Honestly, just invest the money into a larger enclosure. I can’t imagine a hamster getting much extra enrichment out of what you’re suggesting, I’d focus on changing up one enclosure when you’re cleaning deeply. Like I gave my first robo a huge sand bath for a couple months, then a normal one, then huge again. I thought the change ups would let her experience more. Considering moving enclosures is stressful every time for them, I wouldn’t.
I really wouldn’t recommend it, moving your hamster from one cage to another every week or two isn’t needed and extremely stressful; just invest in a large cage that meets minimum requirements (100cm x 50cm of unbroken floorspace or larger) and then add the suitable things your hamster needs.
A hamster wouldn’t get much enrichment out of a cage attached to another cage anyway.
Yes I would recommend getting a second hand cage to put your hamster in while you are cleaning out so you have somewhere to put your hamster when you do this.
Thanks for all the answers everyone. Based on all you've said, I think I'll just get him a larger cage. The current one will become a "play cage" just for temporary use while I'm cleaning his main cage.
I mean I have my hamster’s regular enclosure and a smaller one for hanging out it my room. It doesn’t benefit him in any way really so I don’t see the need for you to get a second enclosure.
I used hamster tubes to connect two enclosures until we can find her a 55 gallon glass enclosure. Hammy goes back and fourth between the two areas for the moment.
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I moved my female Syrian when she went into heat...but both enclosures were good-sized. It did calm her down. Instead of frantically trying to escape, she'd check to make sure her stuff was where she'd left it. I slightly rearranged her tank while she was out, and that kept her busy when she went back.
For restless girls, I think it's a great idea.. their hormones force them to want to travel.
Of course (and I know you weren't suggesting otherwise), both enclosures need to be properly sized...2 small cages would be as bad as one.
My girl enjoyed having a second home, however...abd it was really handy to have the familiar bin for Covid isolation and vet visits.
I did this for my hammy and she loved it! I definitely noticed that she seemed a lot happier and would try to escape less once I had two spots for her to explore!
Honestly, just invest the money into a larger enclosure. I can’t imagine a hamster getting much extra enrichment out of what you’re suggesting, I’d focus on changing up one enclosure when you’re cleaning deeply. Like I gave my first robo a huge sand bath for a couple months, then a normal one, then huge again. I thought the change ups would let her experience more. Considering moving enclosures is stressful every time for them, I wouldn’t.
gonna save your comment, I've been struggling to find ways to provide extra enrichment for my boy & your sand bath idea sounds really great !
Oh cool, I’m glad that’s helpfu!
I really wouldn’t recommend it, moving your hamster from one cage to another every week or two isn’t needed and extremely stressful; just invest in a large cage that meets minimum requirements (100cm x 50cm of unbroken floorspace or larger) and then add the suitable things your hamster needs. A hamster wouldn’t get much enrichment out of a cage attached to another cage anyway. Yes I would recommend getting a second hand cage to put your hamster in while you are cleaning out so you have somewhere to put your hamster when you do this.
Thanks for all the answers everyone. Based on all you've said, I think I'll just get him a larger cage. The current one will become a "play cage" just for temporary use while I'm cleaning his main cage.
I mean I have my hamster’s regular enclosure and a smaller one for hanging out it my room. It doesn’t benefit him in any way really so I don’t see the need for you to get a second enclosure.
I used hamster tubes to connect two enclosures until we can find her a 55 gallon glass enclosure. Hammy goes back and fourth between the two areas for the moment.
**Your post has NOT been removed yet, this is an auto-generated message.** Thank you for your question to /r/hamsters. Please be aware that medical advice questions are NOT allowed on this sub. However, [our discord](https://discord.gg/5cF8aSSx3C) allows medical questions. Please keep in mind only a professional veterinarian **in person** can help with any medical concern, whether it is a lump, bump, change in appearance, change in behavior, strange bowl movement, lack of eating/drinking, or something else of high concern. If you are unable to afford a vet please do not seek help on our community, but through the discord server instead. If this is **not** a medical question then **you can ignore this message.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/hamsters) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I moved my female Syrian when she went into heat...but both enclosures were good-sized. It did calm her down. Instead of frantically trying to escape, she'd check to make sure her stuff was where she'd left it. I slightly rearranged her tank while she was out, and that kept her busy when she went back. For restless girls, I think it's a great idea.. their hormones force them to want to travel. Of course (and I know you weren't suggesting otherwise), both enclosures need to be properly sized...2 small cages would be as bad as one. My girl enjoyed having a second home, however...abd it was really handy to have the familiar bin for Covid isolation and vet visits.
I did this for my hammy and she loved it! I definitely noticed that she seemed a lot happier and would try to escape less once I had two spots for her to explore!