubes, and the regular food and water dispensing accessories you might find with other choices. If the Kaytee CritterTrail 2-Level is no longer in stock, check out the second best alternative, the Pico XL.
Comparison table
This cute looking hamster cage will surely be a hit with your pets, as it provides them with plenty of means to exercise. The wheel and the tunnels that connect the two floors will provide them with enough entertainment, so they don’t get bored. The cage comes with a secured front door, so your hamsters will not be able to open it. A food dish and a water bottle complete the picture of this hamster cage.
There are pet owners who complain about the fact that this cage is really tricky to put together.
A hamster cage that is inexpensive, fun for your hamsters, and equipped with nice extras.
This wire cage has a classic design, and that is a good thing. Your pet hamster will enjoy plenty of space, and the visibility is very good. This particular model comes with several extras, such as a small plastic house where your hamster can hide in when he or she doesn’t want to be bothered. The exercise wheel and the various levels present will provide enough excitement for your pet when he or she wants to move around.
Following the assembly instructions is paramount, or otherwise, it will be a hassle.
A classic wire cage that comes with straightforward features for a pet’s comfortable life.
This habitat is easy to connect with other habitats made by the same company. It is not very large, but it can be used as a secondary cage when you need to clean the primary habitat. The wire components ensure plenty of breathability, so your little hamster will not feel any discomfort. The large exercise wheel is a nice extra, and there are also a food bowl and a water dispenser, so that your pet will not wish for anything more.
Be aware that this cannot serve as a primary habitat, for the simple reason that it is too small.
Equipped with all that is needed, this small cage can serve as an extra component for a larger habitat.
Our Top Choice 
2nd Best
Also To Consider
5 Best Cages for Dwarf Hamsters (Reviews) in 2023
Want to save some time? If that’s the case, we suggest you have a look at the next products. We’ve noticed that they have received some of the best dwarf hamster cage reviews, which is why we have decided to recommend them to you.
1. Kaytee CritterTrail Two-Level Habitat
As one of the most popular choices out there, it stands to reason that the Kaytee CritterTrail had to come with something that made it so critically acclaimed. For one, it doesn’t cost a lot of money, so you won’t have to break the bank in order to get it. Secondly, it’s a combination, which is to say that while it is primarily a wire cage, it has been outfitted with several components made out of plastic. If you love all animals and you are also interested to find out more about budgie cages, check out our review.
Furthermore, one should consider the fact that this product comes with an exterior extreme wheel, a food dish, a water bottle, as well as two built-in tunnels that lead to the second floor. This 2-level habitat can become the home of any small-sized rodent, whether you own a mouse, a dwarf hamster, or even a gerbil.
The front access door is safe enough to ensure that you never desperately have to look for the hamster in your room.
Pros
It’s one of the affordable choices available in the market today.
It comes with a variety of accessories that increase the value offered by the product.
The model is a 2-level habitat, so your pet won’t feel like he or she doesn’t have enough space.
Both the built-in tunnels and the exercise wheel can provide the fun that your dwarf hamster might be after once in a while.
The front access door that this particular unit has been outfitted with seems to be safe enough as it doesn’t allow the pet to escape.
Cons
Several buyers have reported that it might take a while for you to set up the cage as it doesn’t come with extremely straightforward instructions.
You cannot add extra tubes to the cage because they might not fit well, which is why the hamster could discover a way of escaping his or her enclosure.
2. Rosewood Pico Hamster Cage
While it might be slightly less budget-friendly compared to other choices, the Pico XL should undoubtedly be given some thought to as it will provide the right amount of space that your pet requires.
This product is a classic wire cage that comes with an exercise wheel, a feeding component, as well as several levels that the hamster can go to. A small plastic house is also part of the deal with this product.
The neat thing about this alternative is that most of those who have bought it report that it’s easy to clean. Some say that they spot clean it every day and do a thorough cleaning every week, whereas others have other habits. The fact is that most hamsters will find it a bit hard to readjust to the base of their cage once it has been sanitized. They need to make sure that their natural smell is present everywhere.
Pros
The Pico XL offers more than enough space for a medium to a small-sized hamster. It comes with several levels and has been outfitted with the right components so as to allow the pet to safely walk from one floor to the next.
Some of the accessories that come with the hamster home include an exercise wheel and a feeding component.
Even people who have typical Syrian hamsters have found that this model is adequate in terms of the space it provides.
Because of its construction, there’s literally no way for the pet to escape.
Cons
The installation process might be a headache if you don’t have the necessary patience to try to understand the instructions.
Some owners have received defective pieces. However, this issue was swiftly resolved with a phone call to the dealer or customer service ensured by the manufacturing brand.
