Russian dwarf hamster cage & furnishings – hamster-scaping-proof enclosures and zones

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Russian dwarf hamster cage & furnishings – hamster scaping-proof

Setting up a Russian dwarf hamster enclosure (hamsterscaping) A good cage for a Russian dwarf hamster primarily consists of: a surface area, a deep digging layer, and hiding places. If you arrange this properly, you'll often automatically see more natural behavior: digging, foraging, quiet activity, and less stress. On this page, we explain how to make an enclosure "hamsterscaping-proof": from size and type of enclosure to zones, safety, and maintenance.

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How big should the accommodation be?
Terrarium, tank or barred cage?
The 4 basic zones (hamsterscaping-proof)
Safety: Do's and Don'ts
Checklist
Useful shopping links
FAQ

✓ Deep excavation layer

Guideline: around 20cm or more of diggable ground cover for tunnels and chambers.

✓ Fixed zones

Sand zone, digging zone, wheel zone and hiding routes make the stay logical and peaceful.

✓ More bottom than height

Hamsters are not "climbers" like some mice; falling from heights poses unnecessary risks.

How big should the accommodation be?

For Russian dwarf hamsters, a minimum of 80 x 40 cm is often used as a guideline (and larger is better). The reason is simple: you want to be able to create multiple zones and provide a deep substrate without everything feeling "crowded in."

Terrarium, tank or barred cage?

Terrarium / closed tank: ideal for a deep digging layer and stable airflow (ensure good ventilation).
Bar cage: possible, but often requires additional solutions for depth (and in some animals you see gnawing behaviour more quickly on bars).
Main selection criterion: can you safely dispose of deep litter and does it remain quiet/organised?

The 4 basic zones (hamsterscaping-proof)

1) Digging zone

Create a single large excavation section with excavatable, tunnel-resistant bedding. Mixing can help (e.g., fibers + humus/cave sand) as long as it remains dust-free.

View: Ground cover · Humus · Cave sand

2) Sand zone

Sand is a good permanent grooming area. Keep it clean; some hamsters also use it as a toilet.

3) Rad zone

Choose a stable exercise wheel with a closed running surface . A minimum diameter of 20 cm is recommended for Russian dwarf hamsters.

4) Hiding routes (above and below)

Hamsters want to be able to get from A to B without being exposed. Use multiple houses, tunnels, and shelters.

View: Houses · Tunnels · Hamsterscaping

Safety: Do's and Don'ts

Safety check (mild & practical)

Avoid great heights: choose wide routes rather than high climbing structures.
Stable design: heavy items on the floor or on sturdy platforms, never “floating” above tunnels.
Closed running wheel: no bars/mesh as a running surface.
Ventilation & climate: ensure good ventilation, especially in summer; you can measure this with a thermo-hygrometer .

Checklist cage & furnishings

✓ Minimum 80 x 40 cm (larger = easier to create zones).
✓ Excavation zone with tunnel-resistant ground cover (guideline around 20 cm or more).
✓ Sand zone as a permanent location (keep clean).
✓ Running wheel ≥ 20 cm, closed running surface.
✓ Minimum 2 shelters + multiple routes (tunnels/shelter).