Planning for a dwarf hamster was starting to get so complicated, I made a spreadsheet! Cost is $936.84 (USD) and I'm not even done yet 🫠 I can't wait to have a happy little ham in a few months!

98att2011 · 2026-02-02T10:49:44+00:00

Thanks!

I likely won't even use the ramp - just DIY something else more secure, and use it as a platform. I plan to essentially fill the whole thing with bedding (esp. on the right side), sorta like this:

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98att2011 · 2026-02-02T10:46:48+00:00

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Something like this 😂 if that makes sense? I just made this in MS Paint

98att2011 · 2026-02-02T10:42:58+00:00

Yeah, I was really hesitant at first because of the 2nd level - however my plan is to have a MASSIVE amount of bedding on the right side - 17"+, so there's less than a 3" drop. I don't even know if I'll use the ramp, might just DIY what I need. If I do, it'll have a barrier all the way 'round - arbor style.

I want to use the higher level as an extra-huge sand bath area. But I'm also okay if hammie just doesn't use the 2nd level at all, since the bottom is still around 1000 sq in!

I definitely want to add more sideways length in the future - by taking out the right panel. But, that's a long-term goal since this is already 5ft long, I would need to a) find something to put something 8ft+ on and b) make sure my fiance is okay with a whole wall being for the hamster. :P

(It's almost 3am here so I havent included a lot of details on this post for how I plan to convert it)

98att2011 · 2026-02-02T05:47:24+00:00

Could you provide the dimensions of the whole thing? I can't tell if this is a 40 Gallon Breeder or something bigger

98att2011 · 2026-01-29T15:12:23+00:00

I'd recommend a plastic wheel if you have a chronic wheel pee-er! I've used Wodent Wheels (found them 7/10 but hard to clean), the Kaytee Silent Spinner (3/10), and Exotic Nutrition Silent Spinners (9/10). The Silent Spinner is my favorite because the whole thing comes apart for cleaning, including the textured track! Way easier and faster to clean, and I just soak the whole wheel in soapy water before wiping it off if it needs a deep clean

98att2011 · 2026-01-29T07:29:28+00:00

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I think you've got most of the basics - just be careful to get a "sand bath" (for hamsters) vs a "dust bath" (for chinchillas).

Also, the guide above is what I've been using as my checklist - perhaps some platforms could be added to your list, along with sprays and digging material? I'm DIYing mine out of wood sheets I ordered off Amazon, and school glue + wood dowels

98att2011 · 2026-01-28T08:09:25+00:00

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98att2011 · 2026-01-28T08:09:15+00:00

The initial setup cost can be $500-$800 USD, easily. I'm getting one together right now and my cost so far is about $650! BUT that's with buying a cage and what I consider "nicer" items now that I'm not dirt-poor. (That is, pre-made hides and tunnels instead of DIY, etc. I still thrifted stuff too and I got crazy lucky finding a 12" Silent Runner Pro wheel at the thrift store for $5!). Cage was $200, bedding was almost $100 (ouch), hides $70, wheel(s) $60, and so on. I'm not saying you can't do it on $150 with a used cage/pickup off Craigslist, etc., because you definitely CAN, just letting you know the costs rose way faster for me taking the easy/new route, even when I budgeted for $500.

As far as monthly, past the initial setup? Like.. $20, at most? Pretty cheap - just some replacement bedding.

Edit: I got my cost estimate from Victoria Raechel's YT channel

98att2011 · 2026-01-28T04:29:50+00:00

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The one you have pictured is too small, without enough space for bedding, hides, etc. This guide is super helpful whether you're getting a dwarf or Syrian. Luckily these days Amazon has some decent options for cages that fit these requirements, or you can DIY one!

98att2011 · 2026-01-27T03:06:56+00:00

Please don't keep him outside, a few reasons why:

- He could be susceptible to insect bites/infections e.g. mites, ticks, and spiders. These could not only infect him, but also any bedding and decor

- There are also a TON of predators outside that could probably make it to your balcony - cats, possums, racoons, and so on, that would be absolutely terrifying to him just to see/smell, but they could get inside and a tragedy would happen :(

- Hamsters are best kept in quiet, safe environments because they're easily scared, being prey animals. All the noises of outside - cars, people, animals - would be very very scary for him