3. Habitrail Small Animal Cage
Even before you look at the specs of this option, it is important to note that it is quite small and might not offer all the comfort in terms of the space available for your pet. As such, we suggest you consider this choice if you want a safe place to put your hamster in while you are cleaning the main habitat.
This product comes with great air circulation because half of it is made from plastic and half comes with wires. Of course, if you have another cage made by the same brand, you won’t run into any issues when connecting it to other habitats by Habitrail.
The model features a water dispenser, a food component, a well as an exercise wheel. A plastic house can also be found to be part of the deal. While there are stairs that the tiny hamster can use in order to reach another level, there’s little space available once it has reached the destination.
Pros
It doesn’t cost a fortune, which is a detail you ought to take into account if you’re on a strict budget.
The Habitrail Cristal comes with a number of accessories such as an exercise wheel, a plastic house, a food component, as well as a water dispenser.
It weighs in at less than four pounds, so you can even utilize it if you want to take your hamster to a vet’s appointment.
The exercise wheel doesn’t make too much noise, so it won’t bother anyone.
Cons
This product is a fairly small option, so it might not offer the right amount of space so as to let your pet feel comfortable.
If any of the parts fall off or can’t be kept in place, you may have to use your DIY-ing skills and use a glue gun.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Because getting the best cage for dwarf hamster might be a tedious task, you might want to have a look at our guide. It’s packed with some of the most important details you ought to keep in mind if you want to make sure you’re getting the back for the buck and a product that best speaks to the needs of your pet.
What style are you looking for?
Let’s face it. There are several types of hamster homes available for sale. Some are made with wire, others have been constructed from plastic, whereas the last kind we have come across resembles a typical aquarium. As a former hamster owner myself, I can tell you that keeping your pet in an aquarium is not recommended.
Whether you prefer a plastic modular cage or a wire one, the fact is that it needs to ensure proper ventilation. Plastic alternatives, for example, might come with tubes and all sorts of accessories that restrict the access of clean air to the interior of the enclosure. You need to make sure that your pet is able to breathe properly because there’s a high chance of condensation happening inside the cage.
Ease of cleaning
Another issue that you might be confronted with is that dwarf hamster food seems to get everywhere around the cage if it doesn’t feature some sort of component that prevents this situation from happening.
Something else that you need to look at is how easy it is for you to set up and uninstall the cage or at least take its bottom out for cleaning. The more complex it is, the harder you’ll find it to remove the bedding and disinfect its many surfaces. Aquariums are a breeze, in this sense, because they allow you to just transfer the hamster to a safe place and tend to their cleaning without having to remove any components.
Safety
When it comes to whether or not the pet will manage to escape, you need to make sure that the cage is built according to your needs. A dwarf hamster is particularly small and resourceful, which is why he or she will find a way of getting out. Some plastic cages can’t put up with the chewing activity of hamsters, which is why they might succumb to their habits at some point or the other.
In this respect, both wire cages and aquariums are better than their plastic counterparts. With wire options, however, you need to make sure that all of the gates and access ways can be closed correctly. Because of its size, such a hamster would be a pain to look for in a normal-sized room. If you give the pet any opportunity, he or she will escape without a doubt.
Accessories
It goes without saying that wire cages are those that are compatible with most accessories because you will find means of attaching them to the walls. This does not apply to aquariums since very few exercise wheels, for instance, boast suction cups, and most of the times, they aren’t good enough to put up with the activity of the pet.
Dwarf Hamsters vs. Hamsters – How to Choose
Adopting a new pet is a great responsibility and you need to make sure you are up for the challenge, whether we’re talking about a dog, a cat, a chinchilla or even a hamster. And if the latter is your choice, make sure to check it out here and see which one of the breeds is suitable for you and your family.
General information
Hamsters are not only cute and fun to have around but they are also low-maintenance and compatible with your busy lifestyle. Many people opt for them as “first pets” because they can be left alone for hours and don’t require being taken out for walks. These cute rodents are also resistant and overall affordable to keep anywhere – in dorm houses, in regular houses, lofts or condos.
Another reason why people choose hamsters as their pets is because they are social and curious creatures that can develop a special bond with their owners, provided they have enough time to adjust.
There are 18 species of hamsters known today, classified in seven genera. However, the most popular breeds kept as small house pets include the golden Syrian hamster, the winter white dwarf hamster, the Roborovski hamster, and the Campbell dwarf hamster.
These animals are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they prefer being active during the night and sleep or rest during the day. Thus, despite the fact that they are affordable and low-maintenance, they may not be the best option for families with small children.
Hamsters mainly feed on fruits, seeds, veggies, and occasionally they eat burrowing insects, especially if they live in the wild. Dry pellets bought from the local pet shops are usually enough to meet all their dietary requirements and also contain up to 20% proteins, which keep your hammies strong, healthy, and active.
