Setting Up the Prolee Hamster Cage
Welp, I got another hamster!
December has truly been a month of hamsters! And I’m here for it.
If you haven’t been listening to my podcast on Spotify or YouTube, I got two robo sisters from a college student moving home, then I got another male robo from another hamster rescuer who saved a robo litter from becoming snake food.
This male robo, whose name I believe will be “Stan” (?) is now living in this 800 sq in Prolee hamster enclosure!
Setting up a hamster cage can be tricky, so I thought it might be helpful to share my current method.
Please note- the Prolee Hamster Cage is 40” x 20” x 20” (you can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3NVw0Eh ) - fairly comparable to a 200 qt bin cage in size & shape. However, the methods shown here are how I set up all of my hamster cages, then tweak for size, shape, and available items.
Step One: Put in the major items, arrange
If you’re not sure what essential hamster item you need, it’s probably a platform! I think platforms are highly undervalued in the hamster world. A platform maximizes your space by giving your hamster safe burrowing area AND exciting things above them burrows! I like to have a sort of stair-step of platforms, from very high at one end (12”) to flat at the other end, medium platforms in between.
Here I added a 7” Niteangel platform in the back and a double peep shed in the front. I’m not sure how I feel about that drop off towards the wheel though…
Step Two: adding in substrates
Once my items are in place, I start with hemp bedding. I like to provide a few textures for my hamsters, and I love that hemp is soft & eco friendly (I much prefer it to aspen!). Hemp, if you didn’t know, is a very easy plant to grow. It does not need a lot of water or pest control!
Another angle with the hemp in there
Next I added paper bedding. I like to use white & unscented. White so I can easily spot the dirty parts for spot cleans, unscented because that’s safe for hamsters (scented is no safe for hamster delicate respiratory systems)
I then added my repti-sand and loose, coconut soil to the acrylic trays
The final step is adding seed sprays and moss around the cage - this provides nice color and an additional texture. Seed sprays are from Oakwood Forest
You can see here I also reduced the double peep shed to just one- it felt like too big of a drop off towards the wheel and I didn’t want the little guy getting hurt.
A view from the top- I like to put seeds in the coconut soil for my hamsters to dig in and find their food. I also decided to skip the long bendy bridge and use coffee cup holders instead - they also work well for hamsters!
Step Three: Add hamster, observe, make improvements!
Now adding one Stan (isn’t he cute?!). He’s just over two months old!
And this was the last time I saw him! Little Stan is getting around the cage at night (according to my Wyze cam) but is shy during the day. Hoping he’ll come out for a visit soon!
So… what do you think of my set up? Any feedback? How do you plan and set up your hamster cages?
Buy My Hamsters a Coffee
Hi Hamster Friends!
Someone recently reached out, asking if I had a Ko-Fi account - they appreciated some help they got from my website and wanted to “buy me a coffee”!
I actually get an email, about 1-2 times a month from someone, asking for advice or thanking me for the help they got from my website. I love these emails. Nothing warms my heart more than knowing that the time and effort I put into this website is helping other hamsters and their human guardians.
I don’t do this for the money, although I do get a small amount, monthly, as an Amazon affiliate. That money allows me to reinvest into this website, try out new products and write reviews, pay for my hamster’s medical care and, most importantly, afford to take in more hamsters who are looking for homes (which, lately, has become a thing! I have found myself with five more hamsters in the past month from various different situations where the owners could no longer take care of them… I’m thankful I have the resources to help out without worry!).
I always wanted to be mindful about how I monetized this website - I do not use any ads on this website because I want it to be a clean and easy experience for someone looking for hamster-care help. The only “ads” I allow are the links to products I use and recommend. Occasionally I will link a product I have not tried yet, but I always make that clear, and only after I have done my research to feel assured it’s a worth while hamster-purchase.
Anyway, after some thought, I decided to open a Ko-Fi account. If you find yourself appreciating the work I (ahem, adding my hamsters to this… WE) do here, I now have an account so you can “Buy My Hamsters a Coffee”! Please know that your contribution will now & always go to my hamster endeavors, whether is be medical care, some fancy hamster sprays, or a new Sterilite bin for yet another hamster to live in :)
We appreciate your support!
Podcast Episode 9 - Dwarf Hamster Spectacular!
Hello Hamster Friends!
This week I discuss my newest hamster friends, an update on little Thor’s health, a new cage (Prolee 800 sq in hamster cage: https://amzn.to/48KqfBj ) and finally, the very contentious debate over whether dwarf hamsters are social.
Including links to everything discussed in today’s video below.
