The hamster house is one of the accessories you will need if you are going to live with one or more of these animals. In this article on our site we will talk about the different types of hamster houses that you can find for sale. As you will see, there are many models, so we will dedicate a section to collect the basic recommendations to take into account when choosing the best house for your hamster.
However, if you are one of those who prefer to make this type of accessories with your own hands, at the end of the article we will also explain how to make hamster houses in a simple and homemade way. Keep reading!
Types of houses for hamsters
Hamsters live in burrows where they have different spaces to eat, sleep or evacuate. Therefore, before choosing your house-bedroom, it is necessary to get a cage of sufficient size to comfortably house these different locations. The house will be the space for rest and protection. It is a refuge to hide in and for which it is necessary to provide, regardless of the type of house, material for the construction of the nest, such as cellulose or hay. These are the best known hamster houses:
Wooden houses for hamsters
There are multiple designs, more or less complex, with different windows, compartments, doors, roofs, towers, logs or polished wood. Some include stairs, ramps, or props for the hamster to play on. Bird nesting boxes are also made of this material, which have a hinged lid that facilitates cleaning and access to the hamster.
Plastic houses for hamsters
They provide a durable structure that is easy to clean, although of course the hamster will need to build a soft nest inside. They may or may not have a floor. Some are placed outside the cage, fully attached to it to maintain security and prevent escape. These evoke the tunnels they would build in nature.
There are different shapes. Those that are completely closed have ventilation holes and usually have a lid through which we could access the hamster if necessary. Some models consist of two pieces that fit together and on one side allow them to be placed on the floor, while, placed upside down, they act as a hanging bed.
Houses of various heights
Especially in wooden or plastic models, but also in vegetable ones, it is possible to find designs with several floors. It is a way to optimize the space and provideentertainment and activity for the hamster. In this sense, do not miss this other article in which we show you The best toys for hamsters.
Corner houses
Some hamsters especially like to place their nest in the corner of the cage, perhaps because it seems more sheltered. For these cases or to take advantage of the space we can use these triangular-shaped houses, which fit in the corners. They are usually made of plastic or wood.
Hamster Vegetable Houses
They are made based on dried herbs, wicker or hay, which the hamster likes to nibble on, but uses more as a nest. They are rounded, cylindrical in the form of a tunnel, hanging, with one or several entrances, etc.
Plush Houses
Soft to the touch, we are attracted to them for their fluffy appearance, but keep in mind that hamsters can destroy them quicklyand ease, so it may not be the best option when looking for a hamster house. There are cave type with different designs. They are washable.
Ceramic houses
They are containers of this material with different shapes. Some offer walls and a roof, while others feature shell-like designs that the hamster climbs into. The downside is that can break if you drop them. They are easy to clean.
Hanging houses for hamsters
There are numerous models of hamster houses that can be hung. Some are like the types we have already seen, but there are also hammocks or sacks made of nylon, polyester or fleece. They can be washed and are attached to the cage by one or more ropes or hooks. The hamster must climb, which is a form of physical activity.
Igloo houses
With a characteristic shape, they usually include a small removable cushion inside, which increases their comfort, although it is common for the hamster to introduce materials of their choice to make their nest. There are with a non-slip base to keep them fixed to the cage. They can be washed both by hand and in a washing machine, which facilitates complete hygiene. Some include windows that can be opened or closed depending on the temperature.
Coconut houses
Completely natural, made from hollow coconut with an entrance hole and coconut fiber inside, they are an original bed. There are models with two of these hanging houses joined so that the hamster can move from one to the other.
How to choose a hamster house?
In view of all the options, you will surely find an ideal home for your hamster. Assess their tastes and needs in the choice and keep these tips in mind:
- All materials in contact with the hamster must be safe. Keep in mind that it will gnaw them.
- For the same reason as above, it will normally destroy potentially edible beds, so you will have to renew them periodically.
- It is recommended to take a hamster house that can be easily cleaned.
- Make sure the size matches that of the hamster so that it can fit and lie down comfortably.
In addition to choosing a suitable hamster house, you must take other care into account. Check out this other article: "Hamster care and feeding".
How to make homemade hamster houses?
If you are looking for cheap hamster houses, nothing better than making your own! Even if you are not particularly handy, you can get a hamster house in a very simple and homemade way. Here are some ideas:
- Just a plant pot Turn it upside down and carefully remove the edge according to the size of your hamster so that it can enter. Make sure it doesn't cut. The pots usually have a hole that serves as ventilation. In addition, it is very easy to clean them. You can also put the pot directly on the ground, although the entrance will be larger and therefore less sheltered.
- Much easier still is to use the cardboard rolls of toilet paper or kitchen paper. Sure they will destroy them, but they can be a point solution or entertainment. With more than one roll it is easy to make a small circuit of tunnels.
- Any cardboard box of the right size, unpainted to avoid toxic materials, can serve as a homemade nest for hamsters.
- On the other hand, with fabric we can easily make a hammock, simply by making holes in the corners and inserting rope to hang it from the cage.
- If you're handy, you can make a wooden house out of popsicle stick-sized wooden slats or pieces of wood. You just have to sketch a design and shape it with the wood, cutting it and sticking it with glue or non-toxic glue. In addition, you can customize it by painting it, of course with safe paints.