However, make sure the food you buy is specially intended for them and not for other animals like chins or rabbits.
It is important to know that each hamster breed comes with its own characteristics and you should take into account your pet’s personality if you want it to live a long and happy life as part of your family. Here is how to choose the perfect breed and individual that will match your lifestyle.
Syrian hamsters
They are the most common and recommended breed for new pet owners because they are curious, fun, and easy to look after. The color of their fur varies, covering almost all tones from off-white to dark grey, brown, gold, and even black.
Syrian hamsters have a lifespan of 2-3 years but they can survive well after their fourth birthday in captivity. They measure 6-7 inches and are best kept alone in their cages due to their territorial behavior.
They are fluffy and usually feature a golden-brown coat and a white belly, which is why most owners consider them irresistible. They are very curious by nature and love a good challenge, so make sure their cage is full of tubes, huts, chewing toys, and exercise wheels to keep boredom away.
They are fun to interact with and create a strong bond with their owners after a while. A Syrian hamster’s personality is usually good-natured, slow-paced, easy to tame, and calm, which makes it suitable for training and interacting with both adults and children. However, as we previously mentioned, it is best to keep them alone and limit their interaction with other pets, including other hamsters.
Syrian hammies make perfect first pets and can help your children grow into responsible young adults. They are larger in size than dwarf breeds, which makes them easy to handle and pet even by children. The main disadvantage is that, similar to almost all other rodents, they prefer being active at night, which may disrupt your child’s sleeping patterns if they live in the same room.
Campbell’s dwarf hamster
The most common type of dwarf hamster found in pet shops all around the world, Campbell’s measures approximately four inches in length and has a relatively short lifespan of 1-2 years, slightly more if it lives in captivity.
Out of all the dwarf hamster breeds, this one is the biggest but doesn’t weigh more than two ounces. It usually has a grey or brownish fur and a distinctive stripe down the spine. In terms of behavior, it is probably the most outgoing and curious breed of hamsters. It is a social creature and prefers the company of same-sex individuals and humans.
Like most other hamster breeds, Campbell’s dwarf rodent is mainly nocturnal, being active after six in the afternoon. It can become nippy, especially around strangers or if it feels stressed or threatened. Nevertheless, it creates a special bond with its owner and enjoys being gently pet.
Due to its small dimensions and active lifestyle, this dwarf hamster breed is not recommended for children or those with small hands as it can easily slip through your palms and get lost in the house.
These rodents require a big cage, preferably a two-story design that comes with various tunnels, ladders, huts, and exercise wheels to burn off extra energy. They also love storing food in their cheek pouches, meaning they can easily get overweight or obese if they don’t have enough space to run and exercise.
Dwarf hamsters can live in any room or house as long as their cage is kept away from direct sunlight and high temperatures in the summertime.
Roborovski dwarf hamster
Sweet and docile, these adorable nocturnal creatures rarely bite. The “Robo hamsters” as they are usually called are the smallest hamster breed and rarely grow more than two inches in length. They weigh less than an ounce at maturity and they should be handled with great care.
Similar to other dwarf hamsters, the Roborovskis aren’t exactly the best pets for teenagers or children. Although they live around three years or even more in captivity, they should be mainly kept as observation animals due to their small size. You should avoid grabbing them or petting them too in order not to stroke too hard and cause damage.
These small and cute rodents can display a wide variety of fur colors but they are usually brown with a white side and a white belly. They are extremely active and curious, so it’s not a good idea to take them out of their cage and leave them unattended, even if it’s just for a couple of seconds.
Regular wired cages won’t work for these hamsters either as they can easily escape through the bars due to their small dimensions. We suggest keeping them in large plastic cages or in glass terrariums with no possibility of escaping.
Don’t forget that they enjoy some good entertainment, so you need to provide them with lots of chewing toys, tunnels, and at least one exercise wheel to burn some calories.
Much like the Campbell hamster, the Roborovski can live alone or with other same-sex individuals from similar breeds. However, if you plan on keeping more than one pet in the same cage, make sure to introduce them before they reach 12 weeks of age.
They are also nocturnal so don’t expect too much interaction with them during the day. However, they are easy to attend and their cages don’t occupy too much space, meaning they can become suitable pets for active, busy grownups.
As we previously mentioned, dwarf hamsters are not suitable pets for children or toddlers because they are small, fast, and quite hard to tame. Despite being low-maintenance, they still require your love and attention, so make sure you can commit to them before adopting.
How To Care For A Dwarf Hamster
Hamsters make great pet companions and are perfect for children or those who don’t have a lot of spare time. These furry animals are small and low-maintenance and need just the right diet, bedding, and some comfy hamster cages, and can teach your child all about responsibilities and properly looking after others.