Please comment or email me your thoughts, would love to hear them! :D
Thor eats his medicated baby food in his updated Vista setup- flatter so he can more easily access everything
New robo! In his temp bin set up while I get his Prolee cage set up. Such a cutie!
https://californiahamsterassociation.com/dwarf-hamsters-are-social
https://www.thehamsterforum.com/ams/can-hamsters-live-in-pairs-or-groups.34/
*as an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases
Christmas Hamster Hides
This year I splurged a bit on Christmas hamster hides.
First, it was the foraging tree. Then, it was this adorable little hide from Innodove on Etsy:
Taking photos of my hamsters in the playpen has become an obsession lately and I felt that I needed some worthy Christmas items to fully feel the spirit.
It was a little pricy, but soooo nice looking! It’s the first thing I’ve ever purchased from Innodove after at least a year of pondering. I worry this may be a slippery slope! :D
Do you have any favorite, holiday, hamster decor?
Tiny Thor enjoys a nibble outside the Innodove Christmas Tree 🎄
December Hamster Update!
Hello hamster friends!
This week will be just me chatting about the latest with my hamsters.
I got this new foraging tree from Amazon: https://amzn.to/46Yah5a
And also this tree-hide from Innodove: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1123826281/christmas-tree-hamster-hideouthamster
Innodove website: https://innodove.com/collections/hamsters
More about my new hamsters: https://www.rachelgothamsters.com/home/adding-to-my-hamster-tribe
Other products mentioned on today's episode:
Acrylic riser from The Container Store (this keeps your sand bath supported so your ham can burrow under It safely!): https://shorturl.at/cHLMU
Adhesive Cork (I put cork on top of my acrylic rises so they are less slippery): https://amzn.to/3JdcvT3
ReptiSand (sand used for sand baths): https://amzn.to/33XaBaa
Sand Bath Tray (acrylic or Pyrex work great!): https://amzn.to/3HpDji4
Hemp Bedding from Eaton Hemp: https://amzn.to/46XphQI
Niteangel Hamster Peep Shed: https://amzn.to/3GIfFis
Niteangel Clouds Wheel: https://amzn.to/3uRHyBI
Prolee Hamster Cage, 40" : https://amzn.to/3RirwIN
Mod Podge for sealing Wood: https://amzn.to/48dkegc
Nylon Large Paint Brushes for Mod Podge Use: https://amzn.to/46VZgBE
Wire Mesh, 18 Gauge: https://amzn.to/41jxJZq
White Duct Tape: https://amzn.to/3NrL8Jc
Galápagos (05213) Terrarium Green Sphagnum Moss: https://amzn.to/47V0gXU
Thanks for joining me on my hamster care journey! Music by Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/hx2mwp/
*as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Adding to my Hamster Tribe
Two wasn’t enough!
On Thursday night I took in two, female robos from a college student who was going home for winter break.
They came in a small-ish Coziwow cage that was fairly smelly.
The ladies seemed to be getting along okay and I didn’t see any injuries. They had been living in this cage together since August. Of course there are some circumstances when dwarf hamsters can form bonds and I was on the lookout to see if this pair was attached or not.
Initially I moved them into a simple bin cage so I could clean up the Coziwow cage.
(this model is no longer available but somewhat similar to this cage from Amazon: https://amzn.to/48BiJsE )
The the Coziwow cage isn’t huge, only 435 sq inches, but once I cleaned it up and sealed it with some non-toxic Mod Podge, it actually was pretty cute! I decided it’s worth keeping around for an elderly hamster who would do better in a smaller space, or for short term needs (like an emergency foster).
The one major call out I have for it is the large, ventilation holes at the sides - these could pose a serious risk to a small hamster who might try to squeeze through them and get stuck. To prevent this, I duct-taped some wire mesh to the outside so they couldn’t do more than poke their nose in the little hole.
After I finished, I put the ladies back in the Coziwow cage and I monitored the them via my Wyze Cam overnight… unfortunately I saw a few scuffles. I’m not sure if this was going on before, as sometimes a change in place or items can cause new conflict. When I went in the hamster room (aka my office) this morning, one of them was sleeping out by the wheel (not sleeping together is a pretty good sign they are not getting along). So, for now, one robo-gal will remain in the Coziwow cage, and another will be in a 200 qt bin until a new cage arrives.
What’s the new cage, you might ask? Well, I’ll tell you! I loved the Coziwow cage so much (so light, so easy to move) I decided to get a similar model by Prolee (see it here: https://amzn.to/3S8oKHz ), but with better ventilation holes and a larger footprint (800 sq inches, about the same as a 200 qt bin).