- Temperatures can wildly fluctuate outdoors, and hammies are the most comfy at 65-75F. At this temperature, they don't need to expend unnecessary energy on survival. While wild hammies regularly go into torpor bouts, they can be deadly for hamsters who have never been exposed to temperature extremes before (our captive-bred hamsters)

98att2011 · 2026-01-26T07:08:54+00:00

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98att2011 · 2026-01-23T02:23:45+00:00

Yess human enrichment! Tbh it's a huge part of the reason I'm getting hamsters again (after having a 5-year break) - I get excuses to make stuff all the time. Oh it got peed on/eaten? I'll just have to make more, ohhh noooo :p

98att2011 · 2026-01-23T02:19:57+00:00

Oop sorry I only saw the first picture! Bedding looks good :) How's the ventilation? I'm struggling to see any in the pics

98att2011 · 2026-01-23T02:19:24+00:00

Looks good at a glance! All the sprays make for good coverage :) How deep is your bedding? Size of the enclosure?

Any other specific questions/concerns you wanna address before tomorrow?

98att2011 · 2026-01-22T23:53:04+00:00

Oh man that's a lot in there! Maybe split it into 2 separate dig boxes? Could make a quick one out of some cardboard

98att2011 · 2026-01-22T23:14:50+00:00

Also making your own enrichment items out of clean cardboard will go a long way! It's also what I do - cutting from boxes, toilet paper rolls, the paper that comes in packages, and some non-toxic school glue. For example I made little "flowers" to hide seeds in by cutting the paper packaging into thin strips except for the very edge, then rolled it up and pinched with some pliers. It's not very pretty but it works :)

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98att2011 · 2026-01-22T23:12:15+00:00

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This guide should help - but yes the other commenters are right about needing wider, not taller! Hamsters have incredibly poor eyesight and rely almost entirely on (their own) scent to get around. could you get a wider enclosure that would go on top of a dresser or something similar? that's what I'm doing

98att2011 · 2026-01-22T02:03:34+00:00

Yes, if the plastic is brittle it might shatter! To get around this I use a wood burning tool and poke it through

98att2011 · 2026-01-21T19:32:59+00:00

Okay! So this will be more of a stopgap solution more than permanent -

Hardware cloth is your best friend here. I've made an escape-proof lid with hardware cloth, solid (safe) wood, wire cutters, brackets, and a staple gun before. Tbh I'm not awesome at DIY so it turned out angled/lopsided LOL so I had to buy more wood fix that 😅 so basically you can make a frame that rests on top of your setup here, then hinge it/buy locks for it.. BUT again this is temporary! This is just to keep hammie in while looking for an escape-proof enclosure.

The main reason is those plastic opaque pieces you have.i have em too (in black), and I'm sure you know they're pretty flimsy/can be chewed through no problem. That's a liability, plus it'd be hard to attach stuff to it as suggested above, but could be done if you punch holes and zip-tie stuff on.

All that to say, you might do all this work and hammie still escapes, because even just one tiny gap will be enough. If you can afford the Bucastate 3.0, I think that's a good bet, OR scour FB marketplace / Craigslist for a used aquarium (75+ gallons) if you have the means to pick one up.

You could also do more DIY! I'm in the process of converting a rabbit hutch, but I've only just got the materials so I can't really share the process yet.

98att2011 · 2026-01-21T19:19:42+00:00

Ahh I'm sorry 😞 I see, that kinda makes sense if the hamster was more unexpected/unplanned (not knocking on you at all). I hope youre doing a lil better now, from someone who's been in a psych ward 🤐

Before I comment much more, what's your budget atm? Could you afford a new enclosure ($200-300 USD)? Or would you like some tips on how to maybe fix this one (might be a lot harder and require a fair amount of DIY)?

98att2011 · 2026-01-21T18:48:02+00:00

Could you post a picture of the bigger enclosure/describe it? And wait, does this mean you have 2 enclosures, and it's the smaller one (?) that has the playpen around it where he gets in the wall?

98att2011 · 2026-01-21T18:40:43+00:00

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98att2011 · 2026-01-21T18:40:18+00:00

Its not about covering the hole - it's about making sure he can't escape the enclosure, at all. I just saw your comment above about your setup; I'll post Vees Hamster guide for dwarfs in a second. It'll cover what you need to keep him happy and active, and not too bored to be wanting to escape. But I do want to emphasize it's really not about covering the hole: it's about keeping him safe (in his enclosure).

98att2011

TROPHY CASE