Enclosure Type
wire cage
Floor Space
4.5 sq ft
Dimensions
36"L × 24"W × 38"H
Hamster Minimum
3.13 sq ft
Verdict
Wrong Enclosure Type ❌
💰 Typical Price: $130–$180
Our Verdict
Based on the floor space and enclosure type analysis above, this enclosure is wrong enclosure type ❌ for a Hamster.
⚠️ Wire Floor Warning: The default wire shelves MUST be covered with kiln-dried pine boards, fleece, or ceramic tiles. Wire flooring causes bumblefoot in ALL small mammals.
Pros & Cons of the Single Critter Nation
✅ Pros
- Full-width double doors for easy access
- 1/2" bar spacing — safe for most small mammals
- Solid removable pan floor
- Expandable — add second unit on top
❌ Cons
- Heavy and large footprint
- Expensive new — check Facebook Marketplace
- Wire shelves MUST be covered with solid material
What Hamsters Need in an Enclosure
Hamsters are burrowing animals that need floor space and substrate depth above all else. Tall multi-level cages waste height on an animal that lives on the ground. Bar spacing must be no wider than 1/2 inch to prevent escapes.
⚠️ Things to Avoid for Hamsters
- Any enclosure under 450 sq in floor space
- Wire mesh floors — causes bumblefoot
- Enclosures with bar spacing over 1/2 inch
- Tall narrow cages marketed as "hamster homes" — misleading product sizing
- Aquariums with no ventilation lid
- Round or barrel-shaped cages — creates navigation stress
Other Enclosures for Hamsters
- 10 Gallon Glass Tank
- 20 Gallon Long Glass Tank
- 40 Gallon Breeder Glass Tank
- 75 Gallon Glass Tank
- DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- Double Critter Nation
- IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×4 Grids)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×5 Grids)
- Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- Wire Dog Crate (Large — 42")
- Heavy-Duty Escape-Proof Dog Crate
- Cat Tree / Condo (72"+ height)
- Indoor X-Pen / Exercise Pen
- PVC Reptile Enclosure (4'×2'×2')