It arrives on the 18th and I’ll put it together while I have some time off over Christmas. I can’t wait to tell you all, all about it! :D
These robos are so small the only wheel they could push is the Niteangel Dark Clouds wheel!
The simple set up once I got the cage cleaned and resealed
Aren’t hamsters just magical?
*as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
oh Foraging Tree, oh Foraging Tree!
The foraging tree has arrived, and oh, is it adding something special to the playpen!
I came across this curious item while scrolling Amazon for fun, holiday items to add to my playpen. It’s super cute and a fun way to add enrichment to your hamster enclosure or playpen!
Best part is, it comes apart to be stored flat! Since this is a seasonal item, I won’t have to worry about the space it will take up in my hamster storage area.
As an amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
an Interview with Chip’s Hamster Sanctuary
Hello hamster friends!
Today I had the pleasure of chatting with the woman behind Chip's Hamster Sanctuary!
If you'd like to help Chip's Hamster Sanctuary - you can follow her on Instagram
You can find links to donate in her profile.
Thanks for joining me on my hamster care journey!
Music by Epidemic Sound
Fixing the Niteangel Pedometer
I did it! I managed to fix my Niteangel Pedometer.
ICYMI - I got a Niteangel Pedometer (https://amzn.to/3SFB0jB ) for my birthday in October. One worked great, the other one was a bit flakey.
I noticed, however, that if I gave the pedometer a squeeze, it seemed to awaken it and suddenly the screen turned on, but it was unreliable.
SO, I ordered a precision screw driver ( https://amzn.to/47sZoZS ), twisted those screws in a little tighter, and voila! Problem solved.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Trying out Niteangel Hamster Snacks
I decided to get a little bday gift for myself and try out these Niteangel Hamster Treats!
I got one of each - the tofu/broccoli and walnut boat. I was a little confused because the packaging actually looks exactly the same, but one was a combo of dried tofu and broccoli, the other was dried tofu and walnut boats.
The snacks come in individually wrapped little packets, which is nice to ensure freshness. Not so great for the environment, but given that it’s coming from overseas, I appreciate the concern for freshness and knowing it’s free from bugs.
My hams were suspicious of the tofu at first, but then, once tasted, they now gobble it all up very quickly!
This was the first time I’ve given my hamsters dried tofu, I’m excited it was a hit!
Purchase from Amazon here —> https://amzn.to/3NTO3Lg
*as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchased
Birthday Goodies!
I had a birthday! Happy birthday to me!
Honestly, I kind of don’t care that much about my birthday. HOWEVER… it is a great excuse to get some new and exciting ham-accessories!
This year my parents gave me two of the Niteangel pedometers (one for Thorfinn, one for Maurice), in addition to an adorable little star bridge from Bucatstate!
The Niteangel pedometers were quite exciting, I’ve wanted one for a while but just couldn’t find a reason I NEEDED one (particularly since I already have Wyze cams watching over my hams, I already know what they are up to at night).
Overall, they are not too tricky to operate. You just unscrew the cap on the wheel using a little wrench (included with the pedometer) and then apply the pedometer. The only bummer is that the 2032 coin-batteries are NOT included. And these aren’t the kind of batteries one tends to have laying around! So I had to actually order these from Amazon and wait until I had a moment to open them up and get them in the pedometers. Kind of annoying and delayed the excitement of a new hamster toy, wah wah.
The first one went in beautifully. So easy, worked well. I put it in Moe’s cork & wooden wheel.
The second one I decided to apply to a small, purple Dark Clouds wheel for Thor. This one was trickier - I couldn’t get it to screw in quite right, and then when I did, the pedometer wasn’t turning on.
I read the reviews on Amazon and noticed that I wasn’t alone in having this issue - a few others complained that the battery cavity didn’t seem to work correctly so the pedometer wasn’t turning on when you put the battery in. I almost asked Niteangel for a return, but then I noticed if I gave the pedometer a little squeeze it seemed to help revive it.
I guess the question is- is the pedometer actually turning on every time Thor is on the wheel? Or is it only working half the time? I’m not really sure.
After the night is over, if you want to calculate how far your hamster ran, Niteangel has a nifty chart for each of their wheels on the Amazon listing here —> https://amzn.to/3QlLt0H
The Verdict:
Overall, I think this is a fun, fairly inexpensive hamster accessory. Is it necessary? Not if you have hamster cams (and you really should have a hamster cam! Learn more about them here). But is it fun? YES! :D
Pls note it only works with Niteangel wheels (hoping Bucatstate comes out with one soon so I can update my Buca-Wheels too!).
