File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
So, I missed what happened to the last hamster thread yesterday. Anyway, I'm interested in getting a robo dwarf (or more than one) as a pet. What's a good size terrarium to keep these little guys? :)
>> tigerfeather !CrwtTbFNxQ
They shouldn't be kept in a terrarium because terrariums don't facilitate enough air flow (so don't get one of those fancy all-plastic ones, either!!), and hamsters have sensitive respiratory systems. You should be getting a cage with wire bars and a plastic or metal bottom (plastic is much cheaper though). Make sure that the cage does NOT have wire on the bottom, as little hammy feet get stuck and injured easily on them.

As for size? Most Robo breeders will tell you that they need the most amount of space per hamster of all dwarf hamsters. Most will get along in a standard-size "hamster" cage, but I recommend getting something a little larger (longer) if you can. Try to avoid multi-level homes, as hamsters have poor long-distance vision and will tend to fall off of edges.

Robos need a lot of stimulation, so make sure you change out the toys every week or so. You can rotate the same three or four sets of toys, so that you don't have to buy a ton of stuff. And remember, they are going to chew up everything you give them, so don't give them anything that could hurt them if ingested. =) You'd be surprised how well Lego forts and toilet paper tubes can work for your little hammies.

Good luck with your new babies. =)
>> Anonymous
>>89456

All the people I know who keep hamsters use terrariums. The wire cages can be squeezed out of and they can chew on the wires and hurt themselves. Maybe I've just heard too many horror stories about it. :/ All the terrariums I have right now work out fine, they have a high screen top that allows airflow, and they're not near any source of heat. I definitely don't like those plastic cages, those seem to have only small little air holes. I don't know, I still think a terrarium is the best way to go. I will change if it seems there's not enough air, certainly!

Thank you very much for the information by the way, it helped a lot. :)
>> Anonymous
If you're worried about airflow just wire up a fan to the roof. You can get a 80mm PC case fan for 5 bucks, and all you need then is a low amperage AC/DC converter, wire cutters, electrical tape, and a little bit of time.

You should use a lower voltage AC/DC converter than the standard 12v if you want less airflow, which you probably do.
>> Anonymous
I have seen robos squeeze out of wire cages with rediculous ease. I'm sure Tigerfeather means well, but for the micro hams you really need a terrarium. There are ways to improve airflow
>> Renalikins Anonymous
Definitely get more than one...they are social and if you get one, it might die of loneliness...my boyfriend and I made that mistake. Besides, two is way more fun to watch!
>> Renalikins Anonymous
If you don't want a terrarium because you are worried about airflow...just get one of the plastic cages with different levels and tubes...they have the same stuff as the wire ones, but your hamsters can't get out easily.
>> Anonymous
I strongly suggest terrariums. Wire cages let all the crap and food of the hamsters spilled outside the cage. If you are worried about air flow, there are some terrariums with one hole per side (wired of course so they can't escape.) which can pretty much let the air flow easily.

Female hamsters smell a lot more, since their urine has a scent to attract the male. So I suggest you getting male hamsters if you want to avoid strong stinks in your room.

I really love hamsters and guinea pigs, but they crap a lot everyday and you will need to clean the cage/terrarium once per week...
>> Anonymous
>>89667

Dwarf hamsters generally don't have the same problems with the female smelling more. That's usually just the bigger Syrian variety.
>> Anonymous
>>89655

Your hamster probably didn't die of loneliness, Roborovskis can live long lives alone. It might have been stress of moving into a new environment that caused him/her to pass. I'm sorry for your loss. :(

Small animals are very easy to stress out just by bringing them home, so it's not like you did anything wrong, some just aren't strong enough to endure the change.
>> tigerfeather !CrwtTbFNxQ
>>89478
It's interesting because I've had hamsters for years and years and I've never seen that happen, Robos or otherwise! ~shrug~ I guess don't get a cage meant for a rat, XD
>> Anonymous
>>89802

I heard once that Syrian hamsters can possibly fit themselves through an opening the size of a quarter if they wanted to. I can only imagine what a 2 inch robo could squeeze out of. XD
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
MORE KAWAII PLS ^_____________________^
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>90486

Silence, weeaboo!
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
Like this
>> Anonymous
I gotta say, I'm all for wire cages and swear by them, but robos in a glass cage is just asking for loose hamsters and that's not good for anyone.
Anyway, since you won't be buying a hood (just a wire cover), the an aquarium tank shouldn't cost too much. I'd recommend at least a 20 gallon, but hey, bigger is more room to run about in. Similarly, the more air the tank can hold the less harm from urine fumes, I hope.
Terrariums are basically just aquariums with holes and a cap drilled in the side/bottom for putting a heater/waterfall/etc (electrical appliance) inside for reptiles and such. I'd just get an aquarium tank (which is cheaper anyway).
>> Anonymous
my hamster videos

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VwrnbMgsv10

http://youtube.com/watch?v=F_BfThFAKuc

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JHuW4oODhkg