So, if you’ve decided to adopt a new baby dwarf hamster and make it feel at home as much as possible, here is everything you need to know about the process.
Making a home for your pet
The most important aspect you need to take into account when you’re bringing home your new pet for the first time is to have a suitable cage for it. Dwarf hamsters measure a few inches in length but, despite their small size, they require plenty of space to be happy.
Before adopting a new pet it’s always best to learn as much as possible about the animal, different breeds, food required, and all the necessary details to perfectly accommodate it. We suggest you start by picking the right cage.
It should be big enough to provide plenty of space for your hamster to run and exercise. There are various home options you should consider, from glass aquariums to metallic cages, and plastic cages.
Glass aquariums are perfect for your dwarf hamster because they provide shelter from cold temperatures and allow you to easily see what your pet is up to every moment of the day.
However, they are limited in space, more difficult to clean, and heavier, which means you won’t get to move them from one place to another too often. You should also avoid putting them in direct sunlight as the glass easily heats and may create an environment that is too hot for your sensitive pet.
Plastic cages are lightweight and easy to move. They come in countless shapes and sizes, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. They usually provide numerous entertainment alternatives such as tunnels, tubes, and stairs to climb and exercise.
Unfortunately, if you don’t pick a sturdy one, your rodent may chew its way out of it and you’ll end up replacing the cage often.
Metallic cages with detachable trays are the most suitable option because they provide a sturdy and safe environment. The bars cannot be chewed and there isn’t enough room between them for your pet to escape. They are also resistant to shocks and are specifically designed to transport your hamster safely.
Mandatory supplies
Once you’ve picked the right house for your new pet, it’s high time you took a look at the accessories required for the wellbeing of your animal. Don’t forget to add a water bottle, an exercise wheel, an inside house or a hiding place, a food tray, the right mix of food for healthy growth, safe and comfortable bedding, and enough toys for entertainment.
Comfortable bedding
When it comes to choosing the perfect bedding for your hamster’s cage, there are countless options worth considering. No matter your choice of brand or material, you should opt for an absorbent one to hold onto excess moisture and allow your pet to comfortably walk and run around the cage.
You could pick slightly scented bedding as long as the fragrance isn’t too powerful to have a negative effect on your hamster’s health. Opt for fresh and natural fragrances like forest or citrus that will not only eliminate pet odors but will also make your dwarf hamster feel more at home.
Wood dust is probably one of the most affordable and suitable options for small rodents like gerbils, hamsters, and chinchillas as it’s close to their natural wild habitat. However, make sure there aren’t any sharp parts or splinters that could cut or hurt your furry animal. Rodents have very sensitive paws so you’ll also want to reconsider paper bedding.
Wood dust that is too fine can also have a negative impact on your animal’s health. Your pet can easily inhale the dust particles and suffocate or develop breathing problems. We recommend talking to a vet or a pet shop specialist before ordering any type of bedding for your dwarf hamster.
As for how often you should change the bedding, it depends on how absorbent it is, how big the cage is, and how many inhabitants live in the same cage. Large cages don’t require changing the bedding more than once a week, while smaller ones must be attended twice a week.
Proper food
Hamsters love having their cheek pouches full of food, so you have to be careful on the amount you’re feeding your animal daily. Keep in mind that they can easily suffer from overweight and obesity, especially if they don’t have enough exercising and entertainment options.
There are various foods you can safely feed your hamster, and that includes fresh fruits, veggies, and seeds.
A proper diet should also be determined based on the hamster’s origins. Although hamsters can be found in all environments, their dietary preferences may vary. For instance, dwarf hamsters originate from desert environments, thus foods rich in water may cause diarrhea and digestive problems.
Some of the fresh fruits and veggies that are safe for this breed include spinach, turnip, pumpkin seeds, chicory, asparagus, kale, oatmeal, sesame seeds, bananas, and berries. For a balanced and complete diet, don’t forget to also integrate a healthy source of proteins (grasshoppers or crickets).
Avoid feeding your dwarf hamster fruit seeds, watermelon, avocado, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, processed foods, sweets or fruits rich in sugar, onion, and garlic or salted food (including salted nuts).
Exercise wheels and running balls
Hamsters are social creatures. They are very curious and creative, so you’ll have to consider various ways of entertainment to avoid boredom. And, since they have the tendency of overeating and hoarding, you should consider installing a running wheel in their cage.
Exercise wheels, running balls, tunnels, and interactive toys should all be placed in your animal’s cage. They should be made of 100% safe materials and shouldn’t come with any sharp edges or materials that might cause allergic reactions.
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