If you are purchasing a Niteangel wheel for the first time, they now sell the wheel WITH the pedometer! Link below!
The second hamster gift I got was this adorbs Bucatstate star-bridge!
I’m increasingly a fan of these static, non-bendy bridges because there are no gaps in the wooden rods so a much reduced opportunity for a tiny toe or tiny nail to get caught in a tiny crevice as they scurry across the bridge.
Personally, I have not had an issue with a hamster injuring themselves on any bendy bridges (thankfully!) but I know those who have - it’s not wildly uncommon! Recently, I witnessed little Thor get a toenail caught on the fleece blanket I use as the flooring of my hamster playpens. Thankfully, I was there (a great reason to not let hamsters be on fleece unsupervised), but he went WILD trying to free his little foot. It was scary and I could see how it could escalate quickly if I hadn’t been there to free him and his tiny nail.
Also, a great reminder to get your hamster’s nails trimmed on a regular basis. About every 6 weeks I find works for my hams, but really depends on the hamster. Some are more active and don’t seem to need it as much. My vet charges about $15 for a hamster nail trim and they do it so quickly my hams hardly have a moment to be scared!
Have you tried the Niteangel Pedometer or Bucastate star bridge? What did you think?
*as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Foraging Pumpkins 🎃
Aren’t these the cutest? I ordered a bunch of these from Hungry Hammies Shop on Etsy recently. I love how you can put seeds inside them and let your hams go to town getting the seeds out!
Thor and Moe are less food motivated, but Thor does love to nibble things and he found the pumpkins 🎃 very intriguing 🧐!
Check out Hungry Hammies Shop here—> https://www.etsy.com/shop/HungryHammiesShop
Ch-ch-ch-chia!
Hi Hamster Friends!
I’m working on growing some chia sprouts 🌱 in coconut fiber. I have never tried this before and it might be an utter failure or my hams might be totally uninterested… we’ll see!
I’m excited to see these cute little sprouts though, now on day 6 of their sprouting journey 😊
Have you ever grown anything for your hamsters 🐹? How did it go? What did you grow?
So Obsessed With My New Camera
OMG. I don’t know why I waited until now to invest in a great camera. I suppose it’s been a slow build. a few years back I got a semi-decent point and shoot (the Canon G9X, link to Amazon). I used it for photos on trips to France & Disneyland. It did make a big difference in quality, particularly when compared to older generation iPhones.
But once I got hamsters, my needs changed. I needed a camera to capture those tiny moments. A tongue in midair, enjoying a morsel of banana chip. A leap off of a wheel while it still spins. A curious sniff of a new item. I so desperately wanted to capture the feelings I felt when I interact with my hamster everyday.
So I splurged an purchased a Canon 5D Mark III along with a 50 mm f/1.4 lens from KEH… and what a difference it has made!
This lot of photos I took on aperture-priority, but I am now playing with manual settings to get a faster shutter speed. More to come!
Do you have a fancy camera you use for your hamsters or otherwise?
*as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Who Has a Pet Hamster?
SO excited to see this new children’s book on my insta feed today!
The book showcases “proper” hamster care, features a Hispanic family and uses a font friendly to children with dyslexia or low-vision.
More about the book and author on their website here! —> https://whohasapetbooks.wordpress.com/books/whapham/
a Summer of Hamsters
WHEW what a summer.
Most of my summer was spent dealing with mites. And cleaning hamster cages. And baking everything. And getting rid of lots of excess hamster stuff!
I’m so happy my little friends are back in their Niteangel Vistas and living their best lives. A little shout out to the Vista- the front opening makes it much more ergonomic to clean and interact with your hamster! At some point I’ll do an official review, but it IS notable and I haven’t heard anyone bring this advantage up before.
A few things I mentioned on this episode:
Detolf Lid from HappyHenrysHomes
Mel's Neighborhood Rodents
Great Courses Photography or from Amazon here
Reddit Ask Photography Community
Do you have a fancy camera you use for your hamsters? What is it?
I Made it Big-Time!
…and by “Big-Time” I mean I have crossed the divide from digital media to physical media! YES, that’s right, I’ve been quoted in a BRAND NEW HAMSTER CARE BOOK, now available for purchase!
While every hamster owner has their preferences & opinions as to how to best care for hamsters, I overall commend this book for reaching out to a variety of well known hamster breeders & rescuers for quotes and information on a wide range of topics. AND most importantly, the book firmly recommends that hamsters be housed in nothing less than 600 sq inches for dwarves & 900 sq inches for Syrians… FINALLY! A hamster book that points new hamster owners in the right direction.
*as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
past blog entries…
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